Tough question for scratch builders part 2

[Rusty White]

After receiving a lot of good advice from board members from 3 web sites, I have decided on a plan of action to make the observation balloon kit. Since the balloon needs to be supported by brass wire, I'm convinced that vac formed parts is the way to go to insure the lightest possible part.

 

Here's the plan:

 

(1) Find a suitable sized ball or fishing bobber (plastic if possible) for the upper portion of the balloon.

(2) Use epoxy putty or Milliput to sculpt the lower section.

(3) Sand and smooth to shape.

(4) Use light weight fishing line for the netting. Secure the netting with water thin super glue.

(5) Make a resin cast for the vac form master.

(6) Vac form both halves for kit parts.

 

I plan on designing the kit so that brass wire will support the vac formed balloon.

Anybody know where I can buy a vac form machine cheap????

[David M. Knights]

Rusty,

 

How big would your balloon be H x W? I suspect the platen on the Mattel vac might be too small for what you need.

[Rusty White]

Rusty,

 

How big would your balloon be H x W? I suspect the platen on the Mattel vac might be too small for what you need.

 

Exactly. The largest part of the balloon (the upper 2/3) will be 2" or a bit smaller diameter at 1/192 scale. I'm off tomorrow to find a suitable sized fishing bobber which should be perfect for the top part. The Mattel machine is just too small, but I plan on purchasing an 8x10 plate machine in the next few days or as soon as I can get the balloon master done.

[David M. Knights]

Exactly. The largest part of the balloon (the upper 2/3) will be 2" or a bit smaller diameter at 1/192 scale. I'm off tomorrow to find a suitable sized fishing bobber which should be perfect for the top part. The Mattel machine is just too small, but I plan on purchasing an 8x10 plate machine in the next few days or as soon as I can get the balloon master done.

How about posting photos along the way?

[Rusty White]

How about posting photos along the way?

 

I'll do that, but I need to get the CSS Teaser model in production first which I'm working on now. The Teaser was one of the first US A/C carriers. It ferried the balloon to its' destination (inflated) to recon Northern troop placements.