Drop Tanks - a struggle in 1/100

**wardebest** · #1 07-28-2022, 07:28 AM

I need some advice on making drop tanks at 1/100 scale. So far most of my tanks look like something I may have rolled in the 70's. Not the look I am going for. I have searched the forums for any previous post, but am unable to find anything.
Any help would be appreciated. I am currently working on the Korean war. I was hoping to put drop tanks on the F-86. At this point moving on to the F-80 or F-84 does not look promising.

Thanks,

Ward

**T haf** · #2 07-28-2022, 07:57 AM

depending on your ability to scratch build you can use this template tool to build some truncated cones and put them together to get the desired shape.

**Siwi** · #3 07-28-2022, 12:11 PM

I'd try making a sandwich of mount board and carving/sanding them into shape rather than rolling anything that small. I make spinners using this method.

**Brent** · #4 07-28-2022, 03:35 PM

Hello Ward,

I use HP Premium 32lb paper for 1/100 scale. For building drop tanks I always use separate connecting tabs and always burnish the pieces to give them shape on a white eraser with a burnishing tool. For the end pieces I sometimes don't use a connecting strip and just butt glue the piece. The drop tanks are small so they will never be perfect.

I hope this helps,

Brent

**airdave** · #5 07-28-2022, 06:03 PM

at my store Paper Model Shop Home
in the EXTRAS section
are some free drop tanks designed for my P47 kits.
they are 1/33 scale, but easily downscaled when printing.
maybe they are of some use to you.

**Isaac** · #6 07-28-2022, 09:49 PM

For such tiny parts, I would use small diameter wood dowel, turn it on a rotary tool and sand to shape. Then paint them or laminate them with very thin paper from your kit.

Isaac

**YOAVHOZMI** · #7 07-28-2022, 10:41 PM

very beautiful

YOAV

**wardebest** · #8 07-29-2022, 08:00 AM

Thanks everyone, this is all great advice. I will post a pic if and when I get it right!

**lfuente** · #9 07-29-2022, 09:54 PM

There's the paper bead technique where you roll up strips of paper. A rectangle gets you a square shape, a circle or oval gets you something closer to a drop tank. Probably best done with thin paper.

**CharlieC** · #10 07-30-2022, 12:03 AM

If I may add to the paper bead suggestion ...

Once the bead/shape is formed from rolling up a piece of paper there's a staircase effect from the thickness of the paper. A coat of sanding sealer will soak into the paper and allow the shape to be sanded to a smooth finish.

Regards,

Charlie