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Other Stuff => Workbench => Tutorials => Topic started by: Pappa Midnight on 25 October 2012, 07:07:07 PM

Title: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: Pappa Midnight on 25 October 2012, 07:07:07 PM

I thought I’d give a quick run-down of how to build a cheap flight stand. The picture below is a 1:48 scale plane to give some idea of scale.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/pappa_midnight/BristolB6a.jpg)

The collapsible pole is from a cheap inspection mirror I bought off Ebay and the plastic stand is a large GW flight base. The Rare earth magnet was also an Ebay purchase.
The particular mirror I bought had a “pocket clip” attached with a screw fitting at the end. Keep the screw as you need this to attach it to the base!
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/pappa_midnight/Stand1.jpg)

First of all I removed the mirror which left a steel ball shape on the tip. I filed this flat so that it would give a good surface for the magnet. Although the magnet sticks really well I glued it in place. A second magnet was recessed into the plane’s fuselage (check polarity otherwise they won’t stick to each other!!!!!)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/pappa_midnight/Stand2.jpg)

The plastic base is very light so I glued steel washers underneath to give it some weight. I also drilled a small hole dead centre for attaching the rod
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/pappa_midnight/Stand3.jpg)

I painted and flocked the base and attached the stand using the small screw.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/pappa_midnight/Stand4.jpg)
Here’s a link for a mirror like the one I used.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-TELESCOPIC-SWIVEL-INSPECTION-MIRROR-POCKET-CLIP-/130757178326?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item1e71bc33d6

Hope that’s helpful
Regards
PM

Title: Re: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: Mister Rab on 25 October 2012, 07:28:03 PM

Very useful indeed, thank you PM.  :)

Now, I wonder if that would support the 28mm 'scale' aeronef I've half planned  ???

Title: Re: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: Thargor on 26 October 2012, 10:38:42 PM

That's great.  Thanks.  May have to use them for my WWI planes.

Title: Re: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: Golgotha on 27 October 2012, 06:00:29 PM

A fantastic and nifty idea I have often wondered about using a radio antenna of some sort great to see the idea in fruition here.

Title: Re: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: Sangennaru on 27 October 2012, 06:37:56 PM

That is nice! The flying stand for the flyers from gw are ways too visible, and all the planes are just 20 cm above the field, which is quite odd. This way everything is much more... discrete =)

Title: Re: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: panzerfaust65 on 03 March 2013, 04:31:56 PM

What a great idea I know now what to do for my FOW planes
great stuff
Panz

Title: Re: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: Wirelizard on 05 March 2013, 07:03:19 AM

I used this method to produce a flying stand for my 1:48 RCW/WW1/pulp aircraft earlier this year, but I'd forgotten where I read the  how-to, so I didn't actually link back here or give Pappa Midnight the credit he deserves!

My effort used two 3" wooden plywood discs (from Micheal's craft store), a couple 2" fender washers for ballast, and a mechanic's inspection mirror.

Blogpost here: http://www.warbard.ca/2013/01/26/look-up-in-the-sky/ (http://www.warbard.ca/2013/01/26/look-up-in-the-sky/)

Title: Re: Making a cheap, adjustable flight stand
Post by: former user on 05 March 2013, 07:51:10 AM

excellent idea
I am surprised the base is heavy enough for the torque given by the maximum extension

very useful, THX