How do you build tripod masts and platforms for working

[Hunter]

Does anyone know the best way of making the 1960 tripod masts and platforms for Destroyers that will handle working radars? I'm working on a 1/96 scale FRAM II Sumner. and she both the SPS-40 and SPS-10 radars and I want to animate them but have no clue how to do the masts and platforms to do this? Any advice would be appreciated.

[EJFoeth]

Perhaps this might help a little?

[commodore4]

I do have to pipe in here .The client I do the most work for has a friend who is doing this to a SPRUANCE in 1/96 . He uses micro motors on his .I haven,t seen this first hand , BUT , I understand it works real well .I have had to build ALL the RADARS to conform to this design so the kit buyer who gets a ship from BaD shipmodels can opurchase the radars as a grade up set and they are movement ready . The truth is , when I do mine I use helical or bevel gears from the power source , up the mainleg of the mast and then a shaft with bevel gears on both ends to the radars . This can be covered a lot easier than hanging the motor from the mast platform . commodore4

[Hunter]

That's really awesome, what radars do you make? And thank you for the reply.

[commodore4]

I specialize in any radar that I can get plans and four views for .I do them out of soldered brass , LEGOS and Model railroad "N' and 'H.O." scale mesh. I also do the accompanying masts . I do not do them for individuals due to a contract I am involved in at the moment .I do lots of stuff on my own at and when the shop has a clear bench .For individuals I ask this ,Supply four view pictures or drawings of the type and year .Supply the material and I will supply the know -how and actual labor for a fair price . This is not an attempt to engender any business .But you must know the truth .You can get the SPS 10 and 19 and the SPS 40 and 49 from BaD SHIPMODELS in PALOMINOS ,AZ. He has them all set up for motorization . The company there is the only purveyor of modern 1/96 warships (AMERICAN ) out of wood that can be R.C.d that I know of . I hope this helps you . commodore4

[commodore4]

First off , do you have three view photos and plans as well ? You will also need a CORRECT deck plan set at the level the mast stops (01 ) this gives you your footprint .NOW , measure the amount of degrees the forward leg slants aft .This is important , because if this isn,t correct or square the thing wont work.Once you have this then measure from the 01 deck to the first platform where this leg ends .This is the length of brass rod you NEED to cut .For motorization your tubing needs a hole drilled in it where the platform extends forward .NOW , go back and measure the rear legs .REMEMBER that footprint.Now measure from the forward leg aft to get the set and lean of these legs .AT this time superglue the three legs together and hit the glue with accelerator .After you,ve done this you need to cut, measure and fit all the angled and horizontal leg braces . NOW take the end where the legs come together and turn it (the mast ) upside down .SOLDER the three legs to the bottom of the platform . Do you have the shape of that first level platform? this is crucial. Now when you have done this .you can sit the mast in a jig , or like I do and set it on one side .Put the leg braces in places where they go and solder in place .As you can see it,s not easy . I do this for BaD shipmodels in ARIZONA and an ADAMS CLASS mast takes four days to build not counting the various platforms rail sets . All the masts I do for them are 100% brass and meant to be set up for operational radars .The radars themselves are tricky to get just right when the time comes to set them in place . They have to be EXACTLY centered and they have to clear ALL bracing as they, this includes the rail clearance too , rotate and you can fidge and build them a little smaller or-IF scale fidelity is really important well then you better be dead on .What kind of drive are you contemplating ? this has a lot to do with this too!Have you experience in using a mini-torch ? I ask , because that,s what you HAVE to use .