Window material

[BMK]

I need you opinion on windows for models.
I have been looking for sometime, to purchase clear window material for cars and buildings at a reasonable price. Selection options are minimal to say the least, however, I found a source that will provide 11.5” x 9” x 0.001” sheets. It comes in clear, green, red and yellow. It cost three dollars per sheet. Is this reasonable?

[NH Mike]

.001" is one one thousandth of an inch - extremely thin. It would be less than the thickness of a piece of plain paper and somewhat difficult to work with. Maybe it was a typo and you meant .010" ? Evergreen styrene has clear sheets .010" thick and I've used it many times for window glass. What you found is larger sheets and offered in a couple of tints at $3 a sheet doesn't sound expensive when you consider how many windows you can cut from one sheet.

[BMK]

Thank you Mike for your response.
Yes it is 0.01 thick (not 0.001).
I ordered several of the color sheets. There are times when it comes in handy for detail window work.
Yes, this size sheet will provide a lot of material but it seams better than trying to find packaging or scraps of material

[jdetray]

For clear window glass, I use clear plastic salvaged from the blister packs used in packaging for consumer products. It is typically 0.01" thick.

- Jeff

[Charles Smiley]

The best glass I ever used was from microscope cover slips commonly used with microscope slides.

They are real glass and very thin. Nothing looks like glass more than real glass. I found cover-slips in several large sizes at medical supply houses. The only negative is that cafeful cutting is necessary with a glass diamond-tipped scriber.

[Steve S]

What about those clear plastic book report covers? They're dirt cheap at Walgreens. As long as the window isn't too big, the flexibility shouldn't be a problem.

Steve S

[santafewillie]

Like Jeff, I use salvaged blister packaging. My most common is the Atlas Custom Line turnout packages, it's .010 thick. It's free (sort of) and it doesn't end up in the landfill.
willie

[Iron Horseman]

Originally Posted by Charles Smiley

The best glass I ever used was from microscope cover slips commonly used with microscope slides.

They are real glass and very thin. Nothing looks like glass more than real glass. I found cover-slips in several large sizes at medical supply houses. The only negative is that cafeful cutting is necessary with a glass diamond-tipped scriber.

I've got piles of those, but never considered using them for modeling. What do you glue them in with? The plastic packaging welds with the caboose body with liquid plastic cement so nicely.

[Charles Smiley]

That's the hard part. If they have lots of overhang inside the building -- and are nevertheless still flush with the back of the window -- I used Walthers Goo.

If they have to be cut to exact dimensions to fit in the frame I used that stuff that dries crystal clear that is used to make windows - Micro Krystal Klear by Microscale. Applied to the edges with a toothpick.

[ChevelleSSguy]

What about something like Krystal clear or similiar product? Its a liquid you forum a sort of bubble across the window pane and it dries clear.