How to do ratlines using the clove hitch

in this video I demonstrate how to do ratlines for model ships as well as demonstrate how to tie the clove hitch to give nice straight ratlines.. ive used a slightly larger thread to help visually, but normally they would be smaller than the shroud thread. if you have any questions please give me a shout on my Instagram page @rjscaleships or find RJ Scale Ships & Replicas on Facebook.
music by Audionautix.com

[@maxgrove1661]

Well done RJ. Absolutely brilliant description and demonstration of tying rigging. I shall certainly feel a lot more confident when I get to that part of the model. Thank you so much mate.

[@user-dv8bh5md5s]

Helped me a lot thank you; I know need to find an easy way to run sailing ship rigging since size is like sewing thread. Drives me absolutely to drink.

[@jimmd53]

Excellent tutorial on rat lines, doesn’t seem as intimidating as I thought. Thank you RJ

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Your very welcome James. They really are relatively easy. Just very very fime consuming. Just het into the zone, put your favorite music on with a nice cuppa and get stuck in. You'll find you'll be knocking them out in no time 😉👍👍👍👍

[@robdunster4807]

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, that’s the best explanation of ratlines and the clove hitch I’ve seen so far.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Oh wow.. thank you Rob. I'm glad you found the explanation easy to follow. I used a larger thread so it wad easy for you to see what was going on. It's a very simple thing really, but can be very very intimidating to those who have never done them before especially when your talking about the amount required for some of the larger ships. Anyway, thanks again buddy. Much appreciated 😉👍👍👍

[@peterd5465]

Just building the revell hms Bounty. It's my second ship. On the first one i used the plastic ratlines. Wasn't happy with the result. So now i wanted to knot them myself. Thanks to your nice tutorial they turned out perfek. 😁👍

[@brianhanington470]

I’m ecstatic to have found your marvellous explanation the day before I’m to begin the ratlines on my first model. And now I have the confidence I need! Huge thanks.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Oh wow.. congratulations on your first build Brian and I'm glad you find my video helpful. I know exactly how you probably felt leading up to them, but once you have done them once or twice you'll soon realise its not as bad as you think. Good luck with the ratlines and please send me and image once complete buddy. All the best.. Rob 😉👍👍👍

[@brianhanington470]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas Bless you, Rob. I promise to send you a snap! Thanks again, my friend.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Your very welcome Brian. 😉👍👍

[@anthonywatkins2783]

That’s such a nice tutorial on tying ratlines, I’ve started the rigging on my HMS Victory and this is a great help, thank you.

[@eddiejoe5928]

This is the best video I've seen that shows how to make a clove hitch knot for rat lines. I'm about to try and make my first set of rat lines like this they look so much better than the molded ones you get with most ship models. Good job!!!!

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Thank you my friend. I'm glad you've found the video useful. They can be a little daunting and tedious to start with, but once you get the hang of the clove hitch you'll be knocking them out in no time buddy. All the best with your first set. By all means give me a shout on my.instahrsm page @rjscaleships. I'd love to see your work 😉👍👍👍👍

[@nordmende73]

Thank you very much!

[@jst1man]

I learned someone's new thanks!

[@TonyB868]

A terrific insight in to what patience and dedication, with an eye for accuracy required Rob. Thanks. 👍

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Your welcome buddy. As long as this helps some of those new to model ship building then it was worth doing 😉👍👍👍👍

[@GregWilson635]

What a brilliant video. Rigging in general scares me. This will really help when I get to that stage. Thanks very much

[@christopherdawber8817]

Just bought the Trumpeter Mayflower and yes the shrouds and ratlines seem intimating. Thanks for video.

[@nikolayalabanco6539]

And again! Thanks for that easy way of doing some complex thing!

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Your welcome my friend. Its not a case of me showing an easy way. Its just that they are easy when you know how buddy..

[@pa4450]

Great video, with good information and instructions.

[@jean-louisfau1011]

Great tutorial Rob. This will help a lot in building my Heller Victory model . Keep on doing tout amazing work . Thanks JL

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Hi Jean.. I'm glad you liked the tutorial and if it helps worh your build then it was definitely worth it. I've always built rhe Heller Victory. It's my pride and joy. Good luck with your build and all the best 😉👍👍👍👍

[@Yente01]

Thank you, I was searching for this! Helpfull.

