Need advice!! (1 Viewer)

[Humbug]

Hello dear fellow collectors. I'm new to this forum. After collecting diecast cars (scale 1/18) and planes (scale 1/72 and 1/32) I think I got infected by
my brother. He has been collecting Napoleonic soldiers for over 20 years and
now I've developed a craving for WW II figures, D-Day,for the time being !!
Recently I bought a few soldiers(DD62),a patrol jeep,a MP on a Harley and the
classic Sherman.Now I need some advice from you concerning the Sherman.
I've seen pictures of the Honour Bound version that is supplied with an antenna and I would like to add one to my tank. Is it possible to drill a hole in
this material (polystone) or will it simply crumble?? Thanks in advance.

 

[Rob]

A warm Welcome to the forum Humbug, hope you enjoy.I'm sure one of the modelling experts on here (there are many)will be able to answer your question.

Rob

 

[Spitfrnd]

Welcome Humbug. Unfortunately I am not one of those persons but glad to have you aboard as well. It sounds like I would like to exchange thoughts on Napoleonics with your brother, is he a member?

 

[binder001]

I have added some antennas to some of my vehicles. I use a Dremel rotary tool with speed control. I use a slower speed, but not as slow as needed for plastics. The big concern is to start with a centering point and not let the drill bit wander - go straight in and straight out. Make only enough of a hole to place your wire or plastic antenna. Pollystone is stone dust in a resin matrix, so it's just a cross between stone and plastic. It DOES dull the drill bits, but I use a bit of beeswax on my small drills as lubricant. I use ACC (super glue) to attach the wire antenna.

By the way - on a Sherman, the radio antenna goes in the small round "pot" at the left rear of the turret (if you are looking the same way the gun is pointing).

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Gary B

 

[Wraith]

Just to add to Gary's reply, the Polystone drills very well. I had to drill / grind out a load of gunk off some K&C tracks, and it is very easy and drills cleanly, so you should have no problems.

Simon

 

[Humbug]

First of all,thank you for your kind words and advise.
My brother is not a member of this forum. He lives on a small
island in the Caribbean where he's working as a gynecologist.
He has little spare time and as there aren't any decent toy
stores I have to buy all his stuff and ship it to him;on his account ofcourse!
I've already started to drill a hole by hand;I don't own a Dremel drill;but the
short stub where the antenna should be has started to crumble so I have to be more careful.

 

[rossim1]

Put a small piece of electical tape on there to stop the drill sliding, if it is. You really should use electric.

 

[Blowtorch]

If new to the technique, it would be wise to make a pilot hole prior to Dremel use. If you go to a hobby shop, they have what's called a pin vise. It's a small hand held drill for micro bits. If you go Dremel right off the bat, you may lose control of it, and it will skid along the surface leaving a scratch

 

[OzDigger]

Has anyone tried tungsten tip masonry bits? They sure make a difference when drilling concrete and tiles etc.

 

[kilted vampire]

If new to the technique, it would be wise to make a pilot hole prior to Dremel use. If you go to a hobby shop, they have what's called a pin vise. It's a small hand held drill for micro bits. If you go Dremel right off the bat, you may lose control of it, and it will skid along the surface leaving a scratch

I would go with the pin vise too. I have used it and it will work well for antennaes.

 

[noli-poli]

First of all,thank you for your kind words and advise.
My brother is not a member of this forum. He lives on a small
island in the Caribbean where he's working as a gynecologist.
He has little spare time and as there aren't any decent toy
stores I have to buy all his stuff and ship it to him;on his account ofcourse!
I've already started to drill a hole by hand;I don't own a Dremel drill;but the
short stub where the antenna should be has started to crumble so I have to be more careful.

Try to use a micro-drill bit (aka needle bits) 1/64 or smaller. I've been succesful on mine. I use guitar strings and super glue them in place. They are flexible and "springy." retain a portion of the string wrap. It would look like a coil commonly seen on the base of the antennas. If you want them bent and lashed to the bumper, use human hair and super glue it to hold it in place.

N-P

 

[Humbug]

Managed to place the antenna, using your advised techniques.
You're a great bunch! Thanks again.
I'm sure I'm going to love this forum!