At A Loss On How To Rig

[woodartist]

I am rigging my first boat, Lady Isabelle. It does not have a lot of rigging but I have no idea where to begin but thought I would start with the double blocks. The blocks need a circle of rope that can attach to a hook on one end. How do you make that circle? On others you need a line that runs to another block. How do you secure the block in place. It looks line line is wrapped around its self but how is that accomplished. I know this is ultra basic but I have tried to do this for hours with no success. Is there a manual or book that has those basics? Are there videos?

[Bob Cleek]

Modeler Tom Lauria has an excellent series of YouTube videos on modeling techniques. I highly recommend all of his videos to beginning modelers. He covers the basics in great detail.  Here is his two-part video series on rigging blocks. These should answer your questions. "Part Two" below addressed how to make the older style rope-stropped blocks.

 

 

 

[James G]

The rigging section on this website has lots of information on rigging. YouTube has plenty as well. Also Google searches can probably give you specifically what you’re looking for. I did all this when I rigged my first model and it worked out well. Good luck. It all gets easier as you gain more experience.

[woodartist]

Thanks, I found a great set of  videos on You Tube by an Englishman that showed how to seize the blocks and how to create a hank for the block.

[GrandpaPhil]

The first rigged model is the most difficult.

 

Once you get your methods down, it all gets a lot easier.

 

Then you keep refining your methods and trying new techniques with each model.

 

Be careful handling blocks and deadeyes, use a wider jaw pair of tweezers with only the force necessary to hold the part to keep them from flying out of your hand.

 

[Keith Black]

 I too was overwhelmed at the prospect of rigging for the first time. Since there were no other models of the Tennessee built or being built I poured over the build logs of ships most closely related. You on the other hand have several Lady Isabella builds that you can study and see how those builders accomplished the rigging. 

 

https://modelshipworld.com/search/?q=Lady Isabella&quick=1

 

 I suggest doing as much mast work off model as possible, it'll save your back. You can add the tops, yards, upper shrouds, and most if not all the blocks all done off model.

 

A Black and Decker Workmate bench vice is worth it's weight in gold when it comes to doing off model mast work. There is one currently on eBay at a great price, see the link below.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/315222708181?itmmeta=01HS3SPVGJSYYFMJ9NA3Z7FYYW&hash=item4964bccfd5:g:nP8AAOSwl8pl8mhz

 

 

[wmherbert]

Wiping the end of the thread with some CA makes it much easier to get the line thru the block. And drill out the hole in the block so the  line can pass thru easily.

[Keith Black]

4 hours ago, wmherbert said:

Wiping the end of the thread with some CA makes it much easier to get the line thru the block. And drill out the hole in the block so the  line can pass thru easily.

 That's unnecessary, use a needle threader. The below link is for the type I've had the most success with.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Eketirry-threaders-Threader-Crafting-Knitting/dp/B094D8TG4S/ref=sr_1_18?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WmWq1dfkYPINCoqe51vXxcI77d9YnpUNxXvHU6Sw4M7xtDV_SNeFG11beW3fiDKYyLs5H6ZV7Z9N8jnhHCOqUKbSvPaKsxAkySsacbY8VEAKRBe-GyYso5OrsWJsLpUyyK-DKZzpYu0iJz3KnOzc2nmYT9dC0RpxCCRIbsCqsnLwwVaWnhkBWTf7QWPl670IfYyKlLxXdQQN1GSKs3ZIv1dGYbKghIKiyHmHArZQWYCvNnuT-rf9O2jLd209swRVHHWnplv2Hqx8UfOCSUsDkEUsPcX1xVGGzPGvTPDl_js.2xoQscZ0uS40L8bA_6NNR1tV8tPGXSRA_-5fJgouEOQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=657266239900&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1019476&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6013109834591860216&hvtargid=kwd-592617921812&hydadcr=12534_13529063&keywords=amazon%2Bneedle%2Bthreaders&qid=1710625129&sr=8-18&th=1