Aircraft Instrument “Glass”

I was reading in recent issue about using Elmer’s glue to create instrument glass. While shopping I found Elmer’s CLEAR. A small dot off a toothpick settles and spreads into a crystal clear circle and several days later it is still flexible.

Nice! I use Future for the instrument glass, but that Elmer’s Clear product sounds good, too. It reminds me of MicroScale’s Krystal Klear. I wonder if you could use that Elmer’s product to make small windows, such as on a 1/72 scale aircraft, or the smaller windows on a 1/48 B-17, or something similar.

I didn’t know Elmers had a clear glue. For this same technique I use Vallejo gloss varnish. Bought it thinking I was going to use Vallejo paints but never did. I’m going to have to try the Elmers.

I use a drop of Testors glosscoat. I have a bottle of the stuff- comes in handy at times. If the kit has an instrument decal, I often drill out the instrument holes in the plastic panel and just glue the instrument decal behind the panel, then put the drop of clear in the hole with a toothpick. It does not smear out because the panel hole restrains it.

Big advantage of glosscoat to me is the quick dry.

I use Evostick wood glue for the same thing. And yes you can use it to make small windows. I have also used it for landing lights. Not completly clear but good enough.

I also use Glosscote. Just a dab on the tip of a toothpick.

On larger gauges, I use Bondic (hardened by UV led). The key is to get just the right amount to achieve a level, or domed surface. These are large gauges on the Mifistofele model.

https://media.fotki.com/2v2JMb1KhxBoFJC.jpg

Is that one of the brands that come with the resin in a sqeeze tube with laser on end of tube? I have not seen it. Where do you find it? Beatiful dash for the Meph!

Yes, that’s the one. I think I got mine here.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bondic&i=tools&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmcWDBhCOARIsALgJ2QdK3P2XxyDu2v2Y6x9Osq36YTQ92SK68WxLr5Jab7lxbstdSOaWGbwaAqmVEALw_wcB&hvadid=318679342039&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9006673&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3098325661900628134&hvtargid=kwd-35283095866&hydadcr=1655_9901565&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_7rjup0ylfo_e

Wow! That dash is stunning.

Hi;

I was doing a lot of 1/24 Planes in paper. Using model car aftermarket bezels for the instruments and A product from Testors " Model Master " line called " Boyds Clear Coat".I would put in a drop or two, wait a day and put another layer on it and it looked just like the slightly domed effect that’s shown on the Mephsistofele Dash that Don sent in the photo.

I use Gloss Mod Podge, easy to control, dries clear

Another vote for the UV-curing resins. Crystal-clear, easy to use, and no sign of yellowing on some of my pieces that are 5+ yrs old.

I have also been using the bondic type UV curing resin for PE. I think it is easier to handle and does a better job then CA.

All the above work well. Quick setting 5 minute epoxy is great too.

I just used Micro Kristal Klear yesterday and today the instrument panel looks fabulous.

[Y] The stuff is fantastic.