Can anyone tell me what is the best diameter acrylic
rods for mounting aircraft (1/48 and 1/72) on a homemade
base?
I don’t want them to be to thick but don’t want them
to thin that them can’t take the weight of the plane.
Opinions?
Thanks,
James [:)]
Hi James,
Hmmm… I’d use the least diameter that would support the models weight. Piano wire can be used on smaller builds, and I love the way some have had yellow tinted acrylic rods coming from the jet exhaust, enabling an in-flight display.
So to answer your question, it all depends on the size of the model being displayed. I saw a 1/72 Airmodel PZL 104 "Wilga"at our LHS a few months ago, that was mounted in a clear display box via “Magicians Hair”, off the wing tips and top of the vertical stabilizer!! It appeared to be suspended in mid air, until of course it was shook or you back-lit it, but a great conversation piece non the less!
Good luck, and look forward to reading different suggestions! [:)]
Take care,
Frank
I have a demented plan to build a 1/72 Dambusters Lanc then place clear rods where the altitude lights were to replicate the lights shining on a water base and serve as suppoert for the model. small bulbs inside the lanc would complete the great effect. Being as the rod in the nose will be vertical and the one int he tail will angle down to meet the vertical rod I am _little _ moderately _ really ( pick one )concerned about the rods not being strong enough but am looking for the right material. The a/c will be reasonably stable fore and aft but not lateraly.
I’m currently building an UH-1C helicopter for my brother in law who flew in them in VietNam. I’m going to mount it on a piece of acrylic rod from one of the wifes window blinds. I plan to drill a small pilot hole in the rod and one in the bottom of the helicopter. I will then insert a small pin into the pilot holes and glue the helo and rod together with an epoxy. I have done this once before on a 1/35 scale OH-6 helo, except I used a piece of spring wire, which was then epoxied to a diorama base. The results were very good. Bare in mind that regardless of whatever type of material you use for rods that such a setup is very fragile and needs to be on a stable base. Semper fi, mike
I’ve been doing exactly what you are asking for a while now. people keep asking me to build models in flying attitudes over a wooden base. The rod I use was from the venetian blinds at work! it somehow got broken. So, to answer your question, for 1/48th I’ve been using 7mm (just over 1/4 inch) clear rod. It’s a bit thick for smaller aircraft, but supports an F-15 easily. By the way, experiment to find the best height, too long or too short doesn’t look right.
Pete
Thanks Everyone!
Looks like 1/4" would be my best bet.
James [:)]