Hi Val,

I recently finished a 1/6th scale SE5a, four years in the making. A couple of things to know before an answer: what scale are you building to? What stitching are you refering to?

The rib stitching even on a quarter scale is hardly noticeable. If you choose to do it however, do not use PINKED EDGE rib tape. It was not used at the time the SE5a was built!!!

The pattern for the fuselage lacing was not zig-zag and can easily be seen on any scale reference photos, ie : Profile Publications or DataFiles. For this I used white glue carefully and painstakenly applied with a toothpick before final painting. At 1/6th scale it passes for actual lacing when weathered after painting. Do not appy it in an evenly spaced pattern as it was not a neat job on the full-size plane.

Good Luck and have fun,
Charles, AC6WU