scratching 1/72 struts

[Modelnut]

I have spent all morning battling making better struts for a 1/72 dvii. I used stretched sprue. Three attachment points sounds easy.getting the right length. And spacing has made me crazy. Any advice before I succumb to 1/32 scale for good?

[IanB]

I can't say I've ever tried stretched sprue for struts. I always use Aeroclub wing strut material, similar to what comes with the Pegasus kits. If I didn't have that, I'd use stock plastic strip and sand down the corners for an aerofoil section, or simply improve whatever came with the kit. Make one and get that right, then copy that for length etc.

Ian

[GAJouette]

  I suppose you could crush a small diameter brass or aluminum tube with a fine wire core for your struts. I've used this method multiple times in 1/48 and 1/32 scales,works well too. As to the problem of getting the right length all I can offer is careful measurement. Measure three times cut once kind of thing. A good caliper (sp) would be a plus.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

  PS: You could go old school and make your struts from Bamboo strips. And cheaply too.

[Modelnut]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm trying to make some dvii struts more in scale. The Revell 1/72 struts look like railroad timbers compared to actual photos and drawings.  I thought making new ones would work out better than thinning down the kit struts. I don't think I could get a uniform round cross section. The other morning I spent 4 hours just trying to make ONE forward strut set on the cowling of the lil Fokker. Three struts joined together at the proper length and angle was very trying. 

I may attempt again after a cooling off period. Things in life usually work out following a regrouping of the mind and plan.

I couldn't explain in depth the other day on my tiny phone keyboard.


Thanks Guys!

[DaveM]

Hi Modelnut,
the method I use to thin down slablike struts from a kit is to place a strip of double sided tape to the edge of a modelling mat or work surface.I then reduce the strong adhesive quality of the tape where the strut is placed by pressing on the tape a couple of times with my finger,this allows you to prise the strut off after working on it without distorting it.Then the strut is placed on the edge of the tape nearest you.Take a craft knife and gently scrape along the length of the strut,this is called 'adzing',an old wood working term I think.When one side is finished to your satisfaction,turn the strut over and do the other side.Finish off with a gentle sanding if needed.Takes me about 5 minutes per strut.
HTH.........Dave.