Biplane Rigging

**Bill** · #1 07-09-2007, 01:17 PM

There's lots of discussion about rigging biplanes. I punch/drill holes in the struts and use dental floss threaders to get the thread through the holes. Beats trying to use a needle! If the thread emerges from the fuselage, I make a hole in it and fasten the thread on the inside. (Plan ahead!) I can usually rig one whole side with two long pieces of thread.

You can also try putting CYA on the end of a thread and stiffen it enough to go through a hole.

**cgutzmer** · #2 07-09-2007, 03:29 PM

Think ahead? I can barely remember to color the edges half the time - DOH!

Great tip though! Thanks

Chris

**lolson** · #3 07-11-2007, 03:50 PM

I have to agree with the needle (I tend to stab my fingers a lot) but if you punch the holes beforehand then use a needle you have a lot less trouble putting the string through the holes.

**Bill** · #4 07-11-2007, 10:35 PM

Yes, but the floss threader can be manipulated (it's flexible) into spaces where it would be hard to insert a needle. You can hold the threader near the inserting end with tweezers and let the threader bend. Try it. You might like it!

**Bluenoser** · #5 07-12-2007, 01:19 PM

I have used thin gauge wire sold in straight lengths. Still flexible but will only bend with force. This allows me to put in a pin hole at both ends and then just flex the wire to get in both ends. You have to cut it only a little longer than what is going to show.

**cgutzmer** · #6 07-12-2007, 01:58 PM

Great idea! I got some of that around

Chris

**blueeyedbear** · #7 08-01-2007, 10:30 AM

I like to use Nymo beading thread for rigging. Comes in two or three sizes and in black and white. Wax it with bee's wax or Thread Heaven first (wax other kinds of thread also to eliminate fuzz).

For needles, use beading needles. They're longer and finer. On a small model (1/72 -1/48 scale), you can go all the way through a wing or fuselage. Be careful, though. Beading needles are pretty sharp on the other end!

Good craft stores will have both Nymo and beading needles (check out beads as well --- never know what you'll find useful).

Bob

**milenio3** · #8 08-01-2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgutzmer

Think ahead? I can barely remember to color the edges half the time - DOH!

HAHAHAHA I thought it only happens to me!!

(I can laugh now, but in the heat of the moment I CRY!)

**Fozzy The Bear** · #9 08-01-2007, 09:02 PM

Wouldn't this topic make a great subject for a WIKKI Article???

Any of you guys who do this regularly fancy writing it up as a tutorial with pictures??

Also... anyone fancy writing up some tutorials on how to build wire spoke wheels (using thread or wire) for early aircraft, cars and motorcycles??

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

**rickstef** · #10 08-01-2007, 09:06 PM

Julian, talk to Gil on that one

he produced a whole series of posts on that

Rick