1/144 Airliner windows... suggestions?

[strobez]

So, I somehow seem to have added 3 airliners to my docket of 1/144 scale builds... a 747-200, a DC-10-30 and a fictional MB-14 (modified 767-300).  But, never having built any airliners before, one thing sticks out in my mind... the windows.  Since these are all WHIF builds, using the decals that came the kits isn't really an option. So I'm not sure what the best way to proceed is.  I'd prefer to keep them clear, but there seems to be several confusing options on the interweb... glue? resin? clear styrene bits?

Anyone have any suggestions?  I'm planning to try it out on the little DC-3 kit I just started (only 14 windows total) before I tackle a bigger one.

Thanks in advance guys!

[philp]

If the holes are present I would go with one of the many white glue type options.  You can add it after the body is painted and they do dry clear.

Migrant is doing a Ju86 and he replaced the side windows with some plastic from CD holders.  Then you mask off what is to stay a window and spray.  Bit too much effort for me but it looks nice on his build (of course).  Then there is always the decal option.  Depending on what you are doing you can cut and place them as needed.  I also prefer clear windows and will be using the canopy glue option on my Swiss He100 if I ever get those stripes painted.

[PR19_Kit]

The most common solution amongst the airliner modelling community is to use decals. Fill the holes in, paint the model in the scheme of your choice and use one of the many sets of specialised window and door decals to make it look as you wish.
In 1/144 scale it's very difficult to see that they're not 'real'.

It's also a lot easier to change the configuration of the doors and windows with decals, especially if you're Whiffing the model. See my 777-900 below, on which every single door and window was done by using decals, a LOT of decals! 



Try this page at Draw Decals to see the vast number that are available.

https://www.shopdrawdecal.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=1%3A144+windows&Submit=Search

[Knightflyer]

The most common solution amongst the airliner modelling community is to use decals. Fill the holes in, paint the model in the scheme of your choice and use one of the many sets of specialised window and door decals to make it look as you wish.
In 1/144 scale it's very difficult to see that they're not 'real'.

It's also a lot easier to change the configuration of the doors and windows with decals, especially if you're Whiffing the model. See my 777-900 below, on which every single door and window was done by using decals, a LOT of decals! 



Try this page at Draw Decals to see the vast number that are available.

https://www.shopdrawdecal.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=1%3A144+windows&Submit=Search

Any suggestions for 1/450 scale Boeing 747s! 

[PR19_Kit]

Any suggestions for 1/450 scale Boeing 747s! 

PM inbound.............

[Dizzyfugu]

For scales around 1:72 I have made very good experience with Humbrol's ClearFix stuff. The clear goo is a bit tricky to apply, though - I use a simple toothpick with a generous amount of the stuff sticking to it, and circle it around in the opening to create a pane. Works well with round and even square openings, but it becomes troublesome if the holes become bigger than ~6x6mm. The good thing is that you get very thin and transparent windows.

Your exotic 1:450 case is tricky, though. Personally, I'd either try to print decals at home, or simply use a (fresh) black felt tip pen, maybe masking the upper and lower edge of the window band on the model, and hope for the best. 

[Knightflyer]

For scales around 1:72 I have made very good experience with Humbrol's ClearFix stuff. The clear goo is a bit tricky to apply, though - I use a simple toothpick with a generous amount of the stuff sticking to it, and circle it around in the opening to create a pane. Works well with round and even square openings, but it becomes troublesome if the holes become bigger than ~6x6mm. The good thing is that you get very thin and transparent windows.

Your exotic 1:450 case is tricky, though. Personally, I'd either try to print decals at home, or simply use a (fresh) black felt tip pen, maybe masking the upper and lower edge of the window band on the model, and hope for the best. 

Kit / Dizzy - Thank-you both - the kit has windows imprinted/embossed on it, although they don't appear to bear any relation to the windows on the KLM decals supplied with the kit! It's the 'Big Hemp One' so at this moment I'm not sure if it would have a full complement of windows or be more akin to a 747-Freighter. I'm leaning towards the black felt pen, unless Kit you really REALLY fancy doing 1/450 scale windows for a one-off project! 

I also agree about the Clearfix, used that several times (or even occasionally PVA glue) and achieved good/reasonable results

[TheChronicOne]

Ain't no one size fits all answer, I've found.

