Tips and helpful suggestions

[Geek44]

In 1/35? I'd be using the high 'E' for antennae (yes, I play). The only problem I can see with guitar strings are that they usually have that darned curve in them...impossible to straighten out. I use stretched sprue or even copper wire filed to a taper. For a 'Sternantenne' I'd use sprue...I'd also consider making a jig to align the 'spokes' accurately...some kits include a jig moulded into the sprue somewhere.

[Freightshaker]

Originally Posted by Geek44

Do you find that hairspray makes the pastel 'disappear' or seem 'less' after sealing?

It will, as most sealants will, so if you're going to seal it put the pastels on heavy. Personally, I don't seal my models and don't touch them after completion. If I do, I wear surgical gloves.

Originally Posted by McCoy

What kind of hairspray is best? Aerosol or handpumped?

I've used Aquanet in the past. Definitely aerosol, liquid will have a VERY bad affect on your model.

[Geek44]

I knew that other sealants make them lessen...and to go heavy to compensate, but I didn't know that hairspray had the same effect. They were talking about this at my club meeting this week. Sadly, there were too many peurile cat-calls for me to add my two cents. I use pastels on aircraft and I know I'm not the only one. I do seal them.

[Aussie Dave]

Originally Posted by Geek44

In 1/35? I'd be using the high 'E' for antennae (yes, I play). The only problem I can see with guitar strings are that they usually have that darned curve in them...impossible to straighten out. I use stretched sprue or even copper wire filed to a taper. For a 'Sternantenne' I'd use sprue...I'd also consider making a jig to align the 'spokes' accurately...some kits include a jig moulded into the sprue somewhere.

Have you seen these before Nick?

ACCURATE ARMOUR A094 - 1/35 CARBON FIBRE AERIAL RODS # $12.00 USD

A high tech solution to an old problem. These pultruded Carbon Fibre rods are 0.25mm (0.010") diameter and a natural black colour.

Supplies are a set of 5x 100mm rods, enough for 5x 2m and 5x 1m scale length aerials in 1:35th Scale, and more in 1:48th scale or less.

They do not kink, can be bent into tight curves (within reason!) and they spring back to perfectly straight! They are also much safer than brass or piano wire for those who dare to look too closely at models.

They make just about anything you might need for your models these days mate.


Cheers,
Dave

[McCoy]

Those aerials is great for modern AFV's but to thin for WWII AFV's.

[Whiterook]

Lots of railroad modelers (including myself) use hairspray as a sealer on dioramas...specifically, woodland scenics trees/foliage. Spray. Aquanet works best, I find. Not sure I'd try it on pastels...I'd rather go with Krylon Matte Fixative.

On the Panther I built prior to the carrier and biplane, I used a Classical Guitar string for the antennae...as Nick said, has a horrible curve you just cannot get out of it, but it served in a pinch. It's most likely coming off at some point for a replacement someday. It seemed like a good substitute, but alas, it was a bit too thick for my taste (did anyone notice? )

[Geek44]

Haven't seen those before Dave...they look like a pretty good find too...but twelve bucks for something I can make myself in three minutes seems a bit over the top. I use stretched sprue for almost everything that requires a filament or 'length' from aerials to biplane rigging. I've learned lately that my rigging technique is waaay below par though and I need to try something else...one of the guys at my club only builds WW1 aircraft and his rigging is beautiful...I'll be picking his brain sometime soon.
Hey Emery, this is my daughter's change mat. I thought it might appeal to you the way it does to me.

Baby Lozenge.jpg

Peace.

[Whiterook]

:

That is so cute...and I hate to admit it mate, but, it looks WAY better than the lozenge decals on my Gotha!!!

::

[Geek44]

I feel kinda weird changing her diapers on it.

[Tom Houlihan]

Check this out. I'm not sure if it's food for thought or merely eye candy:

Armor Models by Glennn Bartolotti