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Posted

A number of kits have clear parts, such as canopies, molded in two parts so is there any way of hiding the inevitable joint?

 

I read some time ago (can't remember where) that it is possible by using ever finer grades of the Micromesh sheets (which I have) so would this actually work or will the joint always be visible?

 

If it can be done then also what adhesive would you then need to use, such as PVA or GS-Hypo (watch makers) glue possibly?

 

Pat. 

Posted

Well. I might get shouted at for this but, my approach would be:

- dip the canopy parts in klear (or varnish of your choice)

- wait

- join the parts with a couple of drops of ca glue (the varnish should prevent any fogging from the ca fumes)

- wait

- use pva to fill the remainder of the join

- wait

- paint

 

good luck

Mark

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Posted

My experience with such canopies placed the joint within a frame. This allowed me to hide the joint behind the frame paint. I used a clear-drying acrylic to glue the parts together and to the fuselage. One such example was the Special Hobby 1/48 Goose.

 

Absent obsuring with paint, I can't imagine a treatment that would render that joint invisible. I'm happy to be proven wrong.

  • Thanks 1
Posted

I've tried clear PVA glue from Hobbycraft and it worked ok for me. Granted it's not as strong as some more specialised adhesives on the market, but it does work.

HTH,

 

Chris 

  • Thanks 1
Posted

So basically it is not possible to hide such a join even if it is highly polished with Mirco-mesh or other products and varnished before gluing together?

 

Pat.

 

 

Posted
33 minutes ago, PatG said:

So basically it is not possible to hide such a join even if it is highly polished with Mirco-mesh or other products and varnished before gluing together?

Not that I'm aware of.

There will always be a material interface (joint) between the two parts. You can minimize the seam at the surface by making the mating surfaces very smooth and planar. Even so, you're going to see it unless it's hidden by paint. This is true for clear and opaque pastic.

 

Do you have a joint that won't be hidden by paint? Is it possible that joint is present in the prototype?

Posted

I know that one of the Hasegawa 72nd scale Mosquito kits has the canopy split laterally which why I've always bought the Tamiya kits instead but in a review I read some time ago (can't remember where or who though) it was claimed that this join could be made invisible which prompted this post.

 

Logic suggests this cannot be the case as light will inevitably defract/bend/distort when it goes through the joint therefore making it visible but I just wanted to consult the experts to be sure.

 

By the way the kit involved for me is the Airfix/Academy B17G which has the tail gun position molded in clear plastic and split laterally, so just a pity they didn't mold the gun position as an integral part of the fuselage, or mold the two options in the same plastic and then provide extra clear parts for the glazing (but cost issues I guess?).

 

Many thanks for every ones help and I'm now much better informed.

 

Pat.

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