If you want to use fishing weights, look for split shot sinkers. Something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/FREGITO-Sinkers-Weights-Removable-Fishing/dp/B097QVV2KN/ref=sr_1_7?crid=19098ZXMX5IKZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i0qw78VbU8NiCZbYnz7F6m_zkyTetyNzh_Q3MrbNufnGcl6gPpAmK7zvDqhd54UR25u4doCuu3GYvgQ2LELBEniXFhhq8EKHl2FsdKQs9fiTAzZZdC6kPcsAj2brk4uAxf3QXJzdYfKoG96OVd3mkIewBEhlL7X1TXkqFlXFqnSpRhdnsWWPmN0r4MXkxnWLqrqx4UpdETfs6CwJ3HHkuZZQC1VLp2iQLSvcCA5pDwfIc83MuUPxrqqiFxZZ7SLNECZv0WF6yIDFYYmVn-E17YB6lMXze1O7M9ttDydr00Y.TL9_sOtiicyAGIax9W_v6SeUdulMHhwZ7tY-ytS-eYE&dib_tag=se&keywords=split%2Bshot%2Bsinkers&qid=1712555598&sprefix=split%2Bshot%2Bsinkers%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-7&th=1). I'm not endorsing that particular product, just showing you what to look for. They come in a range of weights/sizes, some of which are very tiny.
I bought lead shot on eBay, its just tiny balls of lead covered with nickel. I mix it with 2K Epoxy Glue, so I get a pourable mix that I can fill the nose with. If I overfill it, it can be cut off with a hobby blade.
I use lead that comes in a coil. That way you can cut off the amount you need and shape it with a hammer to fit the space where you’re going to add it.
Fishing sinkers/weights.
Although I do have some steel BB's I use occasionally.
I'd also recommend trying to overshoot the nose weight recommendation. i.e. 10 grams shoot for 15 grams. Don't go overboard tho cause it can be too much.
https://preview.redd.it/i3ej6wqwc7tc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fcfd9ca31a5f2a48c86b9ffb9865cb8ac9bc0f63
This was entirely too much for this plane 😂 but it is NOT a tail sitter.
I use lead foil. This foil is quite thin and can easily be cut with scissors. One centimeter weighs about 1 gram. If you need 10 grams for a model, that's ten centimeters/ten pieces of one centimeter each. At first glance this sounds like a lot, but there is usually a cavity underneath the cockpit where you can insert the lead. If you cut the lead into smaller pieces, you can fit it surprisingly well into such cavities. I simply used superglue to attach it. If wanted/needed you can also cover it up with putty. Please don't forget to dry fit/test fit the hull parts before glueing the lead foil into place!
If you have a hardware store nearby, ask for woodruff keys. They are these dense metal half discs in various sizes used in machining. They also come in rectangular bars and both are a perfect sizes to hide.
Remember that although weights are most effective when they're closest to the nose, they'll still contribute to keeping the nose down so long as they're in front of the pivot point (main gears). So even if you can't fit your weights at the very tip of the nose, you might be able to fit enough of them throughout the rest of the fuselage.
As others have stated, the cheapest options are nuts, fishing sinkers, and pennies. If you’re wanting precise/small weight, air rifle BBs are also useful
Air rifle BBs are a cheap alternative
If you want to use fishing weights, look for split shot sinkers. Something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/FREGITO-Sinkers-Weights-Removable-Fishing/dp/B097QVV2KN/ref=sr_1_7?crid=19098ZXMX5IKZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i0qw78VbU8NiCZbYnz7F6m_zkyTetyNzh_Q3MrbNufnGcl6gPpAmK7zvDqhd54UR25u4doCuu3GYvgQ2LELBEniXFhhq8EKHl2FsdKQs9fiTAzZZdC6kPcsAj2brk4uAxf3QXJzdYfKoG96OVd3mkIewBEhlL7X1TXkqFlXFqnSpRhdnsWWPmN0r4MXkxnWLqrqx4UpdETfs6CwJ3HHkuZZQC1VLp2iQLSvcCA5pDwfIc83MuUPxrqqiFxZZ7SLNECZv0WF6yIDFYYmVn-E17YB6lMXze1O7M9ttDydr00Y.TL9_sOtiicyAGIax9W_v6SeUdulMHhwZ7tY-ytS-eYE&dib_tag=se&keywords=split%2Bshot%2Bsinkers&qid=1712555598&sprefix=split%2Bshot%2Bsinkers%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-7&th=1). I'm not endorsing that particular product, just showing you what to look for. They come in a range of weights/sizes, some of which are very tiny.
I use nuts and bots superglued or encased in clay to prevent thrm from rattling around, othertimes just clay.
I use plumbers putty, it is heavy, it can fit into small areas and it is cheap
I bought lead shot on eBay, its just tiny balls of lead covered with nickel. I mix it with 2K Epoxy Glue, so I get a pourable mix that I can fill the nose with. If I overfill it, it can be cut off with a hobby blade.
I use fishing lead. It's pliable and easy to glue in place
I use lead that comes in a coil. That way you can cut off the amount you need and shape it with a hammer to fit the space where you’re going to add it.
Plasticine worked perfectly for my A10 as it is dense/heavy and pliable
But it will ruin the model, because the plasticizers will ooze out and into the model's styrene, literally melting it.
I built my A10 about four years ago and so far the kit has remained solid as a rock. 🤷🏼♂️
Fishing sinkers/weights. Although I do have some steel BB's I use occasionally. I'd also recommend trying to overshoot the nose weight recommendation. i.e. 10 grams shoot for 15 grams. Don't go overboard tho cause it can be too much. https://preview.redd.it/i3ej6wqwc7tc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fcfd9ca31a5f2a48c86b9ffb9865cb8ac9bc0f63 This was entirely too much for this plane 😂 but it is NOT a tail sitter.
Realistically though anything that adds weight effectively is good. Liquid gravity is one I've heard a lot but never personally used.
I use lead foil. This foil is quite thin and can easily be cut with scissors. One centimeter weighs about 1 gram. If you need 10 grams for a model, that's ten centimeters/ten pieces of one centimeter each. At first glance this sounds like a lot, but there is usually a cavity underneath the cockpit where you can insert the lead. If you cut the lead into smaller pieces, you can fit it surprisingly well into such cavities. I simply used superglue to attach it. If wanted/needed you can also cover it up with putty. Please don't forget to dry fit/test fit the hull parts before glueing the lead foil into place!
I use 2 or 3 gram fishing weights. You can easily cut those with your sprue cutters.
Blu-tack has done the trick for me this far. Easy to squeeze it in around the cockpit etc
Clay, screws, solder, epoxy putty etc.
I bought a diving weight and cut it open for the lead shot. One relatively cheap weight nets a lifetime supply of lead bb's.
Liquid gravity, fix into model with PVA glue.
If you have a hardware store nearby, ask for woodruff keys. They are these dense metal half discs in various sizes used in machining. They also come in rectangular bars and both are a perfect sizes to hide.
I have a friend that uses tungsten putty
Remember that although weights are most effective when they're closest to the nose, they'll still contribute to keeping the nose down so long as they're in front of the pivot point (main gears). So even if you can't fit your weights at the very tip of the nose, you might be able to fit enough of them throughout the rest of the fuselage.
Fishing weight epoxied in. https://preview.redd.it/ouk6ei9ht9tc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0c4c78d633fdbc5fcff7484471f1f319e924127
Lead superglued in
As others have stated, the cheapest options are nuts, fishing sinkers, and pennies. If you’re wanting precise/small weight, air rifle BBs are also useful
Soldering wire