Hi… I would like to know how you make the antenna (runs from tail to cockpit) for World War II airplanes. I am building a tamiya A6M2 Zero fighter. Do you install it after the plane is finished or before the fuselage is put together? What do you use; thread, string, small gauge wire etc… And, how is it attached? Glue, epoxy etc… Thanks so much for any response. Take care![8D]
the two main options are
1 nylon tread: you must use superglue on nylon
2 streched sprue: hold a piece off spue near a candle, strech!
Putting on wires is the last thing you do to finish a model, the wires are extremely fragile!
Don’t forget the third option… WIFE HAIR! Works great! You can secure it with a drop of CA glue.
Hey thats a good one ModelNerd! Do you steal it whilst shes asleep?
Honeywell… here’s my method of making antenna wires, I use it ONLY if the model will be displayed in a case, as spru wires are very fragile.
Also, I usually apply the antenna last, because it’s easier to work the build up without having to dodge it al the time.
Hope this helps,
Take care,
Frank
Hmmm… wife hair… what color is the best match?[:-^]
I used to harvest my wife’s hair (beautiful dark auburn color ← in case she reads this[:D]) from her hair brush for my antennaes. Now I go with 0.25mm Diameter Black Bead Wire. Stretch it and line it up with the antenna masts between two clamps. Attach to masts with drop of CA. See pic below.
I also use 32 Gauge Wire for the ends. What I do there is wrap the 32 Gauge Wire around a thin needle, scrunch the coil together, then take it off the needle, trim acordingly, and thread it onto the 0.25mm Diameter Black Bead Wire before attaching it to the plane (again with CA).
I’ve used narrow gauge wire from radio shack, measure how long you want it, cut it, and take off the insulation from the middle part. leave a little bit on the ends for the insulators you would see on a real antenna, paint it up, and stick it on. fyi, Ive done this on 1/72 planes, might be too small for 48th.
Nothing is too small for 1/48 when it comes to antennas.[:D]
Don’t have to. She’s a real good sport. When my plane is near complete, I just ask her and she yanks one or two out for me. How’s that for fidelity? On top of that, and to make you all jealous, she’s a helluva cook, too! What more could a man ask for, I wonder?
A clone?[:D]
Here’s my Zero, I used 2lb fishing line, and a couple of drops of white glue to simulate the insulators.
I actually tied it around the mast, and set it with CA, then stretched it to the tail.
Steve[:p]
Thank you all for your help. God Bless your wifes!