The Ship Model Forum

I'd like to try my hand at making masts with brass rod on my next few projects. What would be appropriate diameters of rod to buy for the masts and yardarms, etc of USN and IJN WWII subjects in 1/350 scale?

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On the ways:
1/350 AFV Club LST

The rod size will var depending on the subject. You need to know the diameter of the original component then scale that number by 350. After that you just need to find the closest available size.

measure the masts that come with the kit then buy rod to match that diameter

I'd say look at it this way, are you going to keep doing this or is it a one time deal? Either way you need to find some drawings/plans (the more detailed the better) and get accurate measurements of the parts in question in your scale. Then you can get brass to the closest sizes available and go from there. If you're going to keep doing this then you should get a sampling of rods in various sizes and keep them stocked and on hand. I primarily build in plastic so I keep a supply of round rods (among many other shapes) from 0.5mm up to 6mm on hand. If I was going to get into brass then I would do the same thing.

Measuring the kit parts may be misleading depending on the kits and the technology available when made. You can only make plastic so small. Plans are the best way to go to get accurate sized replacement parts. Who are you building? I'm sure someone can take some measurements for you if they have the needed plans or point you to a copy for yourself.

Hope that helps,
-Mike

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Drawing Board:
1/700 Whiff USS Leyte and escorts 1984
1/700 Whiff USN Modernized CAs 1984
1/700 Whiff ASW Showdown - FFs vs SSGN 1984

Slipway:
1/700 Whiff USN ASW Hunter Killer Group Dio 1984