Hello all, I was wondering if someone could tell me what would be best to use for radio antennas on 1/35th-scale armor models, aside from stretched sprues? (Would prefer not to mess with that, don't want to get burned or accidentally start a fire.) Any info anyone could provide on this would be greatly appreciated.

Chris, if you definately want to stay away from stretching sprue then your best bet is probably stripping down some twin core & earth electrical wire. Use the multistrand type and you should be able to get as much as you want. Some people will advise guitar wire, there are different thicknesses available, but unless you have a guitar.....?

Vinnie

Yes, there's a potential risk of those both, but those can be avoided by being careful with an open flame. Make sure that the sprue you're heating is long enough so you can hold it over the flame safely. The sprues don't burst into flames suddenly or burn very quickly. If the sprue starts to blacken, it's getting too hot. Just work carefully and you'll be okay.

I know if you order Mandolin strings you get 2 of them and you need the E strings for antennas, they are the smallest strings on that instrument, the A string is the next bigger one, then D, then G, cause it is only a 4 string instrument, it has 8 but it is double strung.

I used to play mine when I was younger, but I just keep it for memory's now

Eetu ? HE doesn't want........................aw never mind.

My personal favorite is a straight length of 0.014 Nickle Titanium wire. The beauty about it, is it is a super elastic wire, thus if you accidently bend it, it unbends itself!

You can also use small copper, brass, or aluminum straight wire. These are usually sold at hobby shops.

Hi!
I'm for the streched sprue. Once done that, twist a very thin piece of wire round a needle. By that way you have a spring-like "thing" you can add to the antenna mount. Looks good. Try it out.

Simon

I have used twist ties from the garbage liner box. I just light one end of it and it slowly burns the paper off, leaving a bare, black, shapeable wire.

Piece 'O cake

Cuhail

I use 0.10 plastic rod from either Plasrtuct or Evergreen. You can also pot a small flame near the tip to mushroom it to replicate the antenna ball as well.

What cuhail said.Those twisty-ties make great glue or epoxy applicators too.Very supple for customized reach.
cheers!

Hi Chris,

I always use the needles of Acu-puncture. They have a turned handle, which you can cut to the disired length, and then super-glue it to your model. This gives you the spring-base, which is often seen on allied vehicles.

Just my two cents, John.

I know it may sound a bit weird, but you can use the bristles of this kind of hand brush. Some are wavy and unusable but most do the job perfectly. They are virtually unbreakable.... (I still haven't found a modelling use for the dustpan...) :


Frenchy

I like to use solder. I buy it a lot in many different widths (for soldering things).

However, it's hard to break, (unless you want it to) it is very manipulative, can be straightened easily (simply by twirling it in your fingers) and bends beautifully. When it bends too far you simply straighten it out again.

Great Stuff!

i am personly in for guitar strings! so every time i replace them i alway save them!

I use some fairly fine wire I picked up at a yard sale a few years ago. I works really well and can be heated and then pushed into the antenna base. If you would like some to try just let me know. I'll be glad to send you some. I'll never use this whole spool.

I've used the flint spring from a disposible bic lighter.. Once the lighters empty, pull the flint wheel out, and the flint and sping will pop out.. the ends of the sping are tapered.. Makes a perfect mount for antenna's...

The brush hair thing works good, only I get mine from a house painting brush.

Art

Don't bother with solder. It just DROOPS in hot weather!


Of course I tried my solder in Winter. I have a "car guardian" ( A 1/35th Model Club Scimitar) fixed to my car dashboard with Blu tac and the heat inside the car (35 Deg outside) builds up and the solder just gradually leans over into a curve... Most annoying and silly looking!

I am also of the Guiar String camp. .009 E Strings can be had for about .75 cents a piece at any music store and they are about two feet long. Plenty for several kits.