HMS Victory Ship's Flags :: View Single Post

I can't help you with placement other than under sail the flags point toward the direction the wind would be blowing and not aft. Don't laugh, a lot of people asked me why the flags were pointing forward (landlubbers)
As for stiffening some members have mentioned starch but I've found that white glue diluted with water works well. I use "Titebond" white glue and I've just found a new version, "Titebond molding & trim wood glue", that is supposed to dry clear. I haven't tried it yet but it looks like it may work.
Whatever you decide my primary tip is to try it on a sample cloth before you use the flags you got with the kit.
Also for your sails if your putting them on, make a frame that will hold them in roughly the position they would be on the model. Then spray them with the water/glue mix and put a fan behind them until dry. They should stay billowed until you move them. If not they'll still be easier to shape.
Pete