I did a pretty stupid move today and messed up a clear section of plastic used in a Tamiya motorcycle kit from the 1980s. I really want to finish this model as it is a bike my mum owns.
It has a double curvature and I'm wondering if it was possible to re mould a copy. Would anyone on here have any suggestions please ?
thanks
Is it possible to mould clear plastic
-
rob_van_riel
- Modelling Gent and Scholar
- Posts: 3325
- Joined: November 4th, 2012, 11:28 am
- Location: The Netherlands
- Contact:
Re: Is it possible to mould clear plastic
Many here use 'crash moulding' in some form, that is, stretching heated, clear plastic over the original part or some other mould. I could never get the hang of that, so I won't go into details.
An alternative (assuming the part is thick enough) would be to make a mould from silicone rubber using the original part as a master, and then casting the replacement from clear PU resin. I had some success with this, but depending on your level of experience with making silicone moulds and casting PU it would be tricky, or extremely hard without getting the basics of this technique down first.
Sometimes there are also after market replacements available (some problems go away if you throw money at them... ); you could check on www.scalemates.com.
-
JamesPerrin
- Looks like his avatar
- Posts: 13695
- Joined: April 5th, 2011, 8:09 pm
- Location: W. Yorkshire
- Contact:
Re: Is it possible to mould clear plastic
Also consider whether it’s possible to sand out the error and then polish the plastic. You can then dip in a clear varnish like Humbrol’s Decalfix.
Classic British Kits SIG Leader Better to fettle than to fill
(2024 A:B 5:2) (2023 13:8:7) (2022 21:11) (2021 15:8) (2020 8:4:4)
(2024 A:B 5:2) (2023 13:8:7) (2022 21:11) (2021 15:8) (2020 8:4:4)
-
beany
- Fat git, glasses, goatie - Avoid!
- Posts: 4334
- Joined: April 6th, 2011, 11:05 am
- Location: Chellaston, Derby
Re: Is it possible to mould clear plastic
It would really help if you could post a photo of the part you are talking about or even the kit name and scale to give us more of an idea of how to help.
Cheers, Al.
2024 Acquired: 9 Built: 1
Re: Is it possible to mould clear plastic
Sorry for not getting back on this.
It was for a fairlly Rare Tamiya kit of a motorcycle - a Honda VT250f V TWIN. I ended up cutting some clear plastic and moulding it with boiling water. I got it to fit albeit not very well. thank you for all the suggestions. I may have another go at improving it.
It was for a fairlly Rare Tamiya kit of a motorcycle - a Honda VT250f V TWIN. I ended up cutting some clear plastic and moulding it with boiling water. I got it to fit albeit not very well. thank you for all the suggestions. I may have another go at improving it.