It can be done, but you have to almost be an expert in magnetic fields.  The shape of the field is critical, and takes multiple magnets.  Ordinarily they design these things with software that designs the magnet array when you define the shape of the field.  If the field is not the right shape, the levitated object slides sideways out of field and falls down.

I suppose one could create thread restraining lines, like they tether balloons with, and do it with two magnets, one on base and one on levitated object, but it would be unstable and be pretty jittery.

The plant has a ring of permanent magnets it sits in/ on.

The base has a ring of electromagnets that are controlled to maintain the balance. IE plugged into the wall, containing a controller.

If this were to work, I would buy one, take it apart and see what you can come up with.

An interesting concept if you can get it to work - especially with Star Wars kits (or any sci-fi kits). A great display case would be a shadow box of sorts.

I had thought about building the Pegasus 1950’s War of the Worlds Martian War Machine in such a manner, with magnets to get it float. But the “slipperiness” of the magnetic fields would be a challenge to overcome. 

I can't imagine a small SD would be much heavier than a bonsai tree plus the pot and soil. I'd figure too that you could use the bonsai set with some modifications. 

Maybe you could arrange the base magnets in a bowl shape to hold the model in the middle of the magnetic field? 

Hello!

Revell used to sell sets like those described by Don - two magnets and some lines:

I guess they didn't sell so good, because I don't see them in the shops anymore.

Have a nice day!

Paweł

Right! I was thinking along the lines of make some type of bowl with ring magnets. I think I'll try this and see how it works. I had a friend who did that to suspend a metal ball, so hypothetically it can be done. I guess I could conceal the magnets in the base, though hopefully it wouldn't be too bulky.

Thanks, Gamera!

Don & Paweł,

Thanks! This will probably be what I'll have to do if I can't manage to suspend it without tethers. This gave me an idea for a diorama, though; I wonder if one could use an arrestor cable as a tether to restrain a scale aircraft landing on a carrier, and have magnets in the nose of the plane to keep it off the deck so it looks like it's still landing?

Stikpusher,

You're right, the slipperiness is going to be the biggest problem. Not sure how to solve, but by trial and error. I'll probably have to keep moving all the magnets around until it works or I quit. If you try this, I'd love to see you do it :)

I took these at Wonderfest back in 2009.  The Star Destroyer has magnets in the lower hull and so do the buildings below.  This model had a teather leading from the angled frame behind the ship to the rear of the ship.

Inspiring.

Ain't nuthin' like antigrav propulsion, uh?

Whoa, someone did a good job on that Star Destroyer. They did a nice job on using those magnets to susoend the model. Thanks for the pics Watchman, much appreciated

These guys have a cool utube video on how to suspend things with magnets. I tried this for one of my recent builds but haven’t had any success yet. I did get 4 really powerful neodineum magnets to play with though!

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/categories.asp?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItdGPluuP2AIVEbnACh2lNwjAEAAYASAAEgJ_v_D_BwE

If you're ever in need of a GREAT source of magnets this is the place: https://supermagnetman.com/collections/all  I've used them as a source for magnets for some years now and they also have a great customer service.