1:72 Stern Antena

What the part is for

A photo-etched antenna in 1:72 scale for models of military hardware. An antenna is among those elements that injection-molded plastic cannot cope with: the part from the kit tends to be incomparably thicker than reality for the sake of strength, or it is missing from the kit altogether. The metal version has a thickness matching the scale and will take even careful shaping into the position the antenna took on the vehicle.

Fitting it on the model

The antenna is fitted among the last parts, ideally only once the base coat of the vehicle is sprayed and dry. Under the fingers it is a fragile element that bends easily, and during masking or carrying the model it tends to be the first to suffer. Find the place it goes beforehand from the manufacturer's instructions and from the vehicle you are fitting the part to.

Usage tips

Separate the part with a sharp blade on a hard surface, as scissors would bend the metal. File the remains of the tab down with a fine file. Grip it with tweezers by the flat, not by the edge. It is glued with cyanoacrylate applied in drops on the tip of a pin, as cement for plastic has no effect on metal. Degrease the metal before painting and spray on a base coat, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface and will rub off at a touch.

Who it is for

For modelers of hardware in 1:72 scale who are finishing off the small external details. Whether the part suits a particular model and exactly where it belongs should be verified in the manufacturer's instructions. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.