Scratch built 1/48 U.S. Navy Tow bars

Tools 'n' Tips Article by Scott Vomacka

 

 

I had bought a 1/48 Verlinden Tow Tractor set many years ago. In the set was a resin tow bar that looked reasonable to use. Today that tow bar looks like a boomerang. Warped beyond repair. So I decided to scratch build my own tow bars.

I used the Verlinden tow bar as a guide for the length and overall dimensions. Here is a list of what I used:

  • 2x .100" square rod. (3 inches long)
  • 2x .100" square rod. (1/2 inch long)
  • .010" plastic sheet.
  • 5 pins.
  • 1 small wire.
  • 1 short piece of thread.
The image below shows the general break down of the plastic parts used.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

Once I got the parts all measured and cut, it was not that hard to assemble. To attach the pieces, in order for them to move, I used the heads of pins pushed through holes that I drilled out. (The verlinden bar came in handy for this part) I also used pins in the ends to attach to the holes in the wheels on the model. (Make sure that you drill out these holes on the nose wheel hubs on the model.)

This was my first attempt at making tow bars and I think it turned out ok. If I make any more I think I will make them longer. But they look great when attached to the model.

Scott Vomacka

Photos and text © by Scott Vomacka