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Anyone have any suggestions on the materials, steps and techniques involved in making new skids for our rotorcraft models? Some of the projects that I have planned feature high option or longer skids than found in most of the base kits. Just wondering how to go about making these? Thanks.

David

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You can use plastic-coated metal rods that can be bought from Plastruct or Evergreen Plastics. Another option is brass or aluminum tubing. You can also use thick sprue runners too. Depending on the materials, you will need to use either epoxy, super glue, or solder to hold them all together.

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I used brass rod to make the skid cross tubes on this 1/72 AH-1F Cobra;

100b0310.jpg

I ran the brass through the holes in the fuselage, bent the rod for the arc, and then superglued the skids into place (which were drilled for a positive mount).

Cheers,

Alby

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Gino, Alby, and Patrick,

Thanks for your replies. Since I will be building in larger scales(1/35 or 1/32), I will probably go with the brass rod. How do you get the bends consistent in the brass? Do you make a template out of wood, and then bend the brass over it? Do you hammer it, or use the bending tubes from K&S? I appreciate your guidance. Thanks.

David

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Hello from France David,

Although the big scale (1/32 ; 1/35) its very easy to work with brass rod. You can bend it with the hands or perhaps for sharp angles with a plier, nippers. If you had to build just one skid, i think you dont need a template. Just fix the skids on a plywood with adhesive tape and hold the cross tube with the hands during soldering. Of course, if you need several identical skids, a template can be helpfull. I have a project : 1/35 Huey family and will need 5 identical skids (UH-1D/H/N , US ARMY, VNAF, US AIR FORCE + one for a fellow ) and here i will build a template/tool/jig to produce absolutely identical landing skids

Exuse me for my poor english, i hope you can understand me !

Cheers

Patrick

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