As I convert yet another aircraft to a “flying” version, due to snapping off the landing gear, I wonder: does anyone have a suggestion for some of stand/station/cradle that you use for your aircraft? I am mostly building 1/72 and 1/48 WWII stuff. I feel like this tends to happen towards the end of the build, when I have to handle it more for decals and fine detailing. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s irritating and I think if i didn’t have to handle the model as much then the incidence of this would decrease.
There are commercial options and I’m sure others will comment. I’ve found this old checkbook box, as simple as it is, suits a lot of my needs:
On most of my aircraft,I have been able to leave the landing gear off the plane until after all the painting and decaling is done.Granted some planes do not allow this,but whenever possible you gotta leave off landing gear,props,pitot tubes,guns,tunes, sensors till later,it will save you frustration.
My wife & kids got me the LMG(Laser Model Graver) workstand for model aircraft. It’s made out of 4mm sanded plywood. I haven’t assembled it yet but it looks impressive.
TJS
Thank you all for the Feedback, This is super helpful. Why it never occurred to me to even use the box that the model came in, I have no idea. The LMG stand looks nice as well, I’m looking into that now. The model I was working on was the TAMIYA IL-2, which unfortunately didn’t allow for leaving off the struts until the end. I appreciate the comments.
I mount the plane on a piece of acrylic (plexiglas) rod, diameter depends on scale. I use 3/8 for 1:32 for 1:32 scale and bombers, 1:4 for 1:48, and 1:8 or even 3:32 for really small, light stuff. You need some reinforcement iside- I use wood. You need to get hole drilled and reinforcement before glueing fuselage together if the sides are split vertically. Get a good fit an then glue the rod in when model complete.
For a base I use a piece of MDF, either half or three/quarter, with wood molding on edges. Then I go to Google Earth and go to an area that is relevant to the operations of the bird- airbase or operations. For instance, I am making a diorama (1:144) of two F-4s escorting a TU-95 over the Bering Straits. Found a good view of an island, which I will print out when the base is cut to size, and glue to top with contact cement.
While building, if need to, I make a working base from scrap particle board or plywood with a simple hole in middle. If you need to do any painting after inserting rod, just cover the rod with masking tape.