Rib tape/stitching - pros, cons and how to

[Pup7309]

Hi

What’s the best way to replicate ribs stitching on these Roden kits for Strutter, Spad, Albatros etc? Thanks 😊

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi

What’s the best way to replicate ribs stitching on these Roden kits for Strutter, Spad, Albatros etc? Thanks 😊

'Aviattic' have photo-etch rib tape stitching, although they're not long enough to so you'd need to cut and add.

https://www.aviattic.co.uk/photo-etch.html

'Eduard' discontinued their photo-etch stitching, but you might find some online somewhere.
You'd need quite a few sets to cover the Strutter though.

https://www.eduard.com/Eduard/WWI-Stitching-1-32.html?lang=1

Archer 'resin' stitching.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/archer-ar8804-wwi-fuselage-stitching-1-32-and-1-48-aircraft--1025638

Mike

[pepperman42]

Unfortunately Archer has folded. Both Part and HGW do stitching in 1/48 but sometimes it can be a bit over sized.

Steve

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Unfortunately Archer has folded. Both Part and HGW do stitching in 1/48 but sometimes it can be a bit over sized.

Steve

Hi Steve,
True, but I managed to get some from Ebay.
Searching around there are other retailers that have them advertised,

Mike

[RAGIII]

I am going to play the Devils Advocate ...and probably be labeled a Heretic    WNW and others providing Rib Tapes and stitching are visually pleasing for sure. That being said IMHO they are out of scale. A tape is a piece of fabric glued and stitched over the rib. How thick is it in 1/32nd scale? Also IMHO stitching would hardly be seen in 1/32nd scale, if seen at all. I just use a strip of decal over the ribs. Works for Me  Just to be clear I Love the VISUAL effect of the tapes and stitching I am merely questioning their validity in Scale?
RAGIII

[KiwiZac]

IMHO they are out of scale. A tape is a piece of fabric glued and stitched over the rib. How thick is it in 1/32nd scale? Also IMHO stitching would hardly be seen in 1/32nd scale, if seen at all. I just use a strip of decal over the ribs.

Having spent a fair bit of time around 1/1 fabric-covered machines I'm inclined to ask the same questions. For a 1/32 model even masking tape seems too thick.

[pepperman42]

All true but we accept engraved panel lines as well. I think rib tapes etc are visual pointers rather than true scale representation.

Steve

[RAGIII]

All true but we accept engraved panel lines as well. I think rib tapes etc are visual pointers rather than true scale representation.

Steve

Yes,  that was exactly My point. We may accept them visually but are they absolutely necessary. If I recall correctly Des used Bobs strippers glued on to represent tapes. No stitches were included. Very similar to just using decal strips for tapes.  To me it's just keeping things simple.
RAGIII

[jeroen_R90S]

Regarding the rib tapes, here's a photo I took last year of the Mémorial Flight SPAD XIII (I couldn't get to the Sopwith any more as the field was getting cleared for the flying display!)

I don't think I'll be adding them to mine, it looks like the trio on Facebook does have them added, though.
A matter of personal preference, I guess.

Does anyone know if Part is still an active concern? You can still get their PE sets (from which I assume they are still being made?) but does anyone know if they might be developing new sets for the SPAD XIII or Sopwith?

jeroen

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi Jeroen,
PART is available.

Their web site.

http://www.part.pl/

Some of the items are diverted to the JADAR site.

https://www.jadarhobby.pl/

I've found some of their stuff searching online, including Ebay,

Mike

[pepperman42]

Looks like Part is around but they haven't done anything new for a while. I like a lot of their stuff but some of it is crazy complicated - but well priced compared to Eduard.

Steve

[pepperman42]

Hey Rick, re read my post and realize I missed MY point. I am agreeing with you not refuting what you say.

Steve

[Berman]

 Very minor point. The Memorial Flight Spad XIII has pinked rib tapes because it is most likely covered with modern fabric. The linen rib tapes used on WWI aircraft did not require pinking.  https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-scale-aircraft/433716-scale-stitching-print.html#:~:text=In%20restoring%20old%20aircraft%2C%20NEW%20covering%20materials%20are,WWI%20and%20prior%20did%20not%20require%20pinked%20tape.

[pepperman42]

An interesting observation. Thanks!

Steve

[KiwiZac]

I did wonder about that when I saw the photo. Very helpful to know, especially for degenerates like me who prefer to model restored warbirds