Suggestions for armor antennas

Modeling Subjects Scratchbuilding
1

I am returning to modeling after a short absence and decided to pull out my unfinished 1/35 LAV-25. While adding some scratchbuilt details, I noticed the two antenna bases with the Italeri kit were lacking. I have tried several times to create the “bulged” coil antennas without success…any suggestions?

I’m sure most everyone is familiar with these antennas, but here is a link if not:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/p61widow/LAV-25antenna.jpg

Thanks in advance!

2

try wrapping some thin gauge wire around some rod or stretched sprue to replicate the antenna base spring.

3

Thanks for the reply, stikpusher.

I have tried using rod to wrap the wire around, but so far I haven’t been successful in reproducing the bulge at the base of the antenna. I have carved a couple of bases from styrene rod to hold the wire in shape, so we’ll see if that works any better. Thanks again!

4

You can buy them ready-made too. http://www.rbmodel.com/picture.php?dir=35A06

5

Chuck a piece of clear sprue (it’s harder than normal styrene) or acrylic rod into a drill.

Tape over the trigger so it’s running continuously and shape it into an antenna base using files and/or sanding sticks - basically a poor man’s lathe! [;)]

6

…cat whisker…

7

[:|]

Waiting for chickens to come into play…

8

Thanks for all the suggestions! I ended up shaping styrene rod into the base and wrapping copper wire to get that oval shape. I’ll have to try the lathe idea on my next LAV. It is adequate for this build which is mostly a warm-up after being away from modeling for so long.

After adding some detail, I realized the kit M60 wasn’t correct so I decided to build the M240 with a new mount. Most of the machine gun was fabricated from styrene, but I decided to use a barrel from a Dragon kit. It’s not done yet, but so far I think it has turned out pretty good. Thanks again!

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/Photobucket:550:0]

9

So it 'twas manny who submitted that tip in FSM… And another revelation, apparently Manny owend cats! We need a picture!

To answet your question, get a synthetic paint brush. (cheapo one) Te bristles make great antennas, especially in 1/72

10

I had to quit building AFV’s because my cat ran out of antennas…or as he calls them, whiskers…