Rigging sizes in relation to scale of model

[HKC]

Is there a general rule or a table that gives diameter of various rigging lines/chains(links per inch)/wire depending on the scale of the model being constructed? I don't trust my eye to select the proper dia. From a photo and I don't want the rigging to be badly out of proportion. The model I am building is 1:74 scale. I am thinking that .028mm line looks right for the shroud lines but not sure what size to use for the running rigging.

 

HKC

[popeye2sea]

R.C. Anderson gives a rule of thumb in his Rigging of Ships in the Age of the Spritsail Topmast as follows:

 

Diameter of the Main Stay = 1/6 the diameter of the mast

Fore stay = 4/5 of the Main Stay

Mizzen Stay = 1/2 of the Fore Stay

 

Stay collars = 3/4 of the stay

Shroud and stay laniards = 1/2 of the stay or shroud, except main stay is 1/3

 

Shrouds are 1/2 of their respective stays, i.e. topmast shrouds are 1/2 of the topmast stay

Mast tackle pendants, backstays = 1/2 of the shrouds

Tackle runners are 2/3 of their pendant

Tackle falls are 1/2 of their runner or pendant

 

Ties = shrouds

Halyards = 2/3 of the Tie

Lift and Brace pendants = 1/2 of the shroud

Lifts = 3/8 of the shroud

Braces = 3/4 of the Brace pendant

 

Tacks = 1/2 of the shrouds

Sheets = 3/4 of the shroud

Clews = 1/2 of the sheet

Bowline = 1/2 of the shroud

Leechlines and Buntlines = 1/3 of the shroud

 

Blocks sheaves are 9 times the diameter of the line, blocks are 12 times the diameter of the line.

 

Hope it helps

Edited May 31, 2013 by popeye2sea

[Blue Ensign]

It would help to know what model you are building; Anderson is good for 17th early 18th century period but Steel is better for mid 18th to early 19th century period.

 

B.E.

[Jim Lad]

HKC,

 

If you go to the Article Downloads at the link below, you'll find a spreadsheet entitled "Masting and Rigging sizes for English Period Warships".  This spreadsheet will give you the standard size of every spar and rope at your scale.

 

http://modelshipworldforum.com/ship-model-rigging-and-sails.php

 

John

[HKC]

B.E.: I am building the Danmark. Built in 1932. Steel masts and yards.

 

HKC

[Blue Ensign]

That is more difficult because wire rigging sizes tended to be somewhat smaller than the equivalent rope sizes. Can the operators of the Danmark provide any information? or failing that The Cutty Sark also had wire rigging and that rigging information is available, and may not be too far out.

 

B.E.

[Jim Lad]

HKC,

 

For a modern square rigger with wire standing rigging,

 

some of the main sizes (diameter in millimeters) would be as follows:

 

Lower shrouds: 0.33

Topmast shrouds: 0.3

Stays: 0.33

Topgallant stays:0.24

 

Lower braces: 0.33

Topgalland braces: 0.27

Lower lifts: 0.44

Topgallant lifts: 0.25

 

Other lines in proportion.

 

Hope that helps.

 

John

[Mr10Dans]

I am building the Danmark Scale 1:75 also and am wondering what running rigging proportions to use for a 1932 ship with the wire standing rigging. The info provided by John is a great start. Is there a definitive source for the Danmark? Is it built using 1850 style rigging proportions, but I don't see scaling using them since the masts are based on wood main lower mast diameter. Also would the blocks use steel strops?

Again is there a good resource for this type info. 

Thanks for any help.

Tom in Beverly, Ma.

[Jim Lad]

Tom,

 

The best source by far for 'modern' sailing ship rigging is Harold Underhill's "Masting and Rigging.  The Clipper Ship and Ocean Carrier".  You should be able to pick up a used copy from Abebooks for $25- - $30.

 

John

[Mr10Dans]

Tom,

 

The best source by far for 'modern' sailing ship rigging is Harold Underhill's "Masting and Rigging.  The Clipper Ship and Ocean Carrier".  You should be able to pick up a used copy from Abebooks for $25- - $30.

 

John

 

Thank you.  Book is on order!

Tom

[pompey2]

Jim Lad

 

First time I have seen this spread sheet.

Wow,  no really, wow.

Great work

 

Nick

[Jim Lad]

Nick,

 

Danny and I both worked on the sheet originally for MSW version 1 (BGC - before great crash).

 

John

[kayjdickerson]

Having problems attaching forward sails on a Danmark BB550. Does sail rigging 162, 167, 170, and 174 just feed thru the ends of the sails or attach to the sail at the ends? The plans are not clear. Anton T. at perthshipyard has been helping me on this rigging. Need to know how to attach photo of item

Edited December 19, 2013 by kayjdickerson

[DaveBaxt]

On 5/31/2013 at 5:38 PM, popeye2sea said:

R.C. Anderson gives a rule of thumb in his Rigging of Ships in the Age of the Spritsail Topmast as follows:

 

Diameter of the Main Stay = 1/6 the diameter of the mast

Fore stay = 4/5 of the Main Stay

Mizzen Stay = 1/2 of the Fore Stay

 

Stay collars = 3/4 of the stay

Shroud and stay laniards = 1/2 of the stay or shroud, except main stay is 1/3

 

Shrouds are 1/2 of their respective stays, i.e. topmast shrouds are 1/2 of the topmast stay

Mast tackle pendants, backstays = 1/2 of the shrouds

Tackle runners are 2/3 of their pendant

Tackle falls are 1/2 of their runner or pendant

 

Ties = shrouds

Halyards = 2/3 of the Tie

Lift and Brace pendants = 1/2 of the shroud

Lifts = 3/8 of the shroud

Braces = 3/4 of the Brace pendant

 

Tacks = 1/2 of the shrouds

Sheets = 3/4 of the shroud

Clews = 1/2 of the sheet

Bowline = 1/2 of the shroud

Leechlines and Buntlines = 1/3 of the shroud

 

Blocks sheaves are 9 times the diameter of the line, blocks are 12 times the diameter of the line.

 

Hope it helps

I have only just found this which will be good enough for my means. Best regards and thank you  for posting this information. Dave