[@billbattison-nu3fq]

Thank you so much, at last I understand how to do it. Great video

[@2kidsnosleep]

Brilliant. Thanks mate, saved my soul 👍🏻😎

[@johnki325]

Very good demonstration 👍

[@boscosworld]

Great tutorial, as always. Clearly explained and the video is placed perfectly to see what you are doing. I wish I had this when I started out. Doing ratlines is one of my favourite parts of a build. It's very relaxing and it's surprising how fast you get through them once you get a rythm. I also like to completely whip the first entire shroud, or sometimes I'll use the provided ones in the kit. My point is, it's always a choice there is no right or wrong depending on how accurate you want to be. Always enjoy the build and don't let others dictate how it should be done.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Thanks buddy and well said. We are all different. Model building is so diverse and regardless of how something is or isn't done they are all works of art my friend. 😉👍👍👍

[@richardtyson7366]

Cheers for the vid. I'd go for a clove hitch on the first knot too, keep it looking the same across. With the glue, it's not going anywhere. You can also use wood glue which soaks in the thread nice, dries clear without discolouring the knot, and has some flexability. Bit longer to dry.

[@MrTwippy]

Thanks Rob! You are right on point on the anti ideation factor.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Thanks my friend.. much appreciated 😉👍👍👍

[@shawnbrownstein151]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas thank you for the show and teach

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

@@shawnbrownstein151 it's my pleasure buddy. If you ever need anything just ask. I'm always on Instagram so don't be afraid to ask me

[@TheVraagaard]

Beautiful - very helpful, thanks a lot. Question - why don't you tie the very first knot on the first string in the same figure 8 pattern?

[@brianfoley4328]

Smashing, well done Sir, well done indeed.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Thank you very much Brian 😉👍👍👍

[@dickvandermeij9868]

Very good tutorial, but why is the first knot different from the rest?

[@starpartyguy5605]

I think that might be easier than an overhand knot. I’m about to start building the HMS Beagle from OcCre. I built the AS Bluenose II 15-20 years ago. I remember the ratlines took forever. Hoping this goes faster.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

It may be my friend, but more importantly its thee correct way to install your ratlines. Any ship would have used the tradition clove hitch so it will also give you a much more authentic look..

[@RichardReads]

Great tutorial!

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Thank you Richard. I'm glad you liked the video. Hopefully it will help those starting out a little 😉👍👍👍

[@hugoagogo4324]

Thanks great explanation 👍

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Your very welcome my friend 😉👍👍

[@naomiberting822]

Excellent

[@FlugHerr]

Good on ya mate. Been worried bout this.

[@PhilM00]

Very helpfull starting doing it for the first time on my Occre HMS Bounty. For my 2 first models I used the "glue method" but it looks a lot better this way. Thanks !

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Hi Philippe, unfortunately the glue method is just not authentic. The clove hitch is the exact knot used on a ships ratlines. Whe you get the hang of them you'll produce beautiful ratlines that will seriously enhance your model. The Occre Bounty is a beautiful model my friend. Good luck with the rigging. It brings a ship to life 😉👍👍👍👍

[@PhilM00]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas I agree. I've discover the wooden ship model world two years ago. Step by step, I learn and progress. Still a long road ahead ;-)

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Absolutrly buddy, but what a road it is.. please keep me updated on the Bounty build. If possible look for RJ Scale Ships & Replicas on Facebook. Would love to see your bounty build buddy

[@PhilM00]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas I already follow you on FB :-) I will take some pictures ans see you there...

[@richardsimmons6470]

really great video. |||Just wondering why the first not is not a clove hitch

[@stsscalemodels]

👍👍👍😊 I've only seen now that you also have a KZbin channel. Many greetings. Many greetings! 🙋‍♂️

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Hi there my friend.. yes, but I'm quite new to this video thing. I'm just getting to grips with it 😉👍👍👍

[@mike74em]

Revell glue! Trying that as soon as I get that far. I used superglue during my first build, and that dries up so fast that it doesn’t soak in and frankly, looks a bit of a mess sometimes. Thanks for tip!

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

I made a similar mistake Mike. Using superglue with thread is disastrous. It makes the thread very brittle and like you said dries way to quickly. Normal modelling glue simply soaks in nicely and dries nice a hard, but it still looks like normal thread which is what we are after buddy

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Another tip for you Mike. Search for Loctite super glue gel. It's the only super glue i use. Being a gel it doesn't go all over the place, but does the same job. A fantastic product if you want an extra bond, but without the mess

[@mike74em]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas Got that somewhere, and a lot of Revell as well. Did mainly ww2 armor and planes before I started with wooden ships about a year ago. I love the challenge of bending, cutting, sanding... not easy, but I think it’s great. And thanks to a great community and video tutorials like yours, I’m making progress 😀 so thanks again!

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

@@mike74em that's fantastic buddy. Its a beautiful hobby. More a passion so enjoy it my friend 😉👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnki325]

Would a small drop of Super Glue be ok to use?

