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Headlights, Tail lights

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  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Lombard IL
Headlights, Tail lights
Posted by Dutchmodler on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 12:15 PM

I am trying to think of some ways to scrath build headlights or tail lights for 1/35 armor models.  Does anyone have some ideas or reference on how to do that?  Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks and Happy New Year.

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: The Bluegrass State
Posted by EasyMike on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 1:08 PM

Most folks work with what the kit provides or go to the aftermarket for photo-etched accessories.

Smile [:)]

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Lombard IL
Posted by Dutchmodler on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 1:30 PM

What are some brands of aftermarket details or P.E. that makes headlights.  I am looking for German, Russian and British lights.

Thanks,

DM

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 6:00 PM
Try cutting the noses off small scale bombs for headlights... For the German "Notek" light, I used two pieces of strip and overlapped them, then carved and sanded the round parts into shape.  Add a stretched-sprue mount and yer done...

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Mansfield, TX
Posted by EdGrune on Monday, February 2, 2009 8:09 AM

To replicate the reflector & lens on headlights bore out the headlight housing slightly.   Paint the inside silver.  Then mix up some 5 minute epoxy & put a drop of epoxy into the headlight housing.  Allow the headlight to remain vertical while the epoxy hardens.  

Another product to look for are MV lenses.   These are available from most hobby railroad outlets.   They are used to replicate the headlights & marker lights on railroad engines & cars.

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Neenah, WI
Posted by HawkeyeHobbies on Monday, February 2, 2009 11:39 AM

Find yourself some Lite-Brite pegs...reds, clear and amber...you can make lights by cutting them up into specific shapes of mate them to other parts to make lights, beacons, spots any kind of light.

 

 

Gerald "Hawkeye" Voigt

http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/

 

 

"Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench."

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Ypsilanti, MI
Posted by MIflyer on Thursday, February 12, 2009 4:48 PM

Another vote for the Lite-Brite pegs. One package will last you a lifetime of modeling. Translucent/clear Lego bricks work as well, provided the part you need to make is relatively small.

Kevin

Kevin Johnson    Ypsilanti, Michigan USA

On the bench: 1/72 Fujimi Ki-36 J-BAAR

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Cave City, KY
Posted by Watchmann on Friday, February 13, 2009 9:25 AM

 MIflyer wrote:

Translucent/clear Lego bricks work as well, provided the part you need to make is relatively small.

Kevin

That's BLASPHAMY, Kevin! Big Smile [:D]

Seriously... I've used clear plastic sequins or beads found in craft stores.

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: hamburg michigan
Posted by fermis on Friday, February 13, 2009 2:17 PM

Find yourself some Lite-Brite pegs...reds, clear and amber...you can make lights by cutting them up into specific shapes of mate them to other parts to make lights, beacons, spots any kind of light.

 

 Helluv an idea, my daughter's gonna be upset! I'll go raid that stash before she gets home!!

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Ypsilanti, MI
Posted by MIflyer on Friday, February 27, 2009 9:51 AM
 Watchmann wrote:

 MIflyer wrote:

Translucent/clear Lego bricks work as well, provided the part you need to make is relatively small.

Kevin

That's BLASPHAMY, Kevin! Big Smile [:D]

Seriously... I've used clear plastic sequins or beads found in craft stores.

Cutting up perfectly good Legos, you mean? Laugh [(-D] Well... I've still got my (very large) childhood Lego stash and let's just say... I can afford to spare an occasional brick.

Kevin

Kevin Johnson    Ypsilanti, Michigan USA

On the bench: 1/72 Fujimi Ki-36 J-BAAR

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Ohio
Posted by B-17 Guy on Monday, March 2, 2009 12:12 PM

Light bright pegs is a hell of an idea! I'm gonna have to try that out. I suppose you could even heat them up a bit and mold to shape fo rsuch things as nav lights on aircraft wingtips, maybe. I know I have seen a PE mold to make tear drop shaped nav lights. I'll have to ask chuckw about that.

I've also used clear sprue to make landing lights, Heat it up a bit with my trusty zippo till it shape likes a mushroom/half circle. Let it cool down, which doesnt take long, then cut it off, bingo, you have a light. Trial and error to get the shape right though.

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Cave City, KY
Posted by Watchmann on Monday, March 2, 2009 12:59 PM
PM Sent, Kevin.
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