Hello there.
I am preparing to assemble the Airfix Handley Page O/400, and am tempted by the idea of of using micro-motors to spin the propellers and even fiber optics or something for the navigation lights.
Any leads on where I might find the appropriate materials and method?
If you are in the US, places such as Radio-Shack might be able to help you.
Try these guys, http://www.ramrcandramtrack.com/rclights.html I have put RAM wing tip strobes in a 1/144 scale C-5 3MM size then filed them down to contur. They even came with their own power supply and they made the LED’s power cords to a special lenght, They ROCK!
Tally ho
Rosie
In the 70’s, Airfix produced a thing called “spin a prop” where a small motor unit could be built into one of their kits (only a small number where compatible). The reason I mention this is that they did not use an external switch, to start the motor you spin the prop, to stop you stick your finger in the thing. To get the same result, all you need to do is cut one of the armature coils in the motor to leave a dead spot on the commutator.
there is a recent artical in fsm about using pager motors to spin the prop i think it by paul boyer. hope this helps i look up the issue to see if i can find it.
Great tips, thanks all.
Let me know if you come accross that FSM issue.
Look at www.hosfelt.com they sell the pager motors as surplus and carry LEDs that will supply the light source. Then go to the $1.00 store and buy a toy light wand, take the strands of fiber optic out and you have the “wire” to transfer the light to where you want it. You can even mould the fiber optic into the wing or whatever and shape the end to shape of the light you wish to replicate.
I remember seeing this done in a publication, believe me I didn’t come up with this idea…
BTW, Hosfelt also carries some nice small files that are great for modelling for just a couple of bucks as well as tweezers and other tools plus nice electronics clippers that are good spruce cutters. And no, I am not connected with them, just a customer.
Rick[8D]
it’s in the january 2003 issue how to motorize a usaaf spitfire. good luck!