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Has anyone seen instructions on how to magnetize a LRBT? I want to magnetize the sides sponsons (the whole sponson, not just the gun) and was wondering if anyone already had a good article on how to do this. I was thinking of putting something like aluminum in the empty space on the sponson, and a magnet on the inside of the hull/track piece.

Aluminum isn't magnetic.

Agamemnon2 wrote:Aluminum isn't magnetic.

i think he knows that. i believe he was using it to fill the empty spots inside the sponson. and using it won't cause it to pull on the magnet placed in/on the sponson.

here's how I did my baneblade, maybe this can help

http://kan.org/michael/mkp/ig_baneblade_magnetizing.php

Thanks Ifurita.

Aluminum was just an example. The idea is to use some type of lightweight "magnetic" metal, instead of two magnets. I'm surprised this hasn't been done before, since you have all those articles on the internet about magnetizing Preds/Rhinos/RBs. I figured there was a tutorial somewhere on the interwebs.

I'm sure it's been done before.

Thing is, it's usually just easier to use two magnets.

Actually obtaining "lightweight magnetic metal" can be pretty difficult in some parts of the world, and even if it is available it is often costly.

Also, a pair of magnets allows you to determine where the piece will stick, as opposed to sticking, say, the sponson to the side of the tank using a magnetic and metal.

Another reason people typically use two magnets is because while they are strong, a lot of magnets aren't strong enough to form a good bond if there is several mm of plastic in the way. With magnets, you can drill a hole and place the magnet flush with the part on each side.

I have seen tutorials where someone put a piece of sheet steel on the inside wall of the sponson and then a magnet to hold it. I chose to use magnets because there were pretty clear spots to place them where they would fit really well.

Well, sheet metal isn't a problem for me to get. I've got some of those rare earth magnets and hell if they aren't frakkin strong. I used them on a pred I magnetized, and one of the magnets came right out of the mount regardless of the how much superglue I used to secure it.

Two thoughts on that. 1. the drill bits I used are exactly the size of my disk magnets, which means the fit is quite snug. In fact, I have to ream out the hole just a little bit to get them in and if I'm not careful, they pop in and I can't get them out. 2. make sure you don't pick magnets that are TOO strong. Strong enough to hold, but easy enough to pull off when needed.

Ifurita wrote:Two thoughts on that. 1. the drill bits I used are exactly the size of my disk magnets, which means the fit is quite snug. In fact, I have to ream out the hole just a little bit to get them in and if I'm not careful, they pop in and I can't get them out. 2. make sure you don't pick magnets that are TOO strong. Strong enough to hold, but easy enough to pull off when needed.

I do it the same way, and if I find the pull is a little weak, I just toss another magnet in the hole.

Great suggestions! Here is what I am trying now, I've filled in the empty space on the sponson with sprue material and built it up enough so the magnets are almost at the edge. I then glue two magnets to the inside part of the track where the sponson would normally attach. So far it seems to work pretty well. Not too strong, not too weak. Will post pics tomorrow if I get a chance. If not then, then I'll do it Saturday. Weather permitting. Supposed to be getting a lot of snow in the next day or so.

In the future, you can also cut a piece of plasticard to match the backside of the sponson, which would glue on quite nicely.

But you have to leave space for the guides on the outside track hull. The idea behind this is so I can field a LRBT with or without the sponsons.

ah. I've never assembled one, so I am not familiar with how it goes together.

Check out near the bottom of this page for a LRBT with lots of magnets...

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/242270.page

Thanks Alpharius. Seen that done. What I'm referring to is the whole sponson. Weapon and the side thing that attaches to the side. I'll have pics up later of what I have done.


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Here are the images:





Not the best pictures, but I think ya'll can get the idea.

Oops! Sorry - that's what I get for not paying 100% full attention... :(

It's all good Alpharius. I don't think a lot of people were getting what I was saying at the beginning, but maybe the pics will help them understand.

Woo o_o

Well, come on, you don't always want the sponsons on the LRBT.

Yes its good o_o
IronHide , would you by any chance be interested in building / magnetizing some IG as commission?