Thanks to Piotr at Master models for providing these incredible “Nano-size” static dischargers to improve our models, and thanks to IPMS Reviewer Corps leaders for sending this my way!

What is in the packet: an instruction sheet, and 14 microscopic jewelery-quality Static dischargers used on modern Sukhoi jets (Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, Su-34 and others). These are the newer, shorter versions; longer versions for early Sukhoi aircraft are available from Master under set 48-088.

Quick history of the “Why are these here” on Static Dischargers. Static dischargers are just that; on most aircraft they are installed to facilitate static electrical discharge from the airframe, generated when the aircraft moves un-grounded through the fluid mass called air, In the old days they were just called static wicks, because they tended to be a section of small cable attached to the metal airframe trailing edges. More modern versions are specialized plastic and metal items, designed to optimize discharge without being blown off the aircraft.

Static electricity builds up, and creates noise and interference on the radios; in case of an airborne lightning strike (actually very common), the dischargers sometimes act to “wick away” the stroke leader, minimizing structural damage to the aircraft. This is especially important on newer carbon-fiber (CF, or “composite”) structure aircraft, as CF does not transfer electrical charges very well, which can lead to serious structural damage when the charges dissipate. On to models…

Static dischargers are frequently molded on our models. And we modelers, being who we are, frequently break them off during construction. I personally remove them and install replacements or the kit items at the end of the build. Sometimes I won’t even bother; they are just fragile or are just way out of scale. Here is where Master’s turned metal items shine…

First, these little jewels actually warrant investment in magnifiers for installation. I don’t have them, and as I look at the photographs I can see I am well off in how well I did my job. BUT, you as readers benefit once again from the reviewer’s example… Second, I wonder at how these were made. No pour gates, no flashing, just excellent machine work.

When I received this packet I basically had a “oh man” moment… because these dudes are less than one millimeter long. I knew the CAD pictures I had seen, along with the professional-quality photos of the dischargers, really did show detail. And now that I have them installed, I noted the following:

They are detailed as the full size item, including having the bell-discharger tips HOLLOW.

The different circumferential diameters of the actual item are duplicated.

Did I mention these are exact copies of the actual items?

Dilemma: how to install these little suckers. Dual dilemma: How to install using superglue? Triple Dilemma: How to get the part moved around, installed, and in line, while fully being attached to the airframe.

Here’s what I did: First, isolate and remove one discharger on a white card. I usually cut a slit in the package to prevent them all from escaping, then tape the package closed. Next, I cut a recess (per the instructions) in the flight surface trailing edge where the dischargers were supposed to go. Then I used a toothpick and put a drop of CA glue I the recess. Next, wet a finger, touch to the discharger, lift off the card (because if you try to tweeze off the card, it can fly away), then carefully grasp with fine nose tweezers. Touch the base of the discharger to the model on the superglue, hold for a minute, then carefully release.

At this point, if you have not twanged the discharger into the stratosphere or the carpet (or your eye, you ARE wearing protection, correct?), the battle is mostly won. Use a #11 blade to tease the part into correct position, then mist with accelerator.

Things for the next time and notes for readers: Do not make the installation recess too big. A small knife cut or micro-saw pass will suffice to hold the item. Otherwise you get to play putty games, which are awful in this size.

Full marks once again to Master Model for an excellent product; thanks again for providing this item to IPMS USA!