Ever balanced a fuselage on a workbench only to have it slip and leave a huge dent? It happens to the best of us and worse, because the ugly ding won't fix itself, it either means extra work for a needless repair, or an ugly reminder of a moment's lapse in judgement.
Of course, experienced modelers could use plywood to make a custom unit, but it would still need to be painted. You could also opt for a flimsy unit made like a white styrofoam™ cooler. Thing is, both put you at the mercy of self-adhesive foam tape in the critical saddle area. And when (not if) the adhesive deteriorates in the heat, the result is brutal damage to the fuselage surface.
One company has created a revolutionary fuselage stand. You won't need to worry about saddle failure. And instead of heavy and bulky plywood (which need paint and maintenance), it's tough and durable because it's made of fiber-filled engineering-plastic. Instead of foam weatherstrip, a custom designed super soft silicone saddle (that mechanically snaps in place) offers real protection. Best of all, it won't break the bank!
As you know, experienced modelers find a fuselage stand an indispensable workshop accessory. Lazy competitors use cheap off-shore labor to make a knockoff offering pre-painted plywood units (some rivaling the quality of a stand made by craftsman). But all suffer the same design defect because they depend on foam tape intended for home weatherstripping in the vulnerable saddle area. Sadly, the stuff works for a while, you even come to depend on it, when suddenly it fails and the saddle edge leaves scars on your beautiful model.
WHAT IS IT?
The good news is ProModeler put their engineers on the job to create a better mousetrap because as we all know, experience administers the test before teaching the lesson. With decades of plastic molding experience, ProModeler engineers successfully defined the design parameters and the execution was easy. Basically, they knew exactly what modelers needed and wanted in a fuselage stand because they're modelers too.
First, it had to be durable. Second, it had to hold the model securely. Third, crappy foam tape for the saddle wouldn't cut the mustard. Fourth, making it adjustable would be great because one size doesn't fit all. And fifth, if the design could also accommodate wing panels, it would accomplish what no other stand on the market had done. This would be the cat's meow!
HOW DID THEY DO IT?
Addressing durability was easy. They designed it using a modern CAD system (computer aided design). Next, they injection molded it of uber-tough glass-filled DuPont Zytel - like that used for Smith & Wesson handgun frames. This means it's light, impact resistant, and never needs painting.
Also, instead of a Mickey Mouse saddle material like foam weatherstripping, they engineered a custom designed mold for a protective saddle system based on super soft silicone (similar to that used in fuel tubing) because it's grippy and so soft and forgiving it won't damage a surface. Plus it won't won't decompose in heat or sunlight like adhesive weatherstripping - ever! By designing a mechanical locking system the saddle dependably stays in place. And while they were at it, because a little bit of adjustment can be useful to clear a canopy, they incorporated a slide assembly to give a few inches of adjustable. Using grade 12.9 Allen head machine bolts plus nylon-locking nuts it'll hold position. Last, they design a v-groove into the side frames so resulting in a stand versatile enough to hold wing panels upright - a very innovative feature providing a unique benefit if you ever need to adjust an aileron linkage, or work on retractable landing gear!
Basically, ProModeler's remit was to create the best fuselage stand in the world. Nothing less would do. They succeeded and we hope you'll agree because dings and dents are a thing of the past.
EXCELLENT DESIGN - ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!
Experienced modelers use stands all the time. This one is tough, lightweight, never needs painting, assembles easily, has non-slip silicone saddles that won't fail like adhesive backed foam so it protects your valuable model against needless damage. You may want several. One or two in the workshop are perfect for leaving a model on charge. At the field, use one for assembly of wing to fuselage. And for maintenance and repairs, you have the perfect tool for holding your model securely while you inspect for hidden damage (like a servo rail breaking loose from a hard landing).