Once I got my main gear doors installed, I realized the landing lights I added just weren’t making it. They consisted of a circular piece of styrene painted silver, but they lacked the depth and “life” of a real lens.
So I bought some rhinestones, drilled shallow holes in the gear doors, and glued them in. That adds some sparkle and depth instead of just a flat color.
For larger scales, you may want to add a clear lens cover, as shown below. I tried it but at 1/72 scale, the lens only dulls the sparkle and ruins the effect.
On smaller scales I paint first with silver, then when that is dry put on a very heavy coat of clear lacquer- thick enough to have some depth. I have also done the clearcoat with future, but you have to be careful because it tends to run more with a heavy coat.
Cool idea, Don! Maybe if you made a shallow depression first, then painted with silver, you could increase the apparent depth and keep the future from running. Just a thought.
With a bigger light that would help- some of the 1/72 and 1/144 lights are so small it is hard, and for one that small isn’t really all that necessary. But yes, if light is big enough it does help.
Interesting. I’m a big fan of MV lenses, but I also usually have excellent results painting the reflector area in MM Chrome Silver and topping it with the clear lens.
Such as on this Panzer III
Guess it depends on the amount of sparkle you’re after…aircraft obviously being a different beast from armor.
Those do look good, Doogs. And yes, you’re right - the last thing you want on an armored vehicle is headlights that sparkle from reflected light! [:D].
Cool, Chuck! How about posting some picture of your results. BTW, have you been able to buy rhinestones smaller than 3/16th inch diameter? I’m looking for some for the taxi lights on my B-52 landing gear and outriggers.
I also agree with Don. I used that same trick for many years when modeling warhammer figs. It gave a great effect on sniper lenses and eye lenses. I put whatever color I wanted the lens and added a thick layer of 'ardcoat which is games worshops clear gloss varnish. It adds and awesome shine, gives awesome depth and gives a natural lens twinkle reflection when light hits it.
