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Helo construction advice sought

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Planet Ten
Helo construction advice sought
Posted by John Howling Mouse on Saturday, January 21, 2006 7:15 PM
So, I'm currently doing up my "production planner" for my Kamov-239 helo (1:35 scale kitbash/scratchbuild based on the old 1:32 Testors Huskie kit).  Trying to figure out the overall design while paying attention to the details at the same time.  A lot of unknowns still exist.

One of the sticking points is that I do not know the best method to construct and, more importantly, protect the multiple cabin windows.

Part of the reason I've never built helos before is because I don't know how one deals with all those big, fragile cabin windows some helos have.

I can cut clear styrene to match the custom-cut apertures I've made without too much trouble and I can glue them in place but they will very easily pop out (in, actually) under any stress.  And I've got a lot of construction on the exterior yet to do which could result in damage to the windows.

How to protect the windows?  I really don't think I can affix them after the fuselage halves are together.  I have to do it while I can get at the windows from both sides.

And then there's painting.  Because of the subject's scale/size, I'd prefer to airbrush but how does one mask such fragile windows?  I could handpaint a border area adjacent to the window apertures before I affix the windows but I'd still have to mask them off later, anyhow.

Any ideas you can provide would be greatly appreciated: thanks!

"No, no, no, don't tug on that-----you never know what it might be attached to."
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 22, 2006 1:49 AM

First thing I would do is dip all the clear parts in Future. This will protect the part from scratches and other mishaps the may occur. plus it give the masking material a smooth surface to adhere to.

After the Future dries. I usually mask all the clear parts first with whatever masking material I am using. Low tack tape, photo frisket, blue tack,etc.Then test fit the piece to see if I may have any problems removing the mask once painted.   

I then cut out whatever framing I need to cut while the glass is off the model. It is easier for me to do this while holding it in my hand rather than it being mounted.

Test fit it one more time to check the fit and masking to make sure everything in ok. Once satisfied with the second test fit I mount the glass perminantly where it is suppose to go.

Once the model is constructed, painted, weathered dull coated,etc I the remove to masks.(usually it is the last thing I remove from the model) Any residue that may stay on the glass can easily and gently be removed with some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.Without damaging the Future. 

Hope this helps and makes some sense. Good luck and hope to see some pictures.

 

 

 

 

   

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