Welcome aboard! Pleasure to have you.
>
> 1. Can anyone offer any suggestions concerning rigging methods and
> materials for both 1/72 and 1/48 kits?
I think there are endless methods in use around here. I, myself, opt
for 'metallic' thread. This is especially convincing, I now find, If one
buries the thread "under" the strut head when gluing it into place. The
only difficulty with this rather nasty trick is keeping the length taught.
>
> 2. How does one use wood-grain decals? How can pieces be measured and
> applied to round fuselages?
I actually eschew all wood-grain decals. I get a rather nice wood effect
by laying down several washes, in layers. Not always lightest-to-dark,
but usually so (depending on the effect). An intermediate application of
paint or color pencil establishes grain pretty well, though I must admit
that I go for "texture" much more than "grain" in my scale (1/72).
Erik
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"We looked into the sun, where we knew the Hun would be, but all we saw
was the bright burning globe of fire that pierces the cold blackness of
space. I lowered my eyes briefly to keep the tears from fouling my glasses,
and when I raised them again, Robertson was gone. I had always before
thought of the Sun as a bringer of Life and Light; now, only of Death...."
-- Brian Wilcombe-Horace, WWI Ace
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