Large Scale Central

A couple more questions

Modeling
#1

What do you folks recommend for glass in model structures? I need something that isn’t going to yellow, turn cloudy, or decompose in the sun. It’s also gotta be thin enough to look good in a scale model.

When I was doing HO scale models I used to use slide cover glass, but it was pretty small pieces. I don’t know if I can get anything like that in a size large enough for a LS model.

Also, can someone recommend a good online source for Grandt Line products? So far none of the LS dealers I’ve looked at carry Grandt Line.

#2

Ray:

I use 0.010" thick polycarbonate that I bought in a roll from TAP Plastics. It really looks like glass when installed in a model. Polycarbonate (GE trademarked as “Lexan”) is very clear, highly UV resistant, unbreakable and is actually used as passenger car windows in areas where vandals continuously throw rocks that break glass windows.

The 0.010" thickness scales to less than 1/4" in 1:20 scale, so it closely approximates window glass. I install it with a Testors cement that is designed to be used on plastic canopies in model airplanes. It does a good job, even on installs in wood frames. The roll material comes with protector sheets on both sides, so it won’t get scratched in transit or storage.

Many folks use pieces of plastic from various plastic containers such as disc boxes, but that stuff always becomes brittle or changes color in ht e sun. The microscope slides I used in smaller scales are breakable and sometimes too small to do a whole window in LS.

I see there is no TAP Plastics store in S.D., but TAP will ship anywhere. Russ Miller is the store manager at the San Leandro, CA store and is also a serious LS modeler. He is really helpful in getting the right stuff to us modelers who live further afield. If you can’t find this material elsewhere, I suggest giving Russ a call.

Happy RRing,

Jerry Bowers

#3

Thanks Jerry, that sounds like just the ticket!

#4

Ray:

I wrote that the polycarbonate came in a “roll”. It’s true that it is rolled up, but it’s actually a rolled 3’ x 4’ off the shelf precut sheet that TAP Plastics has as a stock item. It would ship well in a mailing tube. One sheet provides what for me will probably be a lifetime of window stock.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#5
Jerry Bowers said:
I use 0.010" thick polycarbonate that I bought in a roll from TAP Plastics. It really looks like glass when installed in a model. Polycarbonate (GE trademarked as "Lexan") is very clear, highly UV resistant, unbreakable and is actually used as passenger car windows in areas where vandals continuously throw rocks that break glass windows.
Jerry, are you sure that's polycarbonate you're using? When I called Russ last week he said it wasn't UV resistant, and recommended acrylic instead.