Has anyone a suggestion for making a louvred grill in 1/35th? I'd like to replace the simplified ones supplied with the RPM SdKfz 135, and I'm struggling with my fat fingers!




Cheers

Ken

NT

A fairly (simple) method is to use the Evergreen range of plastic strips.
It can be fiddly, but trial and error should bring out some good results.

The Evergreen range has different thicknesses and widths, the thinnest being (0.010") or .25mm.
The widths range from .5mm to 6mm.

By using a sandwich style, and with different spacing, sandwich one vertical, one horizontal.

First measure the opening, and work out the number of louvres, and what thicknesses added together would give the correct number.
I usually "build" them onto a backing strip of 0.005" plasticard, with the width drawn on, to keep it all lined up, and easier to trim.

If you want the louvres to be "open", so you can see inside, make the louvre a bit higher than required, set the sandwich in place, flush with the outer panel, and when completely dry, remove the excess from the rear.

Use glue sparingly, as the thinner the material, the more problems with distortion, and on longer sections, it will curl up. Thin CA glue gives a stronger build.

I use a similar method for buildig "cast" webbed frames. I photocopy the shape on to 0.005" plasticard, then build up the framework, with angle sections. Once set, gently sand off the backing.

As mentioned, trial and error.

HTH
George.

Thanks George, this sounds like a plan: I'll give it a go. My atempts to date have all suffered from "battle damage"! I'll try and photograph the result if I manage anything I'm not ashamed of.

Ken

Here's a method that I'm using to build a grating for the engine deck on my Tasca Firefly. I think the technique could be modified to construct other variations on the theme.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/message/1240532687/Firefly+VC+Initial+WIP>

HTH,
Mike