Hi there

I'm building a 1:48 minicraft P38J Lightning. I have filled the nose section with milliput to try to keep the nose wheel on the ground, but it still sits tail heavy. It's too late to rectify this on this model, but what do other people use to keep that pesky wheel grounded?

Thanks in advance for your answers

Andy

I use weights I found at the Local Model Railroading Shop (intended as Car Weights) they come in various sizes and are adhesive backed, you can even add them to a completed model (in wheel wells etc.)

I usually use either lead fishing weights or steel BB's glued in with super glue. Both are pretty cheap and usually give enough weight to hole the wheel on the ground..

Depending on how for you are on the model. It may not be too late.. If you can get some kind of weight foward of the wings. I.E behind the cockpit or wheel wells you still maybe able to salvage the tail sitter into standing on her own feet.

Hope this helps

Paul

Thanks for the advice, I may be able to do something in the front wheel well - must visit fishing tackle shop.

If not i'll know for next time

ANdy

Solder held in place with superglue also works.

In one desperate case I had to make a diorama and fix the front wheel to the ground with fishing wire.

Once I have melted 1/2 kg lead (not very healthy i know) and let it drop in water. I now have weights of different sizes forever ;-);-);-)

I usually "glue" these lead "tears" in place using candle wax after a very bad experience where the glue i used melted the complete nose of an F-16

THAT happened to me too many blue moons ago when I was building a A-26 Invader.....*shiver*

I use either lead fishing weights or lead shot held in place with either Cyno or two part epoxy. The lead fishing weights are a good material to work with as they are quite soft and can be hammered into about any shape I need.

Maybe a piece of lead in the nose wheel well added with epoxy a+b can solve your problem.

I've always used the old birdshot mixed with 5 minute epoxy. You'll be abazed how much weight you can put into a small area. I bought 25 pounds about 10 years ago, and still have about 20 pounds left. Try to get the smallest shot size you can, as it gives more weight in smaller places. I don't recall the size I have but each pellet is about .5mm.

Here's a really old trick that will probably give a few hearts attacks.

I once built an A-6 and totally forgot to add the weight. I drilled a hole in the radome, and added a mix of epoxy and birdshot. Still wasn't enough, so I drilled a hole just infront of the windscreen, proped the model on it nose in a tin of sand and filled in the with the epoxy-birdshot mix. after everything cured, I now had a very nose heavy A-6. To plug the holes, I sized a piece of sprue and glued it to plug the holes, sanded, primed, and you would never see the holes or mistake.

I'll second Grumpy on the shot. I have a cup of #9.5 I picked up after I ran out of #7.5. Works great and one can put it anywhere. I have used clear silicone in the part to keep it in place but I intend on trying the 5 min epoxy idea next time.

That´s a great trick Dave. I can imagine the state of your nerves during the operation ! :-)