Need Help Magnetizing Models

[Rurouni Benshin]

Hi guys,

I've been thinking about magnetizing a few of my models, vehicles specifically, to make them a little more versatile when using them, such as converting a Rhino into a Razorback when needed.

Where can I find the magnets to use for them, and how would you suggest I glue them on?  Would GW Superglue do the trick, or is there something else that works better?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[Captain Bryan!]

you dont need magnets to turn a rhino into a razorback, all i do is switch the top hatch to the turret hatch.

[jhobin]

Superglue works fine. I would suggest using carpet tacks along with the magnets. I've magnatized a couple tanks and battlesuits. The carpet tacks are great when you don't have a lot of room.

It can get a little tricky using magnets best advice I can give is just like everything else in life think it out before you do it  

I bought my magnets over 3 years ago this is the site I used;

http://www.forcefieldmagnets.com/catalog/

I think this is the size I got as well;
NdFeB Disc, 1/4 in. x 1/16 in.

As a side note there is a good article on BOLS for razorbacks/rhino;

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2009/12/hobby-magnetic-predatorrhino.html

[Rurouni Benshin]

Thanks a lot, guys! 

Bryan, I was only using that as an example.  I know the turret's the only difference between the two, but in the case of adding say, a dozer blade, I'd probably have to magnetize something to get that piece to be interchangeable.

Thanks again!

[Rurouni Benshin]

So I had my first experiment with magnetizing the dozer blade and some other weapons, and they worked out very well.  Except I've got one question now:

Do you find it easier magnetizing them before or after painting the model?  When I tried this, I had already painted it, and though it took awhile to get the hang of it, I noticed that when I glued them to a painted part of the model, it didn't stick as well as it did to an unpainted part.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this experience with magnetizing.  Thanks!

[Logan007]

no, I don't glue the magnet after I paint the model, I want the magnet to have a very strong bond to the plastic/pewter model.

I've also tried to be clever about the whole thing (magnetize the underside, inside, etc) so that neither side has to be painted and the whole thing is obstructed by the rest of the model during casual viewing/gameplay.

[Rurouni Benshin]

Thanks, Mike.  I'll keep that in mind.

You coming to the Megabattle this year?  I didn't see you on the Order Roster.  So unless you've defected....   

[Captain Bryan!]

he defected

[Logan007]

he defected

Actually, I both defected and defecated on team order! Mwuahahaha

Now I just have to defenestrate team order....

[jhobin]

I think it can depend on the size of the magnets and wether you are using 2 magnets or 1 and a carpet tack.

Mine is a personal preference but I assemble first with magnet attached, prime, then paint. I find the paint hides the magenet well and I have never noticed a loss in strength of magnatism.

[Logan007]

I think it can depend on the size of the magnets and wether you are using 2 magnets or 1 and a carpet tack.

Mine is a personal preference but I assemble first with magnet attached, prime, then paint. I find the paint hides the magenet well and I have never noticed a loss in strength of magnatism.

The carpet tack is a great idea.

Generally, I worry about a layer of paint between the magnet and the model because the magnets I use are pretty strong and tend to pull each other so hard one of them becomes unbound from the model.

[jhobin]

Generally, I've been using magnet on magnet action for vehicles only  , Usually the magnet/tacks work best for infantry and small model's.

I have run into a similiar issue as you Logan, I have a conversion for a heavy weapon team based off the old school tarantula where one weapon side is magnitzed with 2 magnets because one of the weapons is pewter which a tack would be useless. I've had the magnets come off. I'm gonna try using some green stuff around the magnet this weekend to see if it will lock it in place better