Just wondering what’s a good technique for putting drilling these and what tools to use, right now I am using an x-acto 11 with square rat-tail, but results on first are less than spectacular. Not sure if I am not being patient enough or if I am using the wrong tools. Any tips would be appreciated [:D]
I recently had to do square limber holes on a submarine…
drill the center out, then use a square needle file to clean up the edges.
Jeff
What kind of ship are you talking about. If it’s modern and you are talking about the bridge windows, they are windows and not portholes. Use some black paint on a sharp object and fill them in.
thanks Jeff…nah therri, they are indeed square portholes on the 01 level of the scharnhorst.
OK
I have a heller adm. scheer that also has square portholes/ windows on a fwd. section above the main deck; I thought about drilling them out then having at it with a needle file, but I’ve got some photo etch in 1/350 ( the heller is 1/400) that’s bridge windows or some such, think I’ll see if their a close enough fit to bring the square portholes out. If that works I may get away with just painting and dry brushing… I hope, I hope…
G.L.
I did the same thing with my Nichimo Kagero. The bridge windows are molded in…but they provide an interior for the bridge!
So I removed the solid windows and replaced them with a 1/350 ladder turned sideways. I used Krystal Kleer for the windows…
Jeff
I personally favour making the holes rather than painting them over, Jeff’s Krystal Kleer sounds neat and it is something I haven’t tried before, but will when opportunity presents.
Have you considered making a square punch and knocking them out or is the plastic too thick at that location? If the punch idea doesn’t pan out, then make a square frame to keep your file corralled and your results should improve.
Good luck!