discussion Acrylic Rods? Display stands?

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

Hi all,

Just after some advice, I'm just about to complete my latest build ( pics soon ) as its wheels up I was after a way to display it. Without giving too much away it also needs to show the underside, so perhaps a banking effect? Did I mention its a plane? lol

I was thinking of getting hold of some acrylic rods and building a stand for it, what do you all reckon? Can they be bent if in soaked in hot water? I've seen some nice 10mm diameter ones in a neon blue that could look good.

Adrian

 

[stona]

Yes, acrylic rods can be used for this, I do it all the time.

I insert a tube into the model which will accept the rod. Even for 1/32 scale the rod is (I think) only 5 or 6 mm. The rod makes an interference fit with the tube and allows you to bank the model etc.

You can bend the rod after heating in boiling water. Keep heating it and don't force it or it will break!





For smaller models you can insert a pin into the end of the rod which can be inserted into a suitable part of the model. You can just about see this with my Natter.



Hope this helps.

Cheers

Steve

 

[takeslousyphotos]

What a great idea. ........... But remember children. Boiling water can be dangerous......... So ask an adult to help you.

Peter

 

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

When you say you insert a tube into the model, what do you mean I may be been thick but where do you get the tube from?

Adrian

 

[stona]

If I was at home I could take some piccies!

I use a plastic tube with an internal diameter the same as that of the acrylic rod. I drill the fuselage and insert and trim the tube before priming and painting. I make it long enough to bear on the top of the fuselage but only fix it at the bottom with some thin CA glue run around the joint.

The idea is for the insert to be virtually invisible as on this Spitfire.



It didn't quite work on this Bf 109 F.



Cheers

Steve

 

[Adrian "Marvel" Reynolds]

They still look very good, where do you get the rods from and the tube you place inside the model?

Adrian

 

[stona]

I bought mine from a bricks 'n' mortar model shop (Bob's Models in Solihull) but they must be available from online model shops too.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

Nice idea. With the diminution in space model room is countered by plant space by you know who. So think I will go for this even for those with wheels down. Also looks impressive Steve.

Laurie