Stand for Wikings

[soslipstream]

Thank you for the responses on Wikings stands. Domestically, it seems impossible to locate a casting "off the shelf" for a base so I thought about alternatives. Last night I knocked out this prototype display stand for Wiking models. It weighs 100 grams, can extend up to 7" with a base that is 2-1/8" in diameter. The multiple height capability allows more aircraft to be displayed in a tighter venue. I expect no problem holding most 4-engine Wiking models ( by dropping the height to allow heavier airplanes to remain stable). It can be adapted to other models including the smallest of Comet's Authenticast.

BTW, it is not an auto antenna. Those are made of brass and would be too top heavy.

Regards, Tom Sanders

[grwebster]

the first Wiking Collection I ever saw was all mounted on a flat board with strong wires {brass? piano?} of variable lengths holding the models. Very impressive to see them all flying together in 'formation'.
Seems much simpler than your method.

[soslipstream]

GR,

A board with all the wires (music) would be the way to go for a large collection. The downside is figuring what the grid pattern would be. Is it based on a standard dimension or based on size of each airplane? The wires alone are very small in cross section so they must stay short to reduce any "sway". Moving the board would have its issues especially if any dusting needs to be done.

My single units are more for smaller collections to highlight each model's appearance.

Tom

[ronc200]

Two sources for stands that would be comparable.

Member Grant Carsen makes an injection molded base in at least three sizes. Excellent quality, ready to use, and in quantity very inexpensive. What types of rod (brass versus stainless versus hardened) is your choice. I use 1/32 brass rod for most purposes. In small diameters the only way to achieve stepped heights is to cut the rod, but brass is cheap.

Tom's use of stepped segments is ingenious. It reminds me of the Warplanes in Miniature 1/200 WWII and 1/144 WWI aircraft made for wargamers. Armaments in Miniature has a similar system. AIM adds a clever feature by adding a metal screw in the bottom of their castings and a magnet to the top of their stand. That allows the model to be tilted in almost any flight attitude.

Ron