Fully Magnetized Predator 2! This time with tutorial!

[spikedog]

OK people after the good response I got from my magnetized Predator Tank thread and at the request of a few people I have decided to put up this simple tutorial as to how I did it all.

Now I have to say that with the other Predator I did these are the first models I have ever magnetized so be aware that although this is how I do it there may be a better way to go about it. Also before I start here are a couple of general tips for working with magnets that I wish someone had told me before I started:

1. Check the polarity of the magnets BEFORE glueing!
2. Dry fit them before glueing.
3. Make sure all areas are clean and free of dust, etc.
4. Use strong glue, these magnets are STRONG!
5. Try not to let the magnets touch as they will chip with repeated bashing.

These are the magnets I will be using in this tutorial. They are, 1/4" Dia x 1/16" and 1/8" Dia x 3/32" NdFeB Disc Magnet, Ni-Cu-Ni plated.



Anyway onto the tutorial!

Step 1:

First up clean all the mould lines from your tank and put it together to the following point.



Step 2:

Glue one of the larger magnets on the inside of both of the side doors, try to have both magnets the same polarity facing out so that the doors are interchangeable. between the sides just in case you need to.

Next up glue a small bit of sprue on the inside of the plain outside Rhino doors as seen below and glue magnets to this sprue and also to the inside of the sponson doors. The piece of sprue is to bring the magnet closer to the one on the inside of the tank as it will hold the door stronger.



Step 3:

Place 1 of the smaller magnets inside the hole where the pivot for the sponson weapon usually goes. You shouldn't need to re-size the hole as the magnet is exactly the same size, useful aye? The magnet should be pushed inside almost flush with the bottom of the sponson.

Cut the pivot pole thing that connects to the weapon just above the point that sticks out of the weapon and glue another of the smaller magnets on here.

Finally cut a small square of plasticard and cover the first magnets with it, this is to stop the magnets touching and eventually cracking from the repeated bashing. Also at this point you can glue the small view finder thing to the top of the sponson, mine don't move with the weapon like they usually would but I feel this is a small price to pay for being able to swap weapons.