Mikey-1980 Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Hi everyone! I'm seeking some advice and hopefully being pointed in the right direction please? I am toying with the idea of building both the Vulcan (XM607) and the Victor (XL189) in 1/72 and in the refueling position ahead of the final run towards the Falklands during the Blackbuck 1 mission. The issue I am facing is finding a stand or connections that are suitable for both aircraft, which as you know are quite large! If anyone has any advice, tip or where I can look to achieve this, it would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance! Cheers Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bandsaw Steve Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 I would suggest that the most direct and simple answer is to just build one. MDF is inexpensive, readily available in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses and is easily cut to any shape you wish. Perhaps make a single base with a couple of stands. Hold the stands in place with PVA and dowels. Paint the whole thing with a couple of layers of MDF primer and sand it smooth then spray paint it black or dark grey or whatever colour you prefer. I can’t post a link right now but have a look at my Mig 15 build for an example of how a simple stand made this way looks when finished. It’ll look great with two jets in formation refueling! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 For large models like that, I make the stand from MDF - then the alumium tube from old archery arrows. Here, a few I've completed. But, another idea for a refueling scene, Refuelling hoses made from thin electical cable, with basket on the end. Bluetak inside to secure to the probe. Here the models are hung from a cross arrangement to put them into the correct position. Fiddley to get right, but rewarding. It's confined to my loft, but I'll take more photos next time I venture up there. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey-1980 Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 These look awesome! Thank you for sharing. My main concern it the connection the underside of the aircraft. What did you use please? I have toyed with using these Ball joints to I can position the aircraft and have some flexibility. The issue is the connection for the female part is at 90 degrees and not 180 degrees below the female socket Ball Joint socket - Linky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Hi Mikey, Experimentation. Some of my models are permanently attached to their stands. For more recent, the arrow goes into a plastic tube - something like an old pen, installed thru the model. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Thompson Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Once or twice for an airliner I've used clear acrylic rod, set into a wooden base. The rod goes all the way to the inside top of the fuselage so it can't slip. If you want it removable then I suggest (though I haven't done it but can't see why it wouldn't work) glueing a suitably sized receiving tube into the fuselage. Paul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey-1980 Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 Gotcha! Almost like a tightly fitting sleeve? 2 hours ago, theplasticsurgeon said: Hi Mikey, Experimentation. Some of my models are permanently attached to their stands. For more recent, the arrow goes into a plastic tube - something like an old pen, installed thru the model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey-1980 Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 10 minutes ago, Paul Thompson said: Once or twice for an airliner I've used clear acrylic rod, set into a wooden base. The rod goes all the way to the inside top of the fuselage so it can't slip. If you want it removable then I suggest (though I haven't done it but can't see why it wouldn't work) glueing a suitably sized receiving tube into the fuselage. Paul. Thanks Paul, Great ideas there.....a trip to B&Q soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mancunian airman Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 This could turn out quite interesting . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 37 minutes ago, Mikey-1980 said: Gotcha! Almost like a tightly fitting sleeve? A sleeve, but not too tight fitting. Not too loose either, but can maintain alignment with two stands. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcrfan Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 I've used clear acrylic rod mounted into aircraft bottom or side reinforced during construction with several layers of plastic card. Rod into wooden base of weight to match the size of the aircraft. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 I once saw atTelford a 1/72 KC-10 refuelling an SR-71, the builder used a metal rod to connect the 2 aircraft down the refuelling boom looked very impressive as basically looked like there was nothing holding the 71 up, 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey-1980 Posted February 2, 2021 Author Share Posted February 2, 2021 10 hours ago, Julien said: I once saw atTelford a 1/72 KC-10 refuelling an SR-71, the builder used a metal rod to connect the 2 aircraft down the refuelling boom looked very impressive as basically looked like there was nothing holding the 71 up, I dont suppose you have any pictures of this at all? That must have been a seriously strong rod? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 12 hours ago, Mikey-1980 said: I dont suppose you have any pictures of this at all? That must have been a seriously strong rod? Sorry was years ago now. Was pretty strong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyW Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 If you are careful with your viewing angle, bent metal rod can be placed out of sight by being a bit creative with your angles. The Dornier below first had a brass tube fixing it to the base. It's too distinctive though, and catches the eye a bit, so I tried a 'C' shaped metal rod, curving away from the lower port side of the fuselage and entering the base to the rear 3/4 point. The curved rod is pretty much invisible from most viewing angles, as shown here... A paper spike was also tried. It looks OK, but I prefer the bigger base. Here's a bigger plane, also sat on a paper spike. The cost pennies and look the part on a lot of builds. This Javelin sits on a camera swivel mount, it can be turned and locked into position easily enough. They are a couple of quid on ebay. The mount is joined into a toilet roll holder tube. I screwed the mount into the fuselage of the plane and it's held up so far. The base is from an old uplighter lamp. Early FROG stands had a really nice swoopy shape to them. Something like that might be an option as well. Also FROG, was this V1/Spitfire stand, used here with a Tempest. Something larger might work for you. Finally, how about making one from MDF, as suggested above? I made this XL5 stand many years ago. The base follows the rear pod shape of the spaceship. It was painted with car spray. Tony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey-1980 Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 These are fantastic Tony! Really appreciate it How may I ask, did you attached the C shaped rod to the underside of the Dornier? The effect of flight is really quite something. This effect is close to what i am thinking of doing? Plans have slightly changed for the Vulcan, and I am tempted to portray XL317 from 617Sq as it had the capability to carry Blue Steel. the bonus for this is that there is already a hole cut into the bomb bay for a potential mount point with out the need for further modification. Just hoping that the center of gravity on the build will be suitable for it though. Cheers Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyW Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 Thanks Mike. I drilled a hole in the lower rear of the fuselage, at around the point of balance, and then shaped the rod to fit into the engine support structure. Then I bent the 'C' section after trying all kinds of angles and shapes. The 'C' hid itself better than the other attempts. Once I got the bit that shows sorted, I bent the rod vertical where it goes into the base and drilled the base to suit. The whole rod can be removed from the base and the aircraft for storage. I would show more detailed pictures, but the model is at a mates place at the moment. Tony. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markyp2015 Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 On 02/02/2021 at 09:28, Mikey-1980 said: I dont suppose you have any pictures of this at all? That must have been a seriously strong rod? Didnt someone do something similar on here. A Hercules refueling a puma helicopter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now