AMP - Accurate Model Parts

SEA => SUBS: Uboats => TYPE II => Topic started by: GlennCauley on 23 Jul , 2009, 07:39

Title: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: GlennCauley on 23 Jul , 2009, 07:39

I received my SN Type IIA kit yesterday... yay!
Unfortunately, when I shook the box I could hear parts rolling around inside... oh no!

It turns out the plastic bag that contained the white metal parts broke on the bottom seam, so all the white metal parts were scattered throughout the box.   :(    I lost 2 of the metal stanchions for the side ropes... and one of the railings had a broken bar.  RATS.

I like that the straight stanchions have a hollow loop for the side rope.  But most of the stanchions are not straight... they have a slight curve at the ends.  As such, I think I will end up making my own stanchions using hollow syringe needles... that way I can insert an ultra-thin wire loop in the ends.   This will be much like Siara did for the tensioners of his Type VIIC bow-plane tension wires.

I'm looking forward to building this kit.

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: Rokket on 24 Jul , 2009, 03:15

Sounds good (the fix plan, not the broken bits...). Start posting when you start building!

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: GlennCauley on 24 Jul , 2009, 10:48

A #25 hypodermic needle (OD = 0.514mm) is the closest size match for proper-scale deck railings (0.5mm nominal = 36mm full-size thickness).
Turns out the white metal railings included in the kit are oversized at 0.80~0.91mm diameter (65mm full-size thickness).
This was probably for the sake of strength?

Anyone looking to use hypodermic needles for anything (railings, barrels, etc.) can find the gauge size chart here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needle_gauge_comparison_chart
A pack of them (probably 40 or so) only costs a few dollars.

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: Rokket on 24 Jul , 2009, 19:44

I have one needle my LHS gave me, because I was thinking of weld bead experiemnts...I bet they are reeeeal hard to cut tho?

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: Rokket on 24 Jul , 2009, 19:45

Oh, I bet you are right on strength with Crap Metal, er, White metal. I figure some "cheats" are always needed in a concession to small scale physics and reality, but if it's off by that much, suggests the modeler use brass wire and solder, or your method!

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: wildspear on 26 Jul , 2009, 07:40

I bought a bag of assorted tubes (aluminum and brass) I haven't measured any of it but I would rather work in brass as I would assume would be easier to cut then the needle.

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: GlennCauley on 26 Jul , 2009, 07:49

I seriously doubt that commonly-available brass or alu tubing would be small enough.
The needles *should* be easy to cut with a cutoff wheel (though I'll report back when I've tried it) considering how small diameter and thin-walled it is.

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: kagero43 on 26 Jul , 2009, 08:10

The metal "syringe" type medical needles can be cut by simply scoring them a few times with a sharpe XACTO and then using pliers to snap them off. They come off cleaning and then only require some light sanding. - Harvey

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: wildspear on 26 Jul , 2009, 08:24

I never thought of scoreing and snaping it. That would be the way to go with hardened metal. Thanks for the reminder.

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: Rokket on 27 Jul , 2009, 00:56

Yeah, very good idea. I use the score and snap for sheet plastic but wouldn't have thought of it on metal needles.

Title: Re: White metal railing stanchions in SN kit
Post by: GlennCauley on 27 Jul , 2009, 08:41

Excellent idea!  Much easier and cleaner than a cutoff wheel.
Thank you very much.  :D