SOLAR PANELS
I think the hardest parts to deal with in this kit are the solar panels. So, have a look at this:
There are 4 of these panels on the ship. This particular example was broken off the pilot model, but what we're here to have a look at are the two brackets. The rod stock you see in this shot has been broken off and we aren't concerned about it right now.
The brackets are made from some .156 styrene strip, included in the kit. 8 pieces need to be cut to .25 inches long and a hole drilled into each.
I made the hole by planting the point of a #11 blade in the center and twirling it in place. The rod stock is included in the kit and you can use that to check when you've got the hole the right size. When the brackets are done, they can be glued in place using the jig provided in the kit, using superglue. My suggestion is to use a pin or #11 blade to deliver a tiny amount of glue to each spot.
As far as securing the panels to the rod stock, I suggest using very small amounts of liquid cement. You can just 'tack' them to the rod, reducing the chance of breakage if something runs into them, or you can glue them securely. The difference is just how much of the liquid cement you wind up using and if you bond all the brackets to the rod.
More later!
I think the hardest parts to deal with in this kit are the solar panels. So, have a look at this:
There are 4 of these panels on the ship. This particular example was broken off the pilot model, but what we're here to have a look at are the two brackets. The rod stock you see in this shot has been broken off and we aren't concerned about it right now.
The brackets are made from some .156 styrene strip, included in the kit. 8 pieces need to be cut to .25 inches long and a hole drilled into each.
I made the hole by planting the point of a #11 blade in the center and twirling it in place. The rod stock is included in the kit and you can use that to check when you've got the hole the right size. When the brackets are done, they can be glued in place using the jig provided in the kit, using superglue. My suggestion is to use a pin or #11 blade to deliver a tiny amount of glue to each spot.
As far as securing the panels to the rod stock, I suggest using very small amounts of liquid cement. You can just 'tack' them to the rod, reducing the chance of breakage if something runs into them, or you can glue them securely. The difference is just how much of the liquid cement you wind up using and if you bond all the brackets to the rod.
More later!
