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WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: FokkerFodder on July 09, 2025, 02:49:49 PM

Title: Rigging in 1/48 - best method for RAF planes
Post by: FokkerFodder on July 09, 2025, 02:49:49 PM

Hi Forum members
 
I?m getting to the point of rigging my first 1/48 biplane and it?s the Eduard Camel and I?m pondering on the best approach. Would those with more experience in this scale go for the ?drill through the wing? method or use anchor points and tubes (e.g. Bob?s Buckles, Gapatch etc) as one would normally do in 1/32? I feel in this scale that for RAF rigging it would almost be impossible to see turnbuckles (especially the RAF style ones) and that it might be better to drill through wings as many seem to do for 1/72 scale. I?ve just re-reviewed Pez?s excellent rigging guide, but 1/48 seems like it could go either way!
 
This topic has probably been asked in the past so apologies. Thanks for any guidance.
Cheers
Matt
 

Title: Re: Rigging in 1/48 - best method for RAF planes
Post by: DaddyO on July 09, 2025, 05:26:58 PM

Never built a 48th scale model Matt so with a pinch of proverbial salt I'd suggest that drilling through and adding some 'paint' turnbuckles will look more 'scale', but I think it's down to personal preference really.
(Might be worth choosing a 48th scale built by someone else that you think looks right and see how they did it ?)

Paul

Title: Re: Rigging in 1/48 - best method for RAF planes
Post by: NigelR on July 09, 2025, 06:10:45 PM

You could use the simple method of just drilling blind holes in each wing and using stretchy thread like EZ Line. In 1/48 the lack of turnbuckles won't detract from the overall model. IMO many of the approaches to turnbuckles look overscale and unrealistic.

If you want to add turnbuckles, IMO you should use the GasPatch stuff. Their 1/48 RAF anchor points and turnbuckles (for control wires) will work fine and are pretty close to scale. 

Title: Re: Rigging in 1/48 - best method for RAF planes
Post by: Dirigible-Al on July 10, 2025, 04:25:23 AM

The Eduard Camel, though a good kit, has a lot of rigging for a fighter. If you've not rigged anything before it may be better follow the afore mentioned advice and drill right through then make good the exit holes. You only need to drill right through one end of the line as the other can be anchored into a hole drilled part way. You could always have a go on a practice mule before doing it on the Camel if you have something in the spares box.
Alan.

Title: Re: Rigging in 1/48 - best method for RAF planes
Post by: FokkerFodder on July 13, 2025, 01:18:16 AM

Thanks all. Based on your advice I think I?ll go with drilling holes through the wings.
Cheers
Matt