The Ship Model Forum

Hi Everyone. I would like to know on how to make lattice masts in 1/350 scale for my scratch-built USS Oklahoma City CLG 5. It would be a great help for someone to reply.

I have seen where people cut two rings, or discs, run a full set of wires between
the discs, then rotate one of the discs 90 degrees. Then they add the cross wires.

Here is a method out of PC Coker III's Building Warship Models,

I think he is referring to the standard masts used by the USN in the last few decades, not the older cage masts. CLG5 was a post WWII cruiser.

I have made them in the past using fine brass rod (.020"), soldered together. Usually you have to make a jig on a piece of wood(draw the pattern), stick pins into the wood to hold rod pieces together, alligator clips on the rods to dissipate heat so that the previous joint doesn't melt and use a decently hot iron with a fine tip to make the joints fast.

Sounds complicated? It can be frustrating and I'm a pretty good soldering tech.

The other way is to use fine styrene rod and do the same kind of thing but gluing it together. Either way, it's a lot of work, so be sure you really want to do it!!

Alternatively, find a Photoetch piece from another kit that is close and adapt it.

Good luck!

Your right Admhawk. It's a post WWII cruiser. I think I should stick to using the fine styrene rod you mentioned because I really don't want to burn my fingers with all that soldering and it does sound complicating!

Thanks for your help you guys!

I explained with photos one principle for making "lattice masts" on modern warships in the publication "Warships and Warship Modelling" {not a plug for the book} which involved the use of a base former which mirrors exactly the �inside shape� and dimensions of the mast. Soldering up was very simple, relatively quick and trouble free. Once all the lattice was soldered in place the base former could be removed.
Dave Wooley

Good day,

Google turned up this conversation in USS Oklahoma City CLG5. What did you use as a starter model for your CLG5? A model of a CG5 or 91?

Thanks=-
Rick
rwgraham@gmail.com
ewgraham@assoctech.com

If you can draw the sides of the masts, you can make your own PE:

In this thread viewtopic.php?f=49&t=21745&st=0&sk=t&sd=a Willie explains how he scratchbuilt the main mast of an FFG.

Hope this helps.
Pachi.