GHQ Models Forums

Is there anyone that uses power lines in their simulations or dioramas? I've tried to find some Z-scale high tension power line towers ( the big metal 100ft suckers) for my terrain board. The best I can find is some small telephone poles and a cellular tower from Marklin. I'm sure that might seem alittle too detailed but I'm not going for a gaming board, its a training board for aircrew. Powerlines are a big threat at low altitude and I need something realistic to represent them on the table. If anyone knows where to find them or how to make them (cheaply) I'd appreciate the help.

High tension line towers I had to make myself. They do make Z-scale RR telephone poles.

Skypig - Have you checked local model railroad shops for Plastruc (spelling?) plastic parts? They are one of two companies that make scale accessories for model railroads. I can't remember the name of the other company off the top of my head. Anyway, they made various I-beams, H-beams, and other structural items in HO scale. There might be some girders that could give you a start.
Good luck on your project.
Groundlber

Skypig,

Following up on groundlber's note -- the "other company" he refers to is Evergreen. Both Evergreen and Plastruct make "structural shapes" in various sizes and shapes; Plastruct also makes them in two different materials, styrene (white) and ABS (darker gray).

I "know" building high tension towers in such a small scale can be done... but I would imagine it would take quite a bit of time and effort, due to the number of pieces of bracing and cross-bracing, etc. The "real thing" is strong enough to do the job... but have you ever seen pictures of what a tornado will do to a high-tension tower? I would guess that our relatively-oversized hands could have about a drastic effect on a scale model as a "real" tornado would have on a "real" tower!!

One other potential building medium -- photo-etched brass. I know this has been discussed before here on the Forum, don't recall the specifics... Micro-Mark (click on the name for a link) used to carry photo-etch supplies and "home kits". Don't know if they still do, but it might be worth a look.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Tom Stockton

the other company that produces micro armor has telephone poles in their offering. ping me if I may help.

The basic lower section of the tower was obtained from Walther's catalogue. The upper portion and the arms were made from sheet clear plastic. The structure was scribed and painted onto the plastic to save time initially, but it worked so well I just left it that way...



Powerplant and dam are by Leva. Lights and free standing tanks are from Walther's "Z" scale catalogue. Fence is scribed plastic, which looks very much like chain link... GHQ's long shed completed the picture.

Will

Scale link do etched pylons, but the scale is a bit off - the dockside crane main structures might be better?

http://www.scalelink.co.uk/acatalog/Arc ... hture.html

Hope it helps
Matt