That said, having not even tried it yet, I think I prefer to fill in windows and apply transfers instead. For one thing, often times, the windows that are molded into kits are not only too large but are misaligned as well. You'll find kits, even, with them too high or too low on the fuselage and this can make applying decals properly and accurately a living hell because you either need to move the cheat lines, or move the windows... can't do both so you're winding up with cheatlines that hit the cockpit area too high or low or suddenly are too long or short because they can't reach the nose at the level they are sitting. Generally speaking (there are always exceptions and there are plenty of kits with perfectly fine windows molded into the fuselage), the windows on the actual transfers will be more accurate. Proper size, proper spacing, proper alignment and all that.

Also, you can buy sheets of transfers that are nothing BUT windows and a lot of them cover multiple aircraft like this set from Microscale that have windows for

747
DC-10
L-1011
A-300
707
727
737
DC9
Convairs 880 and 890,
"etc." 



You can get this sheet for $7 and another $3.50 shipping on US Ebay. You might want to snag em before I do. I bought one set already but I think this is the only other one on US eBay right now. (it was the other day anyway... )

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-144-Microscale-decal-44-13-Airliner-Windows-747-DC-10-L-1011-A-300-707-DC9/253763656382



Also, ATP, a now defunct company, made a bunch that cover British aircraft and etc. I have a few sets of those as well.

But anyway....  I'm not going to "fight the system" however and try to make ALL my airliners the same (fill in the windows and use transfers). Some I'l use clear windows, some I'll make my own windows with PVA, and some I'll use transfers on. Sometimes finding new transfers either can't be done or wind up being too expensive so there's no use in fighting a losing battle such as demanding that every single airliner I make MUST have smooth fuselage and decal windows....


EDIT:  All this mainly applies to the 1/144 scale. ^

[PR19_Kit]

As Brad says, ATP used to make loads of window decals, as well as all sorts of other airliner stuff, but they're now sadly defunct.

But I make a habit of scanning every decal sheet of every model I ever build so I have a VAST library of scanned images filed away.

Not that I'd ever THINK of turning those images into decals to print up for the use of anyone else on here, oh no................................................. 

[kitnut617]

Try here, there must be something there you could use

http://www.airline-hobby-estore.com/category-s/1823.htm

[TheChronicOne]

I have GOT to start doing that.... the whole scanning the decals thing. I think mama has a printer/ scanner combo (she used to then it went TU so I'm not completely sure the new one scans or not but I'm sure it does). I still haven't figured out the intricacies of printing my own yet but at least I'll have a bunch of files ready for it.

[TallEng]

You could do worse than try here
https://www.authentic-airliner-decals.de/epages/17895661.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/17895661/Categories/FENSTER/%22FENSTER%201/144%22/B%2A%2A%2A%2AG

Warning if you are weak willed maybe you should look away now
You will be seriously tempted

Regards
Keith

[strobez]

That is seriously tempting...

[jcf]

For scales around 1:72 I have made very good experience with Humbrol's ClearFix stuff. The clear goo is a bit tricky to apply, though - I use a simple toothpick with a generous amount of the stuff sticking to it, and circle it around in the opening to create a pane. Works well with round and even square openings, but it becomes troublesome if the holes become bigger than ~6x6mm. The good thing is that you get very thin and transparent windows.

Your exotic 1:450 case is tricky, though. Personally, I'd either try to print decals at home, or simply use a (fresh) black felt tip pen, maybe masking the upper and lower edge of the window band on the model, and hope for the best. 

Kit / Dizzy - Thank-you both - the kit has windows imprinted/embossed on it, although they don't appear to bear any relation to the windows on the KLM decals supplied with the kit! It's the 'Big Hemp One' so at this moment I'm not sure if it would have a full complement of windows or be more akin to a 747-Freighter. I'm leaning towards the black felt pen, unless Kit you really REALLY fancy doing 1/450 scale windows for a one-off project! 

I also agree about the Clearfix, used that several times (or even occasionally PVA glue) and achieved good/reasonable results

All 747 factory built freighters, visor nose, have windows on the upper deck only, with various
combinations of blanking plates and normal glass windows.
Freighters converted from airliners, side cargo door added etc., sometimes leave the windows in
place in Section 41, the nose, and replace the rest with plates, the openings are still there.
Combis, passenger plus side cargo door, have the regular passenger style window installation.

[Army of One]

Not that I'd ever THINK of turning those images into decals to print up for the use of anyone else on here, oh no................................................. 

Oh.....