N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Trev on March 30, 2013, 03:14:09 PM

Title: Liquid glass/plastic
Post by: Trev on March 30, 2013, 03:14:09 PM
Just a thought,
Years ago I used a liquid substance on the cab windows of some of my steam locos that when it dried, it was clear and a reasonable representation of a glazed window.

Has anyone tried this on the windows of old Farish coaches with any success?


Cheers
Title: Re: Liquid glass/plastic
Post by: Karhedron on March 30, 2013, 07:51:03 PM
It sounds very similar to a stuff I have used called Micro Kristal. It is a very thick PVA, you draw it across the aperature like a bubble and it forms a skin as it dries. It works best with models that have a thick frame or body so that it can give nice flush effect to. I have not tried it on coaches but I have used for a diesel windscreen. I imagine it would work quite well.
Title: Re: Liquid glass/plastic
Post by: Trev on March 31, 2013, 05:17:48 PM
Yes I think that's the stuff.
Think I might attack a coach and see how it goes. I'll post pictures when I've got anything to show
Title: Re: Liquid glass/plastic
Post by: E Pinniger on April 01, 2013, 07:12:23 PM
Quote from: Trev on March 30, 2013, 03:14:09 PM
Has anyone tried this on the windows of old Farish coaches with any success?

I've used this on old Minitrix Mk1s and Farish 4-wheelers with reasonable success:

(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad118/EPinniger/Model%20photos/Railway/N%20gauge/Trains/MaroonMk1s2.jpg)
(the reglazed Minitrix coaches are on the left, the one on the right is a newer Farish product)

It gives a much better representation of flush glazing than just gluing clear plastic behind the windows, but as you can see in the photo isn't as good as "proper" flush glazing, so is best for glazing older panelled coaches (and for loco windows).
Generally, the larger the aperture the harder it is to get the PVA to form a skin across it - Mk1 coach windows in N gauge are just about OK but anything larger than this is tricky (I've found).
Title: Re: Liquid glass/plastic
Post by: Tank on April 01, 2013, 07:33:38 PM
I've used the same on my old GraFar Class 08's and other models.  It's great!  The latest use was on my Class 456 side windows.
Title: Re: Liquid glass/plastic
Post by: Oldman on April 01, 2013, 07:43:04 PM
Have used Humbrol Clearfix with reasonable success.
1st attempt was rubbish but getting better at using it. 1 thing I was advised if you use this is to store the bottle upside down on it's lid. Also don't shake it or you will have a bottle of junk.
Title: Re: Liquid glass/plastic
Post by: Trev on April 01, 2013, 10:49:21 PM
Thanks everyone.