Antenna wires on 1/72

When I first started installing stretched sprue antennas and rigging on my 1/72 aircraft, I had much the same problems. Figured out that I was doing one of two things wrong (or a combination of both). The first was that I was installing the first end at too much of an angle to where it was really supposed to go, and when I tried to glue the other end, the first end would bend until it broke. The other was that I tried to stretch the sprue to get it tight, which usually broke it.
I started working very hard to get the first end installed with little or no side load on the attach point (I use CA to install the sprue). It's just attention to detail. And when I attach the second end, I leave a little slack in the line. When I get everything installed to my satisfaction, I pass a heat source near the sprue and it tightens up. As I smoke (nasty habit) I use the lit end of a cigeratte but a fireworks punk or an incense stick will do the same thing. Just slowly pass it 1/2 to 3/4 inch below the sprue and the sprue will tighten up nicely. It'll take some practice but when you find the right distance, the smoke alone will tighten everything up. Just don't get the heat source itself too close to the sprue, as it will melt it if you do. Works for me about 98% of the time

I usually use some stuff called "Invisible Thread" (a tip I picked up here several months ago). It is available in the sewing section of most larger department stores. It is some sort of plastic thread, kind of like monofilament fishing line, but thinner than any I've seen. It's also pretty tough and holds up to handling and thghtening pretty well.

Got some today at WalMart, Scott. I have an old Revell PT-13 I'll try it on first. I'll let you all know how it turned out.

QUOTE: Got some today at WalMart, Scott. I have an old Revell PT-13 I'll try it on first. I'll let you all know how it turned out.

Please do, I'd be interested to know. It works great for me but I build 1/32 scale stuff so as long as it's thinner than a rope it looks OK.

I've got a good supply of antenna wire material - the hair on my head. It's nice and thin and has a good colour and is very strong, you won't snap it while installing.

Once I've attached one end with superglue and let it dry for a bit, I atttach a small bit of superglue to where I want to attach the other end and with my tweezers hold the hair where I want it to go and using my knife dip it in superglue accelerator then gently touch it on the top of the hair, job done.

This technique can be done several ways, the accelerator and be applied to the hair just before you touch it onto the superglue or the glue can be applied to the hair and the accelerator to the fixing point then just touch them together.