Advice needed

[Sardoo]

I've just bought the Mars Attacks flying saucer. The flying base is just a long bit of hard plastic which is opaque. Can anyone recommend a clear replacement? Thanks in advance!

[Mason]

How about an acrylic rod cut to size?

Or the stem of a plastic wine glass, maybe...?

[Eric the Shed]

What about the clear tube from a biro?

[Momotaro]

If you don't mind the look, the stem of a disposable plastic wine glass, cocktail glass or champagne flute Is ideal

Look for those that have separate cups and stems and make sure you get the ones that separate at the top of the stem not at the base.  No cutting needed and very cheap.

Use magnets to attach to the base of the saucer: 10-12mm diameter should be wide enough to glue on the stem but small enough to be unobtrusive on the model.

[The_Beast]

Look for those that have separate cups and stems and make sure you get the ones that separate at the top of the stem not at the base.  No cutting needed and very cheap.

I don't think I've ever seen any that have the stem attached to the base, but I'll be looking!

One thing that works surprisingly well for fairly large saucers is a party glass, the kind with LED's in the base; you turn the glass over, put the saucer on top, and the light show can be impressive. The hard part is finding one with continuous 'on' lights.

Most you press the button, and it runs for seconds.

Don't know how large your saucer is, mind.

Doug

[Michka]

If I recall correctly, the Mars Attacks saucers are pretty small. I was surprised at how tiny they were. Something like 2 1/2 to 3 inches across.

[Momotaro]

I don't think I've ever seen any that have the stem attached to the base, but I'll be looking!

Here's an eBay link - you often have have to look closely at the pictures:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141493988030

Add in a couple of quid for magnets and you're looking at £6 for 8 flight stands

One thing that works surprisingly well for fairly large saucers is a party glass, the kind with LED's in the base; you turn the glass over, put the saucer on top, and the light show can be impressive. The hard part is finding one with continuous 'on' lights.

Now that... is a brilliant idea!

[Momotaro]

Couple of quick and dirty photos to show you the size of those:

10mm diameter magnet is strong enough to hold the resin models upside down.  Base is about 6 cm diameter, height 7 cm:



And a bigger model on a bigger glass stem.  That one's a margarita glass, with a height of 10 cm and a base diameter of 7.5 cm :



The cups also make interesting roofs for huts or sci fi buildings!

[Sardoo]

Many thanks for the advice - and excellent pictures! Lots to think about! Cheers!

[The_Beast]

Here's an eBay link - you often have have to look closely at the pictures:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141493988030

Add in a couple of quid for magnets and you're looking at £6 for 8 flight stands

Alas, not so far on the US eBay. I'll keep searching, though.

Now that... is a brilliant idea!

 

Not my own, mind you. Saw it at a convention game; my daughter was as impressed. I've such a glass at home, and there's a Hot Wheels combat car 'captured'. The flashing, swirling lights look just like the alien tech you'd expect. 

Mind, it helps if the venue isn't too well lit.

Doug