The Ship Model Forum

For those mathematically inclined. It's actually quite interesting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperboloid_of_one_sheet

You got it. The lattice mast looks complex to the eye, but is actually a very simple structure both in concept and to build for models from scratch. It takes relatively little effort, and looks far better than conical reproductions in PE. I can build a lattice mast much more quickly than a tower bridge.

Here is a real-life example. The searchlight tower atop the Nautilus ride at Disneyland Paris. You can see very clearly how the distinctive shape is achieved by connecting the bottom and the top with straight rods that are 90 degrees apart.

One of the most complex structures ever put on a warship, the American cagemast became a unique icon of early 20th century marine engineering. It also quickly became the nightmare of warship modellers. During my staring contest with the Moreno, I decided to try and build one. I remembered a instruction posted here a while aback which told that the secret was to 'twist' the tower, to place each pillar a fixed distance on the upper circle relative to the bottom circle. I.e. would the position be at 3 o'clock at the bottom, place the top of the rod at half past 3 at the top (may vary). This would create the curved surface unable to be replicated in PE. Well, judge for yourself. They're no beauties, but the principle works.