Instrument panel gage glass-technique?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hey guys,

I tried searching the forums here for the technique, but I can’t find any info on it. Anyway, my instrument panel is painted, but I need to simulate the clear glass that goes over the actual gage. Future? White glue? Testors Clear Parts Cement/Window Maker? This is for a truck model, but I thought you aircraft guys would know. Refresh my memory! Thanks!

Chris

2

A drop of future works quite well. Small brush just touch the instrument and let the future flow into the circle or square depending. Looks like glass when it dries

3

Same here. Use a small Micro brush and drop a small amount into the center of the bezel. Be careful not to use too much or it will run across the rest of the instrument panel. I like the Micro brushes because in 1/48 they are just smaller than the typical bezel. You’re painting on the future. I do this under a 6x9 magnifier to avoid missing the spot.

4

Cool. Thanks guys!

–Chris

5

Couldn’t you use Testor’s clear glue (the stuff for gluing clear parts)?

6

Testor’s clear parts cement doesn’t dry as clear as Future by a long shot. Also the inverted meniscus looks wrong when it does finally dry. Too viscous at application in my opinion

7

I use Future applied with a toothpick or needle. Since the instruments are usually flat black to start with, 2 or 3 applications of Future work a lot better than just one.

Darwin, O.F. [aln]

8

For larger scales I like to use my Waldron punches and punch out some clear discs made from glossy document protector sheets or thin clear styrene. Use a drop of Future placed on the gauge face first to hold the disc in place. This technique gives you a nice flat glass. Works best if you have a decal for the face details.

I have also used a modification of this technique by applying the instruments to the backside of the clear sheet, then carefully punching them out. Then it is a matter of placing the whole thing onto the already painted panel face, again using Future as your cement.

9

A spot of regular clear plastic cement works fine too.

10

Two part epoxy does well if you don’t dome it up too high