Am not satisfied with my Abrams build after seeing this build, and would like to add realistic radio masts. I presume some gauge of wire (guitar string?) would work, but what gauge and what scale length? TIA

I use 0.020 plastic rod for all my antenni. For a modern FM SINCGARS antenna, 2.75 inches in 1/35 is equal to the 8 foot 1:1 length.

Are you sure this is a built kit? Looks like a rendered 3D image to me.
Besides the appearance looks a little "weird", you‘ve done a good job on yours ..... finally with all that "help".
Some thin fiber optic cable might do the trick!

Cheers
Christopher

Metric Gino, Metric

I agree. If you read the comments below the pics, they mention stuff like "textures" and "bump map"...

Frenchy

PS : talking about guitar strings, I've read somewhere that the "E" string should be OK for most 1/35 antennas...

I don't believe plastic rod would be appropriate for what you want to do if you're attempting to replicate those antennae, but steel guitar strings might. A package is about $4, enough for the rest of your life. Thinnest gauge you can find.

I have no issues bending the plastic rod to be tied down antenni. To each their own though.

This is a 3D Shape Rendering, or Computer model. It appears to be a M1A1 with the M1A2s Commanders Sight, the Commanders remote-operated Weapon Station .50 cal has grip handles and thumb trigger like a pintle mount, the SEP UAAPU 4-bolt plate on the left side rear hull but also has the fuel fill cover on the same side, has too small jerry cans on the front of the turret bustle racks where the .50 cal ammo cans go, the Gunner's Primary Sight doghouse doors look to be too far back in the housing, it has a lip around the drivers hatch that if correct, is too tall, the shackle/tow points on the rear lower hull are too big, the rear "mud flaps" have an incorrect shape, the smoke launchers look "squashed", and other shape problems on road wheels, drive sprockets, bustle racks, etc.
BUT, it's better than I can do, for now.

OK....if you don't like plastic...I use .020 brass rod. I prefer it but to each his own!! Works fine for Singars and earlier.....

PS....the older ANCRC 12 series antenna is 3.37 inches as those were ~ 10 feet 1:1...just to cover more ground!!

Rounds Complete!!

Thanks, Gents, this really covers it!

But what is it tying them down and where is it attached?

Good question.

Here are the tie downs in their stowed positions when the antennae are up. You can also see what is used for the tie down:



Personally, I don't mind laying out the coin for carbon fiber. It doesn't break like plastic, nor can it get a permanent kink like brass.

Short of taking apart one of my son's composite hockey sticks, where does one get carbon fiber?

I don't know how much this set would cost to ship over the pond but Accurate Armour do these carbon fibre aerials

[url[/url] http://www.accurate-armour.com/ShowProduct.cfm?manufacturer=0&category=4&subcategory=105&product=1852



maybe as part of a bigger order to make it worthwhile? Any excuse for one of those new Jackals!!

Accurate Armour does carry it, and while I'd consider myself a good customer of theirs, I get it elsewhere. Most better hobby shops carry it. I now get mine from Tammy's Hobbies in Beaverton, OR. whenever I'm there, plus whatever else I need. You gotta love not paying sales tax.

Here's a close-up of an antenna tie down kit :


Another variant (+ teardrop antenna tip) :


HTH

Frenchy

Bill I cannot be sure but would fibre optic work just as well as carbon fibre.

No, I've used fiber optic for aircraft and railroad lighting, and it's way too flexible.

When you say too flexable Robert I don't quite follow what you mean. Is it that it has too large an arc or some other issue with the profile.