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AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Luftwaffe Radio Antennas
redman71
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Texas, United States
Joined: February 12, 2004
KitMaker: 68 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:32 AM UTC
Im building a BF-109E and when it comes to the antenna on this and other German aircraft, it appears there are some sort of lead weights or something where the antenna attaches to the fuselage. I'm wondering what to use to simulate these "weights" on either end of the antenna. Perhaps there are aftermarket accessories for this. I have attached a photo, to help visually explain what I'm talking about.

Thanks guys

LogansDad
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: March 30, 2004
KitMaker: 938 posts
Armorama: 416 posts
Posted: Friday, May 28, 2004 - 04:30 AM UTC
Redman-
You'll probably get better ideas from some of the more experienced individuals in the air sector (i.e. Merlin, Flitzer, etc.), But as an aviation researcher, here's my .002 USD.
The 'lead weights' you refer to are electrical isolators, placed on the long wave aerials to prevent static discharge from the airframe from interfering with the reception (or frying the components). Depending on the scale, these can usually be simulated with "blobs" of white glue. Another method is discs of sprue softened in liquid cement and pressed around the aerial. The originals were ceramic or bakelite, crimped onto the cables with soft lead or bronze. In a larger scale, come to think of it, small craft beads may be of use...
HTH
flitzer
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England - North West, United Kingdom
Joined: November 13, 2003
KitMaker: 2,240 posts
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Posted: Thursday, June 03, 2004 - 02:32 AM UTC
I think Logansdad has hit the nail on the head.
Couldn't have put it any better.

Hope you get it sorted Redman.

Cheers
Peter
LogansDad
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: March 30, 2004
KitMaker: 938 posts
Armorama: 416 posts
Posted: Thursday, June 03, 2004 - 02:47 AM UTC
Flitzer- Coming from you this is high praise indeed! I am not worthy
I was about to bump this post, and recommend that Redman repost into the A/C forum so that one of you Air Marshalls could have a go. Thanks for finding it & pitching in.
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