Using magnets to make a floating model

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**nectarprime**

Like in this picture, magnets can be used to make things float, if they are arranged correctly:

Has anyone ever done something like this with a Warhammer model?

**Enzephalon**

nectarprime wrote:Like in this picture, magnets can be used to make things float, if they are arranged correctly:

Has anyone ever done something like this with a Warhammer model?

I highly doubt that this would work.
First... Most of these things have to be plugged in because they have electrical magnets inside. Rare earth magnets will not do the job.
Second... Warhammer models are not spherical. Would be a royal PITA to balance them properly.

**Nimbosa**

Agreed - in the end you'd probably have to tether your model to something to keep it from drifting.

**Kirbinator**

Though, a floating Wave Serpent or Monolith would be pretty awesome.

**LunaHound**

A model will never float the same way a sphere does.
FIrst we have a center of gravity , but that also shifts depending what angle its on ( Unlike sphere everything is always the same )

The most you can hope for is, attaching a string on it so its "tethered" yet it still actually hovers over the magnet ( maybe it'll fly / spin around in circles too by itself lol... )

**Grass4hopper**

Posted by Blazinghand over on 40konline.com
Here's how you'd do it:

The Black Rectangle is your base.
The Grey Rectangle is your floating model.
The Light Blue Rectangles on the base are magnets with N pointing UPWARDS.
The Light Blue Rectangle on the model is mounted just above the model's center of gravity. It has N pointing DOWNWARDS.
The Grey Line is twine or string tied to the bottom of your model, just below its center of gravity, and also tied to the base equidistant from the two magnets.

There should also be two more magnets on the base, one towards us, and the other away from us, forming the corners of a square.

Here's how this works: The magnets repel, and are strong enough that they push the model upwards. If the model starts to tilt, the force of gravity pulls the center of mass down to keep it below the magnet, so the model will stay upright. If the model starts to fall to one side, the proximity between the magnet on the model and the magnet it's falling towards will increase, pushing the model back up towards the middle again.

With sufficiently strong magnets, this creates a stable equilibrium with a floating model.

This method seem like it has the best chance of achieving the results you're looking for. All credit goes to Blazinghand over on 40konline.com

**Smacks**

Actually I've seen videos of the picture the OP posted of the globe, the globe actually comes apart and has a tray inside of it which can be used to display things, certainly it would work for a miniature, that was one of the first things I thought of when I saw it. It needs to be plugged in though.

Someone could defiantly make some awesome floating scenery game tables by modding those globes.

EDIT: Link to video of a floating ornament...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPpJmtmXiFI

**poda_t**

The base the model floats on, would have to be weighted, so that the model's own weight becomes negligible, then you'd need a massive base that accommodates the number of magnets that would keep the thing afloat.....

I think this would be cool, but incredibly hard to do.

**Doomthumbs**

Go to a magic store, and bring a model.
There will most likely be an effect you can buy that will support your model.

Hell, I saw one in Walgreens, part of a Chris Angel Mindfreak beginner magic set.

The only real downside is see is that it will need to be a relatively small model with a relatively huge base to accomodate it.

**Guis**

Using just permanent magnets on a free floating model? It's impossible, see Earmshaw's theorem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earnshaw%27s_theorem). The easiest way to do it would be with a large scenic base containing battery powered electromagnet. Thethering will also work if you set it up correctly although how much cooler this would be instead of placing the model on a spring I'm not sure. I don't believe you could get a strong enough diamagnet to support a model.

**greenskin lynn**

i remember seeing someone "float" a menoth model a few years back on the pp forum, but from what i recall, it was apparently a pain to pull off, and it had to be tethered

**Doomthumbs**

Google floating top.... acually, here

http://www.innovatoys.com/p/levg25

That right there is what you want. Cut that stupid looking angel right off the top and put your model on the base.
Another, cheaper one here:
http://www.fascinations.com/product/levitronomega.aspx

Make sure its a balanced model though, or it will tip and then go shooting off to a side. Its also not cheap unless you get the $10 chris angel one, or similar from a magic store. The base is also going to be huge. Whether or not its too big to justify a floating model (which will need to be very basic, made of plastic, and balanced) is up to you and your opponent.

**Yggdrasil**

A floating Tzeentch Disc Rider??

That would be too awesome to be real...

**Miraclefish**

Doomthumbs wrote:Google floating top.... acually, here

http://www.innovatoys.com/p/levg25

That right there is what you want. Cut that stupid looking angel right off the top and put your model on the base.
Another, cheaper one here:
http://www.fascinations.com/product/levitronomega.aspx

Make sure its a balanced model though, or it will tip and then go shooting off to a side. Its also not cheap unless you get the $10 chris angel one, or similar from a magic store. The base is also going to be huge. Whether or not its too big to justify a floating model (which will need to be very basic, made of plastic, and balanced) is up to you and your opponent.

The second one has to be spun up by hand. As soon as the speed slows down due to air resistance, it flies off and bounces under the table. Trust me.