"1/285 A-4 Skyhawk Refueling Probes" Topic

I'm finally getting around to working on some 1/285 Raiden models I bought some time ago. I have four A-4 Skyhawks, which are cast with very delicate refueling probes. Two of the models are missing the probes, and I'm tempted to remove them from the other two as well since they won't likely last long in a game. I thought about trying to replace them with thin brass rod but that seems like a lot of bother for such small models. Has anyone replaced the cast probes with another material, and if so, was it worth the hassle?

Svsavory
I had the same problems a few years back.I used some very think wire that I cut and dent. After sanding the models I glued on the wire and they look great. I feel it was worth the effort. It might always bug you if you don't add them. I know it would have me.
Dennis

I've used tooth brush, or those nylon black broom bristles as replacements for my smaller minis (tooth brush for them, since they are 1/600th scale).

They work well, and flex if you bump them, which is a plus in the durability requirement.

They also look quite good, adding a bit to the overall finish of those aircraft that need them.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm sure they both look great. I tried some thin wire without much success. For now I'm just going to paint them without the probes. I can always try to add them later if I get ambitious.