Armorscale 1/35
US Antenna Mount (SRC 610 radio)

This item is typical of their range in 1/35; I have not seen the 1/72 and 1/48 scale offerings, but the 1/35 ones are very nice and relatively inexpensive for what the modeler gets.

This is one of the most miserable things to install on a model tank – the "whip" antenna base for the SCR-510/610 series radios. Other nations found out that solid whip antennas and trees are not a good combination, and thus put them in swivels for raising or lowering. The US Army, famous for "soldier-proofing" what it cannot protect, simply created spring-loaded bases with a stout cable running up through them and base-loading the antennas. The ones that came with most kits usually had a nasty seam or ejection pin mark on them, and thus were a bear to clean up. At best the modeler could make one from some rodding and Kadee HO scale model railroad coupler springs. These nicely done turned bases obviate the need to do that, and while non-operating (!) are very nice depictions of the originals.

Overall, this company appears to offer very good value for the money and should do well. Currently the American distributor is Chesapeake Model Designs, PO Box 393, Monkton, MD 21111 or check out their listing at http://www.chesapeakemodels.com

Thanks to Bill Miley for the review samples.