Estes Black Brant II Kit #1958 Build, Part 9, Antennas

It looks like the Black Brant II will be returning as a kit. It is listed in the new 2019 Estes catalog. The catalog picture doesn't show the antennas, they may not be in the new version of the kit.

The antennas were disappointing. You are supplied with three wood toothpicks. These aren't recessed into the body tube, they are simply glued on the body tube. Only the wider end of the toothpick makes contact with the body.

I know why this was done, a sharp wire wouldn't be safe. That end glued toothpick wouldn't stay on the model for long.
TRIVIA: The original Estes Sandhawk gave you a choice of plastic or wire antennas.

I decided to make soft soft wire antennas from paper clips.

First, the three antenna locations are marked 1/4" from the bottom of the antenna body tube section. (This body tube segment is upside down.)

I don't like using a #11 blade to drill a small hole but it's sometimes the easiest way to go.



I used the full size drawing on the instructions to get the length and angle.


Use flat pliers to straighten out the round bend of the paper clip. The hardest part is getting the wire straight.




The coupler will help hold the antennas in the body tube segment.

TIP: Before sliding in the red coupler, sand and roll over the edge on both sides. This helps prevent any roll and lifting of the inside BT-55 tube seams.