I need some master modeler’s advice on how to install antennas on aircraft. I am curently working on a Tamiya Japanse zero, and have tried several ways of attaching the antena string to the antenna pole at the rear of the cockpit. I went so far as to drill a hole in the antenna pole and inserted a string to represent the antenna. I also, previously, inserted the string inbetween the body halves prior to assembly. Do you have any ideas on installing the antennas? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Well, I recommend 2lb test clear fishing line, CA glue, some accelerator and a candle.
Drill a micro hole in the mast, or other attachment point,use a tiny drop of CA gel on the fishing line. Slip the wet end in the hole and apply a drop of accelerator. Cut the line giving yourself about 2mm more length than you need. Cut and do the same at the other end.
Now, you have a line with a lot of slack, but very firmly attached. Now, the tricky part, if you bring the candle flame close to the monofilament, the heat will tighten it like a banjo string. Careful, if you get it too close you will break it, and you’ll have to start over. I sweep a small candle flame close to the line in motions to control the heat and tighten until its just right:
I used the technique on this T-Bolt-
And on the Schnellboot:
The P-40 with the wires out to the wing tips:
You can practice this on scrap until you get it down. The great thing about the monofilament fishing line is that it takes acrylic or enamel paint very well.
I like to use a soldering iron as my heat source for tightening the antenna. If yo puta little flux on it, you get some smoke that will tell you where the heat is going.
Light a match, let the head get hot then blow it out. The smoke will give you a reference to get under the line and it wont stay hot long so if you move quick and get it right, by that time it is cool and lessens the chance of a meltdown.
I’ve been using stretched sprue for the antenna wires on airplanes because it’s free. Once I get the diameter I want, I color it with a permanent black marker and let dry. I usually make these about 3-4 inches longer than I need.
Unlike others, I only drill one hole, in the vertical stabilizer where that end of the antenna should go, usually with a No. 75 bit. The antenna is about the last thing I put on (I’m a klutz) and after putting a drop of gel type superglue in the hole, I insert one end of the sprue and let it set up good and solid. Then I put a tiny drop of gel superglue on top of the antenna mast, let it set for a minute so it’s nice and tacky, then carefully place the sprue across the top so of the mast so there is good contact between glue and sprue. After holding it for about a minute, I can let go until that bond is also solidly set. Trim the excess with decal scissors or a nipper, touch up the shiny glue spots, and you’re done.
Lycra rigging thread is very useful. I drill a small hole in the aerial mast and another in the tailfin (or wherever) the other end is due to be anchored. It’s self-tensioning, so there’s no need to fiddle about with candles or soldering irons. Here’s the technique used on a RoG 1/144 E-2C:
In the UK you can find lycra rigging thread at Aeroclub Models:
I use fine guage copper wire. No stretching, glue or melting my model. Drill a hole in the stabilizer, pass the copper though, wrap it around itself and it’s secure. Then do the same to the antenna mast
Hi Im having two questions about antennas first what is the right color I heard that it’s suppose to be silver which is the color of wire, or copper but almost every one else says it black even matt Swanny, Second question is which size antenna goes with different size models like 1/72. 1/48 1/32 scale thank you
Ronald - I’ve got several rolls of surplus antenna wire I found in a surplus store years ago. They’re copper but have weathered on the outside to a blackish (or very, very dark brown) color.
