Olde-style wheels for olde-style planes.

Old-style wheels to go with your old-style planes.

I wanted to improve the look of some wheels I had, and came up with this quick mod.

First mark out the spoke positions and the inner diameter of the wheel rim on a scrap of foamboard.

Next cut out the circle of foam board.

Following the lines you drew, carefully remove slots for the spokes to sit-in.

I used dividers (the ones with two metal points) to pick up the radius of the wheel inner.

I then used the dividers to scribe a cut in some suitable card – this is stiff photographic paper. I found it easiest to keep the dividers in one place and turn the paper. Steady, gentle pressure, and the divider end will score and cut the paper. Or you could just draw the circle and use scissors – but this method can produce a very neat outline.

Almost there!

Not the neatest I’ve managed, but you get the idea.

Glue the foam board onto the wheel – this is foam-safe CA.

Cut the centre of the paper disc so that it fits over your axle spigot, (that’s the bit sticking up in the middle), and glue it in place. I used the CA again. That’s it – finished!

I did wonder about printing up some wheel detail on the photographic paper before cutting it out – but maybe that’s going too far?

Why not just glue on two flat discs - one either side? This way the paper is glued very firmly to the foam pad, with lots of contact area. Even if the spokes come loose from the foam board, the little assembly will stay put.

Cheers, alibopo.