**** DONE: 1/48 Arado Ar234B-2 - Jet/Recon/Transport GB

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Not much progress to show but in reality, I've been thinking about how to deal with the rather unique canopy frames on this rig. First off though, here are a couple of shots of the clear canopy parts that I will be using. These have been dipped in Future so are nice and sparkly.



In this close up of the clear nose cone, you can see that the center seam has been effectively eliminated with no sign of it having been there.



The framing for the clear canopy on the Ar234 was on the interior of the cockpit and the glazing passed over the framing and was fastened to it with large rivets. To replicate this detail, I decided to create some decals which will consist of thin black strips, 1.5mm wide, with clear circular "holes" that will represent the rivets. See the below screen shot from my Photoshop work page.



To create this framing, I will first mask the frames on the outside, spray an aluminum paint on the frames, remove the masks, install the decals and then dip the frames at least one more time in Future to seal them to the clear parts. At this point, I'll then mask internally and spray the interior frames and solid panels with RLM66.

This will be a long process, requiring patience and time to get it right so I will slowly get updates posted when there's something new to show. Thanks for looking in once again.
 
Will do. I haven't done much in Photoshop so far, so will probably need some hints, although it'll be some time before I get around to building my miniature Luftwaffe!
 
Thanks guys. I laid down the silver on the glazing by hand since the sharp edges will eventually be defined by the black decal strips. This layer of paint revealed a very pronounced rivet pattern that I thought had been filled in with the dip in Future so I will need to rethink this approach a bit. I will probably still go with the black decal strips but am less sure about leaving the rivets clear since getting the spacing exactly right will be tricky.

Stay tuned.

 
Decals look good Andy, hope the idea works as if my thinking is right you will have to cut very to the decal to edge marks on the clear plastic.
 
Yeah but that won't be a problem with a sharp blade and a good straight edge. It's the least of my worries actually as I'm always a bit concerned about the stability of the ink when I cut through the seal coat. That's why I made 50% more prints than I'll actually need.
 

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