Window Curtains

[chato de shamrock]

I started working on one of the Aoshima VIP cars and thought it might look pretty neat if I added window curtains on the door windows. Something like these pictured here:
http://kyoei-usa.com/blog/2009/12/jd...on-kbreak-etc/

I'm wondering if anyone's done this to their models before or may have suggestions where to begin. I'd like to have them folded up like they're pictured on the link but im guessing if i use regular thin cloth it wont hold when i fold it. I also thought of perhaps using colored construction paper because it would hold itself when i fold it and maybe adding flock but when i picture it it doesnt seem like it'll look good. Anyone have any suggestions?

[MPWR]

Sure, that's not difficult. Get some thick tissue paper (the kind often used in gift wrapping). Cut a suitably sized rectangle to cover the window you'll mount it in. Then place it on a waterproof surface, and wet it with water. Fold/scrunch the curtain into whatever shape you're happy with, and when you're done tie a piece of thread around the center where the holdback band will go. It's fine to leave the thread ends long, to make it easy for you to tie. Mix a solution of diluted white glue (Elmer's or similar in the US) and water, and apply it to the curtain. Let the glue dry. Peel the curtain up off your work surface, trim the thread ends short, and add the holdback band cut from a small strip of ordinary printer paper- again, use white glue for this. When dry, paint and install. If you want a satin look, try painting it with gloss dark grey (or even dark metallic gunmetal) and then apply a black wash over it.

[rsxse240]

I have used the tissue paper trick, I have used foil, I have used masking tape, and several others trying to get those effects but my best results came from foil and tissue paper.

[chato de shamrock]

Originally Posted by MPWR

Sure, that's not difficult. Get some thick tissue paper (the kind often used in gift wrapping). Cut a suitably sized rectangle to cover the window you'll mount it in. Then place it on a waterproof surface, and wet it with water. Fold/scrunch the curtain into whatever shape you're happy with, and when you're done tie a piece of thread around the center where the holdback band will go. It's fine to leave the thread ends long, to make it easy for you to tie. Mix a solution of diluted white glue (Elmer's or similar in the US) and water, and apply it to the curtain. Let the glue dry. Peel the curtain up off your work surface, trim the thread ends short, and add the holdback band cut from a small strip of ordinary printer paper- again, use white glue for this. When dry, paint and install. If you want a satin look, try painting it with gloss dark grey (or even dark metallic gunmetal) and then apply a black wash over it.

One year later.......

I'm a bit confused about applying water and the glue part. What's the purpose for wetting the tissue paper, then folding/scrunching it? Wouldn't the water make the thin tissue paper super easy to rip when you begin folding it into the shape i want it? When you apply the mixture of diluted glue and water, it's purpose is to strengthen the tissue paper and/or keep its "folded" form? You apply it while the tissue is folded right, or do you stretch it back up then apply the glue? Since you're applying glue you will have to paint the tissue paper right? You can't just buy black colored tissue and skip the painting process?

By the way, you fellas don't happen to have pictures of your work?

[MPWR]

Wetting the tissue changes the way it will handle. You can certainly fold it up dry, but it could be difficult to get it to stay just the way you want it to as you apply thinned glue to it. Try it both ways, and see what works best for you. Armor and railroad modelers use tissue and glue to simulate fabric in all kinds of applications- tarps, bedrolls, tents, bags, clothing, etc. So just play with it (it's not like it's terribly expensive) and see what you can get it to do. Once you have a set that you like let them dry, peel them up and use them.

Wetting the tissue ahead of time should also make it absorb the glue mixture easier.

If you want to find black tissue and use it, go for it. White glue dries clear, so the tissue should dry black and somewhat glossy looking. But personally I would paint them afterwards anyway. I paint just about everything else on a build.

I don't have any pics (it's been a long time since I built a tank), but if you search "tissue tarp" or some variation you may find pics/examples.