09/21/2008
| PLANO MODEL PRODUCT ETCHED S.S. LIFT RINGS |
After six months from when I started this little article, I finally got around to finishing it. This page is simply to
show the use of the Plano Model Products lift rings. As usual, we prototype modelers try to be as accurate as
possible when building our models and that means even the smallest of detail gets our attention. Ever since I
can remember, the Detail Associates brass lift rings were my standard lift ring detail. I did not ever use the
plastic ones because they would easily break. The new lift rings from Plano are S.S and look fantastic. No
breaking these things.
I want to publicly thank Keith at Plano for delivering to use a much more accurate looking lift ring. We now have
the various sizes to use and bring the level of detail up on our models. I also want to thank Miguel Lewerenz for
supplying the dimensional information.
There are some important notes I also want to communicate about using these lift rings. First off, it is VERY
important that you clip the lift rings off as close as possible if not right against the ring post. This will help
facilitate proper bending. To much fret hanging off the side of the ring post and you are likely not to get a nice
even bend. Second, the size hole you drill will make a difference int eh appearance of the ring. I drill mine
under size. This helps keep the ring loops lined up and closed together tightly. For the inertial filter hatch and
the radiator hatch, I use a #82 (0.0125") drill bit. For the dynamic brake hatch and the side of the long hood
end, I use a #79 (0.0145") drill bit. I use a small pair of flat nose pliers to insert the rings. It is a tight fit so I
squeeze the pliers tight and when I here o feel the small snap of the post exiting the inside of the hood, I know
the post is through and it is a nice tight fit. No gluing necessary. After I have finished inserting all the lift rings, I
run a light bead of ACC around the ring just to make sure there will be no seam showing after paint.
show the use of the Plano Model Products lift rings. As usual, we prototype modelers try to be as accurate as
possible when building our models and that means even the smallest of detail gets our attention. Ever since I
can remember, the Detail Associates brass lift rings were my standard lift ring detail. I did not ever use the
plastic ones because they would easily break. The new lift rings from Plano are S.S and look fantastic. No
breaking these things.
I want to publicly thank Keith at Plano for delivering to use a much more accurate looking lift ring. We now have
the various sizes to use and bring the level of detail up on our models. I also want to thank Miguel Lewerenz for
supplying the dimensional information.
There are some important notes I also want to communicate about using these lift rings. First off, it is VERY
important that you clip the lift rings off as close as possible if not right against the ring post. This will help
facilitate proper bending. To much fret hanging off the side of the ring post and you are likely not to get a nice
even bend. Second, the size hole you drill will make a difference int eh appearance of the ring. I drill mine
under size. This helps keep the ring loops lined up and closed together tightly. For the inertial filter hatch and
the radiator hatch, I use a #82 (0.0125") drill bit. For the dynamic brake hatch and the side of the long hood
end, I use a #79 (0.0145") drill bit. I use a small pair of flat nose pliers to insert the rings. It is a tight fit so I
squeeze the pliers tight and when I here o feel the small snap of the post exiting the inside of the hood, I know
the post is through and it is a nice tight fit. No gluing necessary. After I have finished inserting all the lift rings, I
run a light bead of ACC around the ring just to make sure there will be no seam showing after paint.
Here I am showing the inertial filter hatch. These use the smallest of rings. Plano part #14653.
Now there is something in this photo I want you to look very close at. It is a Plano product, but one that is not
yet released and at this time Keith has not made any plans that I know of to release it as a part. I urge all of you
that want accurate models to write Keith and ask him to release this as a standard product to his line of etched
parts. That part being the PAF box lift tabs. These things are so nice and they are perfect size. Just another
one of those small details that helps you push the envelope of detail.
Now there is something in this photo I want you to look very close at. It is a Plano product, but one that is not
yet released and at this time Keith has not made any plans that I know of to release it as a part. I urge all of you
that want accurate models to write Keith and ask him to release this as a standard product to his line of etched
parts. That part being the PAF box lift tabs. These things are so nice and they are perfect size. Just another
one of those small details that helps you push the envelope of detail.
Moving back along the hood I have the dynamic brake hatch. Lift rings here are Plano part #14651. Same size
would be used on an non-dynamic brake hatch.
would be used on an non-dynamic brake hatch.
At the back of the hood there is the radiator hatch. The rings here are Plano part #14652.
Lastly I have the side of the long hood.
The rings used here are again Plano
part #14652.
The rings used here are again Plano
part #14652.
| HOW I CUT THE RINGS ROM THE FRET AND BEND THEM Use your browsers back button to return to the previous page HOME |
With this article I just wanted to share with you how I use the Plano lift rings. They are my standard lift ring now
and I hope you will give them a try. It will take some patience to work up a methodology for cutting them off the
fret and bending them, but once you get it down (which should not take more than just a couple rings), I am
sure you will make them your standard lift ring also.
and I hope you will give them a try. It will take some patience to work up a methodology for cutting them off the
fret and bending them, but once you get it down (which should not take more than just a couple rings), I am
sure you will make them your standard lift ring also.