Making (small) transparencies

[GeorgeC]

Can anyone point me at a technique for making relatively small transparencies, something like a bulged window in a SAR helo in 1/72 or 1/48?

Regards

GeorgeC  

[Alvis 3.1]

One thing I've used for round bulged windows are the "google eyes" available from craft stores. They come in a variety of sizes, and are more of a flattened bulge than a dome shape.

For other shapes, I make a plug out of balsa, sand to shape and heat form clear plastic over the plug. Trim and insert.


HTH,
Alvis 3.1

[philp]

Another thing I have seen used are pill capsules (clear ones of course).  You have to coat them with something (white glue, Future, etc) but they have a nice shape when done.

As for small windows, I have used white glue or Testors canopy glue to form them instead of adding them inside the fuselage when building.  Just apply a drop to one of the corners and then use a toothpick or paintbrush to fill in the rest of the window.  They dry clear and beats doing all that masking.

[Leigh]

For flat windows I use the clear collar stiffeners that come in new shirts.

[Brian da Basher]

Any bit of clear packaging is fodder for windows and blisters. I've used the tabs that hold a box of cookies (larger scale) or thumbtacks (smaller scale) for blisters.

Brian da Basher

[cthulhu77]

I've had good luck using KrystalKleer, then letting the side you want to bulge facing down..gravity will pull it into a bubble, but you have to let it dry that way overnight.

[Brian da Basher]

Mmmmmmm....coookies!  

Brian da Basher