Guide for Making Antenna Wiring
On most aircraft, there was a wire stretched from the antenna mast
to some point on the plane, usually the rudder. There was also a
spring attached to keep the tension and some flexibility on the line.
From what I understand, the purpose of this line was to boost
reception for plane to plane communications.
Adding this detail can enhance the overall accuracy and look of the
model. There are a few ways to create these lines. Some modelers
actually stretch sprue using heat. Some use long strands of hair,
usually 'borrowed' from their wives! However, I find using thin
gauge music wire works very well. It is rigid and will not sag since
the actual wire on the aircraft was under tension. This wire can be
purchased from Small Parts, Inc. It comes in an 18" tube with ten
pieces. They are inexpensive and will last quite a while.
What's needed:
1. .005 diameter music wire (this will be an accurate sizing for 1:72
and 1:48 scales)
2. Small, sharp wire cutters
3. CA glue and white crafts glue
4. Thin gauge speaker wire (single strand)
5. A small diameter sewing needle
6. A pin vise with a fine drill bit
7. A compass (school type used for striking circles)
Let's get started:
1. Keep in mind, this should be one of the LAST steps of
completing the model. This detail is delicate and can be
accidentally broken off while handling.
2. The antenna mast, if there is one, should be installed and
allowed to fully dry.
3. Accurately measure the length of the wire needed. Use the
compass to measure from the mast to the attachment point.
Then, cut the wire to this length.
4. Before the wire is glued in place, the tension spring will need to
be made and slipped onto the wire. Take the single strand of
speaker wire and tightly wrap it around the sewing needle. Wrap
enough wire to make a spring about 1/8 of an inch long.
5. Now, push the wrapped wire together and slip it off the needle.
6. Cut the extra wire off each end of the spring.
7. Slip the spring onto the antenna wire. It will be glued into place
once the antenna wire is set and glued.
8. Turn the model either port or starboard side facing up. Place a
small drop of CA on the antenna mast and the attachment point.
9. Carefully set the wire between the two points and allow the CA to
set.
10. Slide the spring either to the antenna mast or the attachment
point (whatever the particular aircraft calls for) and CA into place.
11. Take the white glue and apply a drop to the wire a small distance
off the mast and the attachment point. This will create a bead on
the line simulating an insulator. Allow it to dry and reapply
another drop to enlarge it, if needed. Then, the beads can be
painted either white or gray.
12. Take a nap. Chances are you will be frustrated and your eyes will
be sore.
*Since the actual wire on the aircraft was copper, painting the music
wire is not necessary. The music wire has an effective metallic
appearance and looks accurate unpainted.
On most aircraft, there was a wire stretched from the antenna mast
to some point on the plane, usually the rudder. There was also a
spring attached to keep the tension and some flexibility on the line.
From what I understand, the purpose of this line was to boost
reception for plane to plane communications.
Adding this detail can enhance the overall accuracy and look of the
model. There are a few ways to create these lines. Some modelers
actually stretch sprue using heat. Some use long strands of hair,
usually 'borrowed' from their wives! However, I find using thin
gauge music wire works very well. It is rigid and will not sag since
the actual wire on the aircraft was under tension. This wire can be
purchased from Small Parts, Inc. It comes in an 18" tube with ten
pieces. They are inexpensive and will last quite a while.
What's needed:
1. .005 diameter music wire (this will be an accurate sizing for 1:72
and 1:48 scales)
2. Small, sharp wire cutters
3. CA glue and white crafts glue
4. Thin gauge speaker wire (single strand)
5. A small diameter sewing needle
6. A pin vise with a fine drill bit
7. A compass (school type used for striking circles)
Let's get started:
1. Keep in mind, this should be one of the LAST steps of
completing the model. This detail is delicate and can be
accidentally broken off while handling.
2. The antenna mast, if there is one, should be installed and
allowed to fully dry.
3. Accurately measure the length of the wire needed. Use the
compass to measure from the mast to the attachment point.
Then, cut the wire to this length.
4. Before the wire is glued in place, the tension spring will need to
be made and slipped onto the wire. Take the single strand of
speaker wire and tightly wrap it around the sewing needle. Wrap
enough wire to make a spring about 1/8 of an inch long.
5. Now, push the wrapped wire together and slip it off the needle.
6. Cut the extra wire off each end of the spring.
7. Slip the spring onto the antenna wire. It will be glued into place
once the antenna wire is set and glued.
8. Turn the model either port or starboard side facing up. Place a
small drop of CA on the antenna mast and the attachment point.
9. Carefully set the wire between the two points and allow the CA to
set.
10. Slide the spring either to the antenna mast or the attachment
point (whatever the particular aircraft calls for) and CA into place.
11. Take the white glue and apply a drop to the wire a small distance
off the mast and the attachment point. This will create a bead on
the line simulating an insulator. Allow it to dry and reapply
another drop to enlarge it, if needed. Then, the beads can be
painted either white or gray.
12. Take a nap. Chances are you will be frustrated and your eyes will
be sore.
*Since the actual wire on the aircraft was copper, painting the music
wire is not necessary. The music wire has an effective metallic
appearance and looks accurate unpainted.
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