I'm looking to build a MK1 Swordfish but the only kits availabale seem to be clear kits. Can these be built using the usual techniques, or are we talking new glues?
I dont want any clear non sense. I'm pretty sure they were n't clear 1939-45 .
Are they different plastics etc.

Many thanks in advance
Dean

Clear styrene more brittle than colored styrene.
Not really a major problem, but something to be aware of.

I've built clear F1 car models as non clear and it's pretty much the same as any other kit- same glues etc. The only problem i have found is using my usual laquer based primer (Tamiya or Auto primers) it tended to slightly craze the plastic, giving it a slight texure that i had to sand away. I guess clear styrene is a bit more sensitive to stronger chemicals, as i've never had laquer paints do this to non-clear styrene.

Andrew

Hi Dean,

If we are talking about the 1/48 scale Swordfish kit from Tamiya (see here), then you should know that you have the choice between the clear and the usual grey styrene parts. I've checked in my sample and both the fuselage and the cockpit interior sprues are provided in two specimens.

Jean-Luc

Thanks guys, all the best
Dean

There is a glue out there that is used to bond clear parts--glass, acrylics, plastics. It cures in UV light, dries clear. I bought some to build my Monogram 1/32 Phantom Mustang but haven't used it yet.

Also, Hobbytown USA in Johnson City, TN carries their Bob Smith CA, one of which does NOT craze or fog clear styrene. I can verify this as I used it on the canopies of my Brewster Buffalo.