Black Seas: Rigging Your Ships

Many of the Black Seas model kits include a spool of thread (though you can purchase additional bobbins separately). A word of caution: this process is intricate and can be fiddly; we recommend it only to the dedicated modeller.

Essential Tools

You will need:

• a spool of black thread,
• small scissors,
• a pair of tweezers,
• super glue. (A tiny drop of super glue is used to seal each knot and to stiffen the end of the thread, making it easier to thread through holes)

After you complete each step, cut off any loose end of the thread.

Rigging your Ships

Step 1

Tie a piece of thread on the main mast (a). Run one side of it to the base of the foremast (b) and the other to the base of the bowsprit (c). Next, tie an end on the mizzen mast (d) and the other at the base of the mainmast (e).

Step 2

Tie a long piece of thread on the main mast (a), then at point (b) on the mizzen mast and run it to point (c) on the upper section of the same mast. From this point, run the thread to point (d) on the mainmast, tie and run the thread to point (e) on the foremast and tie off. Finally, run it to point (f) on the bowsprit and tie off.

Step 3

You will need to follow this step for all three masts. Tie a long piece of thread at the top of the mast (a). Run down to the right-hand side; thread it through the hole (b) from the outside of the ship towards the inside. Then up to point (c), thread it between the mast and the thread used in step 2. Tie around the mast and down to the hole on the left (d), going from the inside, out. Then back up to point (a) and tie around the mast. Note, if you have a resin model you will need to drill these holes.

Step 4

Tie a knot on point (a) on the mizzen mast (or use the excess thread from step 3) and run it to (b) on the main mast and tie off, then take it to (c) on the foremast and tie. Finally, take it to point (d) on the bowsprit and tie off.

Step 5

Tie a knot on point (a) on the main mast then carry on the thread to (b) on the foremast and tie. Finally, run it down to (c) and tie off on the bowsprit.

Step 6

Tie a knot on point (a) on the foremast and run it to point (b) on the bowsprit and tie. Finally, run it back to point (c) and tie off.

Step 7

Tie a knot on the tip of the bowsprit (a), run one end to point (b), tie, then to point (c). Do the same on the other side and finally tie the two ends together under the bowsprit at point (d) and glue.

Sails & Accessories

If you’re adding rigging to your ships, you’ll certainly want to add sails to complete the miniature. A variety of spare sail sheets are available – allowing you an additional layer of customisabilty – choose from light, mid, dark, tattered or barktanned versions.

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Further accessorise your fleets and Black Seas tabletops with resin sea bases tailored to each individual class of ship, or customise your decks or coastal defences with cannons, barrels, treasure chests and more.