Windshields

[jamesharvey]

Windshields are my downfall! I usually manage to get glue on them, glue on me, glue on my fingertips, and then back on the windshield. I think you get the picture. Someone on the Forum shared the suggestion of using the plastic containers from the grocery produce section as a source of new material. Even better they said was that you can look for curved pieces that would work in your situation. This has been really helpful to me. I have been building some of Gary Ducette's kits, most recently the 1941 winner, and found that Gary's pattern was too small only after I had already cut the plastic. My wife's Kroger spinach container was a perfect replacement. I also have attached the windshields by drilling a hole (#74) in the windshield and the body and then using the cut-off ends of some very small sewing pins that I found at Hobby Lobby. The heads of the pins look like button snaps.
Jim

[vintagerpm]

Something that can help with gluing the windshields is to use a product called Gator Glue. Basically, it is a white glue with some kind of polymer added. Spruebrothers, among others, sell it on-line. It dries clear. What is really nice about it, if you smear it anywhere, and it is still wet, you can wipe it off with a moist (with water) cotton swab.

Pretty dang strong. I once used it to glue the white metal cockpit surround onto the white metal body tub of a 1/43 scale kit. After it was dry, I picked it, held one part, and tried to violently shake them apart. Stayed stuck together.

Mike

[Michael Chriss]

Speed tape, (of all names), is a fantastic solution. It has various uses, and one is securing clear parts to models. It is clear, and can be rolled between your fingers until it is the thickness desired. It can be purchased in 1/16" X 6' for $5.00. Probably enough to last until you shuffle off. Works great.

Speed tape website - click here

[racermagic]

Nice idea on the produce containers. All sorts of angles.
 I need a few small windshields and thats a good idea.
 Also nice tips on the glue.
  Thank you.

[racerbrown]

jim eats his spinach so he's strong to the finish...
i use the clear egg protectors as they have some good compound curves.
duane

[harveythedog2]

I think I am the one that suggested using plastic containers but I am sure I learned it from someone else. First used the plastic blister pack that covered the candle type light bulbs to use for my 1/18th scale Lola. I had a lot of unused light bulbs laying around until I got a good one! Have used them sent for headlight covers. If you can find the right shape it really works out well. I always use a white glue that dries clear but the speedtape has my attention. Thanks for the tip Michael!