[@badcat4707]

Thank you for this - so easy it's stupid - tutorial , clear , concise and simple :-) Doing these will be coming up in the near future for me on my first build . there's one thing I am wondering about tho ? ( no, 2 things ) after using bees wax on the rigging lines , does the glue still bond it in place well ? as the wax is a bit of a slippery coating / I realize you didn't use it on all the lines for the tutorial video cause it's not really necessary / but when it comes to doing an actual project , will they stay in place ? 2nd curiosity is : those tweezers you used here look really strong ( good quality ? ) any brand name ? and do you remember where you got them ? most of what I've seen are flimsy and made in china which doesn't appeal to me at all :( Thanks in advance / BadCat Rick ;-)

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Hello my friend. Yes the glue still does its job, but always remember it's a model so still take case when working around yout shrouds and ratlines. The ratlines will remain in their position unless you move them. Once you pull the clove hitch taught, the wax makes it grip. It will not move unless you physically want it to my friend

[@user-zd6ln4gw8g]

How do you make the ropes for the ballet pins and other rope s

[@johngrace6679]

What is your opinion on color and size of rat lines- great video

[@fluffy537]

How do I determine what thickness of thread to do? I'm doing a 1:180 model of HMS Victory. The supplied thread seems too thin for the shrouds and too thick for the ratlines (only one thickness of thread supplied). Is there a useful site that gives the thickness of rope used?

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Study really ship Philip. This will give you a mich better idea. Unfortunately, kits often get this wrong. In the video I'm using a much thicker thread for the ratlines for visual purposes only. The thread in reality would be a mich smaller guage. I always use ships like the victory, Constitution, hermoine and cutty sark as reference. It will give you a much better scale by studying these ships.. at 1/180 the thread would be quite small to say the least.. probably not far of a normal cotton thread. All my lashing on my 1/100 Victory was done with a cotton thread as small as a hair, which wouldn't be too far off the size you'd need for a 1/180 scale model. Luckily, we still have some incredible examples to study. Unfortunately the victory won't have all her rigging back until the restoration has been done, but there are plenty of images of her before that began. Also purchase a book entitled "the anatomy of Nelsons ships". This is the bible of victory model ship building and has a massive amount of useful information and diagrams. I hope that helps Philip and please let me know how you get on. All the best. Rob 😉👍👍👍👍

[@Occre]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Mlh1978]

Ok prehaps i need to wait for kids to move out to make time for this hobby😝

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

This comment literally made my day. So nice to read a light hearted comment that I didn't see coming.. in all fairness kids aren't the main problem. I have two beautiful Rhodesian Ridgebacks one of which is only 11 months old and he would literally rip my models apart do I had to relocate my entire workshop to the spare room upstairs lol.

[@Mlh1978]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas Got 3 kids and 1 on the way. Bit busy at times😊

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

@@Mlh1978 oh my I remember those days lol.. yeah hectic indeed. Well when you do decide to start model ships let me know. If you haven't already check out my Instagram page @rjscaleships as all my work is on there. Enjoy the family buddy, there's plenty of time for ships when things quite down. Not sure they do actually quote down mind you. I still my eldest behaves like a 5 year old at time lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Mlh1978]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas i do follow you and have startede a soleil royal we have talked a bit about it already

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

@@Mlh1978 ahh that's fantastic. Sorry for not recognising. I get so many messages I lose track

[@larrycowden2271]

For the sake of consistency, why not start the ratlines with a clove hitch? That would make a more uniform appearance.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Thanks Larry and your right. The video however was more about the clove hitch than how to attach at either end which in truth should be lashed to the shroud, but the video is just about explaining the clove hitch as so many people asked..

[@DavidRLentz]

Terribly tedious, deeply important.

[@shawnbrownstein151]

Can you do it on the model

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

It's exactly the same process on a model. No difference

[@shawnbrownstein151]

@@RJScaleShipsReplicas so I can do it on the soil Royale

[@shawnbrownstein151]

So tie off the black lines first then go after the say White lines do you cross lines

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

@@shawnbrownstein151 just do exactly has I've done here buddy. Its a lot smaller in scale that this when it cones to the Soleil Royal, but once you have all your shrouds in place, literally follow this exact procedure. If you haven't seen my Soleil Royal have a look on my Instagram page as I finished the lower main mast ratlinss yesterday and I've used the identical procedure as this my friend. My Instagram is @rjscaleships

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

@@shawnbrownstein151 yes Shawn. You want to have all the black lines (shrouds) in place way before you do the ratlines.. these are only done once shrouds are in place buddy

[@martnez2003]

The .015 thread Occre provides is not optimal. Your thread looks different.

[@RJScaleShipsReplicas]

Please read description 😉👍🤘