I am trying to model a building on my layout to look like a secret NSA installation (at my son’s request) and I am trying to find satelite dishes, both small and large, to detail the building with. Ultimately I would like to find both large and small versions for both the roof and something ground based next to the building. Any ideas where to find? thanks in advance
Captwilb
Plastruct sells domes in various sizes. The ellipical ones would model a good microwave dish.
No picture, but Walthers lists one: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/729-90142. This is truck roof mounted
The ends of plastic Easter eggs.
I had not seen the truck, I will check that out thanks. I am not too confident I can scratch build a large one to mount next to the building or even a small one for roof but I appreciate the ideas. I saw am Ngineering listing on walthers but there is no picture so not sure how good it is
Some liquids, sorry I can’t think of any particular brands at the moment, ----- my wife says cream and Lactaid in cardboard 1/2 gal containers have them ----- have a small, round, dish shaped plastic safety seal that are pulled out by a plastic ring. I think some juice drinks in boxes may have them too. They might need a little trimming, but could do well as a stand in.
Good luck,
Richard
Took me a while to find it, but if you want a large satellite receiver/transmitter, here’s what you need: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-New-Heljan-Plastic-Model-Kit-Satellite-Radio-Station-HO-scale-1701-/301080962786
Was $9.98 at Walthers, but is sold out. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/322-1701
You might be able to use the concave bottoms of old spray paint cans.
Or you might be able to use them to make the dishes from epoxy spread in the bottoms. You would have to use something to keep the epoxy from sticking to them.
If it was really ‘secret’ I don’t think they would have visible antennas on the roof.
My son’s one idea for the layout was a CIA type building and in his imagination there are antennas. …
Most major NSA listening posts are rather obvious in terms of structures – just not much signage.[;)]
Open dish type antennas are actually one of the less common ones seen. Most are enclosed within a rounded dome structure. Part of that is weather protection, but a lot is the fact that much can be determined from the size and other characteristics of the antenna about what frequencies/services are of interest. So the dome is there to help keep things secret. Don’t know if that’s persuasive to a kid, but seems to work for the NSA.
Here’s a pic of the Menwith Hill stattion in the UK:
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Menwith_Hill
A ping-pong ball could serve as the dome for these sorts of buildings.
The other obvious mark of a major NSA site, as well as some operated by the Air Force or Navy, is the Wullenweber array. Sometimes called an “elephant cage” because it’s basically a giant circular cage of poles and wiring, it’s used for direction finding on signals of interest. It is stationary, but steered electronically. Way too big for the average layout, it might be something that could be worked into the backdrop. Nothing says NSA like a Wullenweber[:O]
This is a pic of the Wullenweber array at Elemendorf AFB, Alaska:
The brand of orange juice we get, in a “paper” carton, has a very plausible white plastic dish-like piece that you have to pull away to get to the juice.
Dave Nelson
That’s some great background info. …I like the backdrop idea. The feedback is much appreciated
Go to Google, serach for “Wullenwebber array” then click on Images at the top of the first page of results. That will take you a a bunch of pictures of these massive antennas, some of which may be from a suitable angle to use for your particular backdrop needs.
Stretched plastic kit sprue can be used to make antennas a job best done out side the domestic authorities won’t like the smell of melted or burned plastic in the house.
Also Bachmann Branchline might not be avalable in US?? same company but English trains has a small dish for pay TV in its bits and pieces list and cctv cameras.
No self respecting secret organisation isn’t going to be watching its own front door cue your favorite spy movie or TV show theme music
I shall say zeez onse and only onse imagine very bad imitation french accent[;)][:D]
There are even posibilaties of perhaps a little animation of some sort with this idea.
regards John
In HO if you had a friend with some old hard contact lenses they have the perfect shape.
Coincidentally, the NY Times has a video of the old Berlin listening post, which is now a giant art installation. Lots of closeups of the building and domed antenna covers.
http://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000002678359/on-top-of-devils-mountain.html