Transparency
Acetate Sheets
REVIEW BY: Cuong
Phan
Adding details on
a model requires careful planning, research, skills, and lots
of time. Some modeler can add realism to the Titanic by adding
transparent acetate sheet on the back or inside of the model.
Many modelers may opt to use the Krystal Klear solution to fill
in windows, glass, or portholes of the ship, but I decided to
use transparent acetate sheets. The Krystal Klear solution is
a good supplement for such project, but gives you a warped look
on the windows, portholes, etc. The acetate sheets gives a better
result because the surface is flatter and looks more realistic…after
all modeling is to be realistic as possible.
Acetate sheets are
fairly cheap to buy and you can obtain them by purchasing them
from your local office supply shop. These acetate sheets are
usually used with overhead projectors or transparent printing,
etc. I didn’t have to purchase mine because I found a whole
packet in the trash bin in my physics teacher’s classroom.
I asked him if I could have it and off I go with it.
Extensive research
on where glass windows and portholes on the Titanic are needed.
Some important sections are the square promenade deck windows,
portholes, bridge section, windows on the Boat Deck (officer’s
quarter), skylights, etc. To start out, the acetate sheets are
cut into strips or individual size of the windows (however you
may like it) and then glued to the inside or back of the section.
Important: Do not glue directly on the acetate sheet. Glue only
on the back of the model section you wish to apply the acetate
to.
WARNING: DO NOT
USE SUPER GLUE or any gluing substance with CYANOACRYLATE. This
is critical because cyanoacrylate ester will dry and fog up
the acetate sheets when you glue them. Results would look like
this.
It is best to use
the normal gluing solution such as Testors non-toxic liquid
cement glue for plastic models. This is clean and easier to
work with because it doesn’t dry right away and will not
fog.
Oh yeah, don’t
forget to paint the section before adding the acetate sheet.
If you paint later, you might paint on the acetate and that
will look awful. There are some parts that I regret and wish
I could have done better or knew better.
After you have done
filling everything with the acetate sheets, you will be happy
you did it. When the light hits the surface of the model just
right at the perfect angle, the Titanic is alive!
Therefore, plan
ahead. Be patience. Good luck!
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