Hi -
Does anyone have a fatastic Idea for making lampposts? Im thinking about plastic rod sheathed with brass tubing at the base for the post,along with various sizes of plastic disc,florist wire and putty for the lamp itself.any thoughts guys?
Jim McI in Canada

Gday Jim
I reckon you have all but answered your own question!
Food for thought would be to have a look at the Miniart site; I'm quite certain there is a lamppost or two in one of their bits n bobs kits which has doors window frames etc.
Keep us posted on your progress mate
Brad

One wild off the cuff thought was to look at ink pens... There are some different sizes, thicknesses, and shapes.

Go to a hobby store - Cheyenne has used jewelry bits really nicely for the lamp part.

Thanks and good Ideas ,guys!..Im trying to train my brain to think outside the box for materials as Im new to dioramas (Iv only built 1 vignette involving a Germ. MG gunner in a foxhole defending the Scheldt against the heroic Canadian onslaught!!

I don't know what experience you have outside this hobby but i have turned several nice ones on a mini lathe just like you would the wooden ink pens. i actually started using resin and acrylic small blocks they turn out nice and you can make yoour own designs or go right by pictures of real ones. another useful idea is once you get the base done use the aluminumm tube for the top piece before you attatch the lamp, these are easier to bend for destroyed poles, and if you knockk the lamp off they're hollow so you caan put the wires inside.

good luck,
Gary Smith
http://www.smithmilitarymodeling.com

I have lookead at a min lathe..but I cant afford the cost $$$$.....I have turned the flared barrel ends for flak 2 cm. guns for my 1:72 U boat on my dremel and it worked great.( I used rosin core solder for that job)

Jim, here's a pic of a lamp post I made using a wood dowel, balsa strip's,some Grantline nut's & eyebolts thread and brass foil. Also if you have some old fishing rod's save the top part you can cut them up and use them for the main post. @:)

if you have the dremel they sell a pen lathe attachment, or one foor a standard drill. i'll see if i can find you some inexpensive links. and later when i get home i'll send you a picture of some i made on the lathe, more of the metal corner lamp post look than the wooden pole.

Gary
http://www.smithmilitarymodeling.com

found a mini lathe attachment for dremel

http://vanda-layindustries.com/html/mill_accessories.html

Gary

Hi guys ..
All very interesting Ideas ...I like the micro lathe alot Gary..thanks for the link!. I really need to buy a digital camera so I can show you guys some of the stuff Im working on (I just finished my first door using cardstock,florist wire,solder and lead foil..Im happy with the results,and I credit this site for getting my juices flowing..thanks guys!
Jim McI in Canada