Does anyone have a tried-and-true method of doing antenna wiring on WWII aircraft?
I’ve had some limited success using fine fishing line, but mostly I’m not satisfied with the results. I’ve tried stretching sprue, but I was dissatisfied with that as well.
How does one attach the wiring to the usually tiny antenna? I have typically used a dab of super glue, but often times I’ve noticed that the bond fails after a while.
Aggieman,
Fishing line has pretty much become the default method for most modelers, but I have also had success with using very thin wire, such as a single strand from an old telephone wire. As for attaching it, if the antenna post is large enough, you could drill out a hole using a very small bit and a pin-vise drill. A small knot on the opposite side will hold the antenna in place, while CA will strengthen the hold. Of course, this will only work on larger posts and in the larger scales. You might also try using thin sewing thread.
demono69
Tis is what you should do- You know the plastic frames that the parts of a kit are attached to? Clip off a bit of that frame, heat it over a flame untill it becomes soft, but not enough so it catches fire, then stretch that part out.
The result will be an extremely thin plastic wire.
You can also use this method to create other items such as empty shell casings, tree branches etc…
Invisible thread works very well. It comes is several colors including clear, black and grey. The grey looks very much like wire. It attaches very well using super glue.
I dont know if other hobby shops carry it but my LHS has something called EZ-line…havent used it yet but supposed to be great stuff
A guy in our club uses thread from discarded pantyhose. It stretches tight, takes paint well, and has enough stretch left to survive. He will press the antenna all the way down to the fuselage, and it will spring back perfectly, and doesn’t deform the masts in the process! Plus, he says it’s fun to collect.
Hmmmmm collecting panty hose huh? I think that would be something not to tell the guys in the modeling club! ROFL
“Guys in the club”??? He might have a bigger problem if they ain’t his wifes old ones[:-^]
I usually use thin (.006 in. dia.) wire held with CA. Got the wire from Pacific Front when I was doing a ship rigging[:I] Comes in 1ft length, and all sorts of diameters.
G.L.[2c]
Take apart a length of fine stranded electrical hookup wire, the strands are about #40 gauge and either copper or nickel plated. Use a pin vise and fine bit to make holes where needed, and fix with CA.
Bruce
I use hair from my wife’s head.
She ain’t crazy about it, but at least she can say there’s a little bit of her in all of my models.
Foutunately for her it takes me about 3 months to finish a kit.[:p]
-fish