Cutting side windows...

Here's a question I've never seen posted before and couldn't find with a search (maybe the wrong terms, but anyway...)--how does one cut out the side windows of a kit that has the windows all molded together? Would it be just like "opening" a door on a kit? Or, is there something more to it? I'm looking to do this on the Calsonic R34 Tamiya kit, fyi.

Thanks!

Daniel

Do yo mean so you can represent the window in the open position? If so I have had success in the past using a very fine toothed razor saw (Zona brand) to cut the window and then fine files and sandpapers to clean up the edges of the cut.

Yep, that's exactly what i mean. Would scriber blades (like scale race cars') do the trick? I just wasn't sure since it looks like it would be more difficult to do than a door or hood...

Thanks!

Daniel

photo etch saw blades are your best friend for this job but you can do it with almost any cutting tool I imagine if you are careful.

I have found that using Dymo labeling tape as a guide really helps in making a clean, straight job - it gives your cutter something to "lean" up against.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/612%20China%20Tour/WIP/cut-windows_01.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/612%20China%20Tour/WIP/cut-windows_02.jpg

Thanks, klutz! I appreciate it!

Just to add my 2 cents...

An SRC scriber will do just fine. Especially in combination with the Dymo tape tip from Klutz.
I've used an SRC scriber for parting the roof/front window part in a Tamiya XJ220 kit. Worked like a charm.

Good luck !

I just used the back of a new #11 blade when I cut out the glass on my J30/leopard. Had a bit more clean up to do than what that PE saw would have, I'm sure.

I used dymo tape along with blade, no PE. It took me a few hours to cut out 8 windows off the fujimi EVO8 kit. Make sure not to make a single scratch outside of what you want to cut off because fixing scratches on clear parts are time consuming and it will always leave distortions.
Personally I don't think any tamiya kit requires such a mod. I only did it once because the window pillars on the fuijimi kit was close to 2mm thick - very visible even if you look at the model from a meter away.