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IR Dome for AIM 9X sidewinder

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  • Member since
    June 2013
  • From: Bay Area, CA
IR Dome for AIM 9X sidewinder
Posted by Reaper420 on Friday, June 6, 2014 2:16 PM
Okay so I originally posted this in the technique section but its a frekin ghost town over there tumbleweeds and all. Im wondering if anyone has any tips for creating IR Dome lenses for the tip of a 1/48 AIM 9X Sidewinder. I really want to add a touch of detail that makes the model pop. I was thinking of using successively built layers of gloss varnish like I used to do with Gamesworkshop's 'Ardcoat. That stuff is freaking great. But if anyone has any tips or ideas or even a link or something to a place that I can get some from would be great. Or if you can think of something that I might have around the house or can purchase from hobby lobby like in the scrapbooking section or bead working isle, let me know. Thanks guys.

Kick the tires and light the fires!

  • Member since
    June 2013
  • From: Bay Area, CA
Posted by Reaper420 on Friday, June 6, 2014 5:54 PM
No info or tips here either? Cmon guys as many of us as there are and nobody can can up with anything?

Kick the tires and light the fires!

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Washington State
Posted by leemitcheltree on Friday, June 6, 2014 6:08 PM

I've often used PETG type sheet to replicate convex lenses.  

It's kinda fiddly, but using a punch and die set, I dish the clear plastic sheet and then use the punch to shear off the dished lens.....sometimes takes a little practice, but at the end, you'll have a clear lens over a voice.  I use the same technique for landing lights.

Works a treat.

Cheers, LeeTree
Remember, Safety Fast!!!

  • Member since
    June 2013
  • From: Bay Area, CA
Posted by Reaper420 on Friday, June 6, 2014 7:38 PM
@leemitcheltree thanks for the tip and advice. Ill have to look into trying that. Sound complicated but ill try it. Anyone else got some tips?

Kick the tires and light the fires!

cml
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Brisbane, Australia
Posted by cml on Saturday, June 7, 2014 2:16 AM

Hmmm, i've never tried it myself, but i've seen some people use excess clear styrene when they need to make a lens.

If you have the sprue tree from the canopy, perhaps heat up, stretch and then cut where needed.  Obviously some serious sanding might be needed then touch up with Pledge or similar.  Probably best to sand after heating and before cutting to size.

Just a thought.

Chris

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Coldwater, Mich
Posted by MKelley on Saturday, June 7, 2014 4:32 AM

I have used a small drill bit. hollowed out the end of the missile. Glued a piece clear sprue into the hollowed out area, then shaped it to the proper contour and a little future to shine the seeker head up.

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Hatfield
Posted by Misty on Saturday, June 7, 2014 4:48 AM

I coat mine with tamiya smoke.

  • Member since
    August 2013
Posted by Jay Jay on Saturday, June 7, 2014 10:59 AM

I have heard of ppl using an old CD shaped to size for that irridescent look.

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm finally retired. Now time I got, money I don't.

  • Member since
    June 2013
  • From: Bay Area, CA
Posted by Reaper420 on Saturday, June 7, 2014 12:33 PM
Those are some great ideas guys, especially the CD trick. Im gonna have try some various methods and see what comes out the best.

Kick the tires and light the fires!

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