1/48 ww2 aircraft

Lots of articles in FSM over the years. A lot depends on your preferences. For aircraft antenna masts, like right behind the cockpit on most WWII single-engines, the kit part is usually OK, but some modelers use brass sheet or rod shaped to match the original. For antenna wire, fine wire can be used, like beading wire, or nylon or cotton thread. Waxed ship model rigging thread can work, and I often use stretched sprue. Experiment and see what works for you.

Stretched sprue is my preferred method to make aircraft or armor antenna. For those new to the hobby stretched sprue is where you cut a couple inches off your left over sprue trees and using a lighter you melt the center. Hold the sprue just above the flame until the center melts and starts to bend. Grab the other end of the sprue and pull until it reaches your desired thickness. It can be tricky and will take you several attempts before you get it right. It can be fun and frustrating at the same time.

I use wire from extension cords or speaker cable in various gauges. For more authenticity, I'll take two lengths of very fine gauge, chuck one end in an X-Acto knife handle, and twist the two wires together. Then I'll paint it flat black by dragging it through a puddle of paint on a rag. To attach the antenna to the plane, I drill a hole just a tad larger than the diameter of the wire, fill it with Zap a Gap, insert one end of the wire, and let it dry before securing the other end. It works great and looks sharp on 1/48th scale WW II planes.

I have tried several methods to replicate the antena wire on aircraft and they all end up broken or knocked off. I use shearing elastic (in the UK) a very thin elastic that, I think is for knitting into the cuffs of jumpers and the like to elasticate them. Use super glue to attach it. It's quite strong, you can actually pick up small models with it attached (1/48 Bf 109) and because it is flexible it gives, without breaking when knocked. It can be coloured with felt pens.
Mal
PS I hope to be posting some pictures, with antena wires, on Armorama soon. I'll try and remember to let you know when.

First of all I apologize my mistakes, I´m not proficient in English. Among several methods I´ve tried, the best results were reached using suture thread. It is offered in some thickness that can match the usual scales. This black, flexible, monofilament thread must have it´s end sanded with a fine grit sandpaper to eliminate the "wax" and then glued in position with super-glue.
I wish you could understand me.

Thanks to all who responded to my question on antennae.Exceptional solutions to that problem.By the way,mauricivalle,your message was very understandable.You may know English better that I do.

Ted

For my money the best material to use for aircraft antenna is clear fishing leader in a size 2X. You can find this at almost any sporting goods or fishing store. The advantage of this product is that it has uniform diameter throughout it's length, considerably stronger than stretched sprue so you can put a source of heat under it to tighten it up without worrying about it snapping, and most importantly gives you a scale look to the finished product. Attach it with super glue. What I never liked about stretched sprue is that the look of giant, out of scale cables hanging on your aircraft. If you look at photos of aircraft, or even the actual aircraft, the antenna is almost invisible. You really have to look hard to see it, and that's what you want in your finished model too.

I agree with davidwaples. A fella in my club taught me the fishing line technique, and I swear ny it. one or 2 pound test line, superglued at either end (I usueally drill a tiny hole in the rudder to thread it into first). The light a match, let it burn a bit, and [/i]blow it out[/i]. Then hold the hot, smoking match up to the fish line. Let it shrink til it's tight, but no further. Voila, perfect antenna wire. I usually then brush a light coat of burnt metal metalizer onto it to make it dark silver.

What works well for me is invisable thread.It can be found in craft or fabric shops. My wife is a Quilter so I raid her supplys. I use the "smoke" color very strong stuff & super glue dosn't seem to hurt it.also takes paint well,I use metalizers ...good luck

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