Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Rigging the 0-400

This section of the build is fairly starting to do my head in!



The whole tail section has had to be 'pulled' back into line


The block jigs and a little pressure helped in some place but not others, resulting in a 'good as I can get it' compromise 



This had to be re-wired three or four times


I used a light gauge wire for this section because I couldn't put any stress on the tail section without it twisting and breaking (this is a really old model and the previous owner's efforts have damaged some crucial parts). The wire gives it some strength strand by strand, whereas the clear nylon works by having the whole thing tied in end to end


Here are the wings and tail section now fully rigged and tied off, ready for filling and sanding. The Se5a in the middle is the only other aircraft I have ever rigged prior to this attempt. To be honest, I'm not too sure how this will hold up as I have had to improvise around areas that are weak and/or have been repaired. Further progress when I feel like I need a challenge :)



13 comments:

  1. Well done. Looks like horribly fiddly work.

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  2. I don't envy you Al. Have you thought about using EZ line. I have used it to add rigging to 1:300 scale warships. You don't have to stretch it to its limits, just enough to get it straight. A little dab of superglue holds it wonderfully.

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    1. Thanks for the tip mate, will cruise down to BCF and see if I can't find some

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  3. As I've said before - you are a brave man for even attempting this!

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  4. Frigging in the rigging I suspect Al.

    Keep inching away mate, it will be worth the hair loss!

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    1. Appreciate the support you two, lucky I got bugger all hair to lose :)

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    2. You have a fine mane compared to me as you darn well know!

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  5. You're doing fine. It's always darkest before the dawn. Half way there is a perplexing place to be but you can do this.

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  6. Thanks there lads, very thoughtful

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  7. I feel your pain, Al! The really frustrating thing is struggling, struggling, then opening an aircraft modelling magazine and seeing absolute perfection when it comes to rigging. But perhaps nobody loves the experts. Or something.

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  8. Well worked Al
    This one looks too hard for me
    Thanks for the "early" warning
    I had picked this kit up in a shop and I am now glad I put it back

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