Bluejacket Portland porthole question

[jbelwood]

After approximately three months I'm about to finish the Bluejacket Portland hull. I have temporarily placed the

small portholes in the bow with a press fit. I would like to have glazing in them but have been unsuccessful 

in trying a few mediums. The inside ID is just 1/8" so acetate is not being considered. Have tried Envirotex 

and 5 minute epoxy with no success. Any ideas? 

 

John Elwood

[druxey]

Perhaps a small section of acrylic rod, the ends cut and polished?

[jbelwood]

Thanks druxey, I hadn't thought of that approach.

 

John

[kees de mol]

Maybe this is usefull?

 

https://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/microscale-kristal-kleer/

 

Or use white woodglue it will dry transparant

[jbelwood]

Have used both of those products on dozens of model railroad structures kees. Works fine but doesn't

dry hard. However, I'll test the kristal-clear since the diameter is so small. Might be just the trick on this application.

 

Thanks, John

[CaptainSteve]

John. Not sure if THIS will help with your problem ...

Edited August 12, 2016 by CaptainSteve

[MrBlueJacket]

 would second the Krystal Kleer idea

[DocBlake]

Krystal Kleer will work great at that very small size.

[marktiedens]

I see where Nils (Mirabell61) used clear string trimmer line to "glass" the portholes on his KWdG. Looked very good.

 

Mark

[jbelwood]

Thanks for the ideas guys. A friend told me about "gallery glass" and he has a container of it. Will try it tonight. 

 

John

[Mirabell61]

Hi John,

 

 you mentioned request for 1/8" ID porthole "glassing"

I would choose cut off bits of transparent round line with 3mm OD, for example from this source, resp. appropriate source in CT

https://www.modulor.de/pvc-weich-rundschnur-farblos.html

 

Nils

[jhearl]

Something I've used is Mod Podge (available in craft stores and even in "dollar" stores. Comes in a gloss finish. It's a white liquid in the bottle but dries clear. It does tend to shrink as it dries, so you may have to apply twice and it takes a good 24 hours or more to dry.

[jbelwood]

Very nice  to hear from you Nils and jhearl. After experimenting with several products, I

went with Gallery Glass. It's a viscous white liquid that looks like Elmer's glue. Wiped a

thin film across the back of the porthole and let it dry till it was crystal clear. Then installed

each one with a tiny drop of Canopy Glue for adhesive. Had to see it in the photo but it's

there. You can see a slight reflection in the first porthole.

 

John