Window material

[AceSeafire]

I am just in the process of building a revell dambuster lancaster and am cutting out all the windows.

Just wondered whether anyone had any good tips for what to use as the window itself? I was thinking perhaps overhead projector sheet or similar but not sure if that might be too thin?

Thanks

[bluesteel]

I am just in the process of building a revell dambuster lancaster and am cutting out all the windows.

Just wondered whether anyone had any good tips for what to use as the window itself? I was thinking perhaps overhead projector sheet or similar but not sure if that might be too thin?

Thanks

For all those small side windows I'd use Krystal Kleer or some other similar liquid glazing. Very easy to use for most smaller windows.

[AndrewR]

OHP film works well. I often use it for windscreens in soft-skinned vehicles. Most thin transparent material in packaging works well too.

Cheers

Andrew

[AceSeafire]

Thanks guys. I looked into the Krystal and decided to try out some of my daughters pva glue instead as it seemed essentially the same thing......it has worked but the windows have wrinkled slightly. Not sure if it was the glue at fault or me!! Looks ok though.

Might try adding more glue to see if I can get the wrinkles out

[AndrewR]

Thanks guys. I looked into the Krystal and decided to try out some of my daughters pva glue instead as it seemed essentially the same thing......it has worked but the windows have wrinkled slightly. Not sure if it was the glue at fault or me!! Looks ok though.

Might try adding more glue to see if I can get the wrinkles out

There are lots of different formulations of PVA glue, and I think the Krystal Kleer is better for forming the thin windows than the general purpose glue.

I've just made the windscreen for my Swordfish from three slivers of acetate packing material, and stuck them together with white glue.

Cheers


Andrew

[carlos]

I've also used laminating pockets to good effect on paper-models.
Just run an empty pocket through the laminator, and Presto!.... An A4 sheet of clear window material.

[jssel]

If you can not find Krystal Clear try the newer Testors clear cement. It is like a refined PVA and drys very clear.

I have also used the clear tops off greeting card boxes.

[Stevekir]

I am just in the process of building a revell dambuster lancaster and am cutting out all the windows.
Thanks

I will be starting the same kit in the early Summer (I assume it is the same: 04296, 1/72).

I have had a look at the fuselage and wonder why it would be necessary to "cut out all the windows". They are already cut out. That is, I can poke something through them. Because of the thinning of the plastic around the strips of windows, why can't a few strips of some transparent plastic be fitted inside?

[PaulBradley]

Be aware that for this type of application, PVA tends to dry out and fall apart in low humidity environments.

Of course, if you live in Britain, you will have no idea what I'm talking about...


My two-year-old Stirling looks as if the vandals have been at her.

[PaulBradley]

I have had a look at the fuselage and wonder why it would be necessary to "cut out all the windows". They are already cut out. That is, I can poke something through them. Because of the thinning of the plastic around the strips of windows, why can't a few strips of some transparent plastic be fitted inside?

The glass on the actual aircraft was (near as darn it) flush with the skin. If one was to stick a strip of plastic to the interior of the kit fuselage, it wouldn't be flush with the outside due to the thickness (however thin) of the fuselage plastic.

[Stevekir]

The glass on the actual aircraft was (near as darn it) flush with the skin. If one was to stick a strip of plastic to the interior of the kit fuselage, it wouldn't be flush with the outside due to the thickness (however thin) of the fuselage plastic.

My model shop demonstrated to me a while back a method of glazing windows which involved putting a dab of Humbrol Precision Poly Cement (in a yellow plastic bottle with a needle spout) in a corner of the window and dragging it to the far corner, which stretched out a thin film of clear cement. But perhaps it is too fragile for use near external surfaces.

BTW: Why did the Lanc have so many windows?