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louvres
kensmodels
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Posted: Thursday, May 08, 2014 - 12:14 AM UTC
Has anyone replaced solid/out-of-scale radiator louvres in 1/35 vehicles? I've been unsuccessful with trying to build a jig.
retiredyank
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Posted: Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 10:48 AM UTC
If you are using photo-etch, it should not be too difficult to build a jig. Simply make an appropriately sized frame with styrene strip. Measure out and mark on the frame where the slats should fit. Then, using a sharp blade or fine toothed saw cut small slits along these markings. Place it on a flat surface as close as possible to the intended destination and align the slats according to the slits. Hope this helps.
kensmodels
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Posted: Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 10:46 PM UTC
thanks Matt,
no, not using photo etch. The problem I've come across is lining up the louvre blades as you've described, as they all have to be parallel and very close together. Any discrepancy shows up very prominently, suggesting a jig as the way to go

Regards

ken
F3066
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Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 01:30 AM UTC
Depending on how big and for what purpose but the good old cable tie or zip tie is very in scale for the use as louvers
retiredyank
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Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 07:48 AM UTC

Quoted Text

...suggesting a jig as the way to go



That is why I outlined how I make a jig.
Murdo
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Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 01:27 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

...suggesting a jig as the way to go



That is why I outlined how I make a jig.



You did?

Can't see it, sorry.

It would be very much appreciated

kensmodels
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Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 09:11 PM UTC
thanks for the idea JC,
having leapt into the shed to check this out, I think it could work for 'Braille-scale', but I'd like to see through them, and I think the polyethylene-type plastic could be a problem
retiredyank
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Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 09:32 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Quoted Text

...suggesting a jig as the way to go



That is why I outlined how I make a jig.



You did?

Can't see it, sorry.

It would be very much appreciated





Quoted Text

Simply make an appropriately sized frame with styrene strip. Measure out and mark on the frame where the slats should fit. Then, using a sharp blade or fine toothed saw cut small slits along these markings.

turtle65
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Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 12:06 PM UTC
http://automodeler.kitmaker.net/features/1240

System works even in 35th.
kensmodels
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Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 09:35 PM UTC
Thanks Roger - brilliant technique. It's surprised me that I've never come across anyone asking this before, as many model kits have poorly represented solid louvre grills. Any thoughts on 'flat bladed' louvres ie where the blades sit within a frame unlike these 'flared' ones?
turtle65
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Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 10:07 PM UTC
Ken,
Sorry but I'm not quite sure of the type of louvres you are referring to - what vehicle are these for ?, once I have a visual clue/reference I can usually work out a solution.
Catch ya soon.
kensmodels
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Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 01:36 AM UTC
https://www.dropbox.com/s/17g2aw0mxqln0vs/1355150276-0903953-www.nevsepic.com.ua.jpg

Thanks for the persistence Roger. The grill I'd like to replicate is on the Lorraine Schlepper conversions undertaken by Baukommando Becker. I've linked to Dropbox, as I cannot seem to directly upload a photo - hope you can see it
fitzgibbon505
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Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 05:51 AM UTC
For the grille you showed I would use the following approach.
Cut all the slats to the same length (something like the Northwest Short Line "Chopper" would be helpful), and cut two pieces for the side frames (you can leave them a little over length and sand for final fit) Glue one slat in at the appropriate angle and let dry thoroughly. Cut a shim of a thickness to match the spacing between slats and narrower than the slats to allow for gluing. Place the shim against the first slat and position the next slat against it. Carefully glue the ends of the slat and remove the shim. This should give you even spacing and angles. Repeat this process until you have the correct number of slats, let dry thoroughly and install into the opening on the model.
turtle65
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Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 10:35 AM UTC
Ken, that's a nice easy problem you have - "a picture paints a thousand words" so:







Once all the slats are in place the exterior frame can be trimmed to size.
HTH.
kensmodels
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Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 10:56 AM UTC
Jim, Roger, thanks so much - simple and elegant solutions. This is what a modelling forum exists for (IMHO)
Onwards & Upwards!

Ken
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