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What could I use in place of plastic of on lights?

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  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: Vancouver, the "wet coast"
What could I use in place of plastic of on lights?
Posted by castelnuovo on Saturday, August 10, 2013 6:49 PM

I am building Zvezda's BA-10 armored car.

The front lights, which are quite prominent, don't have transparent pieces for glass but green plastic and the instructions say to paint them white.

IMO, it would look horrible.

Is there anything else I could use, some transparent plastic or something to make it look less bad?

If anybody has a glass (or whatever that material is that comes in the kit) piece that would fit in there and is willing to mail it, that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks...

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
Posted by Fly-n-hi on Saturday, August 10, 2013 7:33 PM

What scale?  How big are the lights?

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Saturday, August 10, 2013 7:57 PM

You can drill out the lights to create a socket.  Then paint inside the socket silver.  Fill the socket with some clear epoxy and let it sit slightly proud of the socket opening.  Surface tension will pull the sides down and dome the center, just like a lense.  This method works well for all headlights, spotlights, etc.

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  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: California
Posted by SprueOne on Saturday, August 10, 2013 8:06 PM

Good advice, this works. I was about to suggest the same thing. They don't even need to be drilled out because they are hollow parts already. 

The diameter appear to be about 5mm +/- (parts 35 on sprue K)

http://www.model-making.eu/zdjecia/6/7/1/1484_1_zve3617_1.jpg 

Anyone with a good car don't need to be justified - Hazel Motes

 

Iron Rails 2015 by Wayne Cassell Weekend Madness sprueone

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: California
Posted by SprueOne on Saturday, August 10, 2013 8:10 PM

The lens parts are lower left/center. Right above the belly plate part.

Light housing parts are 14 and 15 (top left/center of picture)

Anyone with a good car don't need to be justified - Hazel Motes

 

Iron Rails 2015 by Wayne Cassell Weekend Madness sprueone

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: Vancouver, the "wet coast"
Posted by castelnuovo on Saturday, August 10, 2013 10:09 PM

Thank you gentlemen. Will give epoxy a try.

Cheers...

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Saturday, August 10, 2013 11:42 PM

5 minute epoxy is the stuff you want. You can find it in the hardware section of your local Walmart or home improvement store. Comes in a two compartment syringe dispenser.

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Sunday, August 11, 2013 2:53 PM

I think it's Squadron that makes thermal plastic sheet that you heat and pull down over a aircraft canopy to make a copy.  Use that heated and pulled over the kit part and Bob's your uncle... a clear lens.  Might even work with some plain clear styrene. 

Marc  

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