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Post by Robert on Nov 23, 2008 20:03:59 GMT 1
Hi everybody! Here's an extra element that could interest some of you folks, who'd like to add windows to the portholes giving our ship a more realistic look: the transparent plastic rod in Altuglas/Plexiglas. It can be found in 2mm of diameter and thus perfect for her. Some retailers may have it in stock but to get mine, I had to go to a manufacturer's in the far and cold suburb! For the other shapes of window apertures that are on the superstructure, I haven't found yet a solution.  Any ideas will be more than welcome! Robert  |
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Post by david on Nov 23, 2008 22:28:41 GMT 1
Hello Robert, The last time I looked at using Plexiglas rod for the windows I found that I'd need to order a minimum quantity that would be sufficient to supply fibre-optic cable to the Greater London area. If you've got a supplier who can supply just a metre I'd like to know about him/her. I think that this is the best way to go regarding the windows because they can easily be inserted into the hull a little below the hull surface giving a realistic recess. To work well though the ends would have to be individually polished reasonably smooth, something which could easily be accomplished with a small jig with a 2mm hole through which the rod would be poked, by rotating it across a surface liberally coated in T-Cut. I had an simple idea which works well on the odd, or any shaped windows. Before gluing the superstructure brass-etchings, superglue thin squares of plastic film to the backside of the window apertures. With the wood behind the windows painted black, the transparent plastic gives a shiny reflection and at the same time appears to give a little depth to the darkness. The film can be found on most common items of food wrapping but the best is the type typically found on transparency film sleeves because it is optically better. Because this stuff is so thin, it doesn't interfere with seating of the brass-etching onto the wood, and it looks very convincing. Before you come to finally painting the model grey, gingerly paint some artists masking fluid (Windsor & Newton) on the windows. This is a latex-based material which can easily be removed with adhesive tape after painting. Finally, hurrah, after a break of 5 months, I just managed to do a few square cms of planking today, oh the joy of it!  |
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Post by Robert on Nov 24, 2008 0:05:36 GMT 1
Thank you David for your suggestion! Well, you may have unluckily knocked at the wrong supplier's door! I got mine at www.abaqueplast.fr/matplast.php(click on the icon "BATON, TUBES, PROFILES, DEMI-SPHERE ET SPHERE") for a very reasonable price (less than EUR2.00 for a 2-meter long rod) but an hour away, north of Paris. It took me awhile to fish this company on the net, always getting addresses located in Germany. There, I even spotted one that was selling partially defective rods for a few cents... I can't find it/them again, must be doomed or some sort!  I was thinking of using "Maskol," another masking fluid and I'll keep in mind your product from Windsor & Newton, it can always be of some use. So David, about the rods, give your luck another try and if you ever don't succeed in your quest, let me know. I'll go back to the manufacturer for you, even if I have to put on skis! Robert PS: and keep on the good work with your planking!  |
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Post by david on Nov 24, 2008 22:39:50 GMT 1
Thanks Robert, I'll renew my search amongst the UK suppliers and if I have no luck I'll send you a 'MAYDAY'!
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Post by Robert on Nov 25, 2008 10:57:50 GMT 1
No problem David. If I can help! Robert |
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