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[benidormbob]

Hi all I'm looking at replacing various aerial masts on two of my boats. When I brought the boats they where bent in all directions. Just wondering what to use. Thank you

[chas]

Hi Bob, can you give us a bit more detail? Scale, thickness, is weight up top a problem? What models are they on? Are the masts to be built up in a complicated form, or just simple structures?

[benidormbob]

I will get some photos on tomorrow. It's not a complicated thing by the looks of things but a photo speaks a thousand words lol

[benidormbob]

Sorry think I have got it wrapped round my neck lol. It is not the radio mast it's self that is the problem it is the Ariel wires that are bent. Tried to get a decent photo but could only get this one. It is the wire Ariel above the letter s on the boat that is bent. Tried straightening it but it is making it worse. Would it be easier to replace it and others, But with what wire/metal /  Thank you

[barriew]

Look for some 1 or 2 mm plastic rod. It doesn't bend! It may snap, but it also wont poke your eye out


Barrie

[John W E]

How about obtaining some 15 amp copper wire (the stuff used for electric lighting) stripping the insulation off - cutting the copper wire to the required length; grip one end of the copper wire in a vice, the other end of the copper wire grip with a pair of pliers and pull to stretch the wire - thus straightening the copper wire and tempering the copper wire - as for pokey eyes out on the end of aerials - cut a piece of the insulation off that was around the copper wire and with a dab of super glue - glue it on the end of the aerial for eye protection or you can purchase very small beads which I have used in the past to glue on the end,.   If you have a look various copper wire - you will see it is built up in different thicknesses strands which can be stripped apart and used for various model parts  - such as handrails and soforth - just an idea.
john

[benidormbob]

Thank you John

[malcolmfrary]

What Bluebird said about pulling and gripping the wire, but a good extra way to stiffen it is, instead of using pliers, use a hand drill.  Clamp the wire in the chuck and while pulling, put in about one turn per two inches. 

[Fred Ellis]

Hi


If you have any thin rod that is bent try laying it on to your building table then take a straightedge and roll the rod between the two of them, in ti,e the rod will work it self straight. 

[benidormbob]