Bent antenna (FOV)

[Ziegler2112]

With over a dozen FOV Desert Storm vehicles, most of which have several antennas, I knew I'd eventually bend one out of shape. And that's exactly what I did last night after snagging it on the side of the display case. Does anyone know of a trick I could use to straighten it out? I'd appreciate any suggestions other than to watch what the heck I'm doing.

Thanks!

[binder001]

I believe that FoV uses steel wire for their antennas. If the bent isn't too sharp a pair of FLAT jawed pliers can be used to straighten it. Some people also have good results with just rolling the antenna on a flat surface.

Some FoVs have extra antenna and you can "steal" one from them. Myself - I wanted a standard APC M3A1 halftrack and only the command vehicles had radios, so I didn't use them - so I have extras.

Personally I don't use many FoV antennas as I don't like their looks. I use either small (.015") brass wire or I used to replace some with some catheter guide wires we used at the hospital. Best darned stuff - very flexible.

Another option is to leave a gentle bend in the antenna to simulate an antenna that is tied down. Radio antennas were (and are) tied down to reduce the vibility of the vehicle, or to reduce snagging on overhead obstructions.

Just a few thoughts.

[Ziegler2112]

I appreciate your thoughts!

I'm not too keen on the FOV antennas either. I was thinking of making some out of model kit sprues, but your catheter guide wires sounds interesting. Question is, are they available to the general public.

Thanks, Binder!

[donnieboy]

Ziegler 2112:
The same thing happened to me. I used TWO pairs of needle-nosed pliers. I grasped the antenna just proximal to (before) the bend with one pair, then grasped it just distal to (beyond) the bend with the other pair. I was then able to straighten the antenna out fairly easily. The trick is to clamp down really hard with the proximal pair of pliers so the antenna doesn't rotate around its longitudinal axis. Give it a shot!

[binder001]

unfortunately I'm not aware of the catheter guide wires being available.

One item that IS available is small brass wire. I get mine at the local model train dealer under the Details Associates brand. Their wire is about 10-12 pices for $3. The wire is brass and is easy to work with.

[Ziegler2112]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm off to "straighten things out."

[dfoos]

I got tired or poking myself with wire and worring about bending them, so I replaced my smaller scale antennae with black fishing line of various thicknes.

Some clear fishing line I just stained black with a black permanent sharpie. It workes great for me.

[Ziegler2112]

Another good idea, dfoos.

Some of the Tamiya kits I put together come with very small gauge black tubing used for hoses and cables. I was thinking if I could locate some in a hobby store I could simply slide it over top the antenna.