Hi!
This is something we all seem to get to at one time or another. It doesn't matter what type of model or size. We want to open something up and show the world what's inside ! So what if it is created from Greeblies of various sizes and shapes! Okay, I guess we've all been bitten by that Mosquito!
That, and the one that makes us just cut holes in the model so the inside is visible to all. That brings us to the Covers or Panels that cover an area. Okay Mr. Modeler, How do you make these panels and covers in scale? Well, there are many ways that have been shown by many on the forum. Which do you prefer? The thin Plastic sheet with intricate framing, in scale or the thinning of an original thickness piece from the model itself? Mainly only around the edges.
My take on that is even more different. When making panels on Planes, Cars, and Armor, I will use thin plastic or aluminium sheet and intricate framing. Especially in a model that already has a Does Not Have a Clear area on it. It's not hat hard.Now if the model has, say a clear side, Your work is cut out for you. Why? Well read on, Mc Duff! When the plane or car is offered with this unique feature, oh, this includes Submarines, too!( The only nautical model in which this feature is used it seems.) It creates a lot more work for you.
Here's why, When they mold an item in clear, if one side has features such a framing or Locator ridges, Support flanges and such It's particularly hard to hide them because the plastic's thickness makes these items stick out like Very Sore Thumbs! So how do you correct them? Well you can grind them of or sand them off. Then you get to figure out another way to glue any piece in the right place on that clear side. Then you have that glued edge showing. This goes for interior framing too!
So this is what you don't do. Go ahead and build that framed panel or door in solid colors. When it comes to a clear window or as I call the "Clouds" Build to the very edge of the model's exterior, Minus about the good old .010 or .020 clearance between the interior parts and the clear piece. This means you can build all the framing and chotskes you want and the clear part will then rest on it, creating a true picture of the subject. Do Not build anything on the clear area itself. For instance.The venerable old Clear MUSTANG aircraft by Monogram. Greta idea. But when you decide to add some framing in say the wind.Build it seperate from the wing then carefully place it where it goes and Use only Elmers or Aleens PVA glue to secure it and very little of that!