Ever wonder if there was another way to make lenses for modern armor or aircraft sights, periscopes, sensors, head-up displays, etc?
As a 50-year-old college student and 35-year modeler, I found a solution while going through my class supplies — tinted binder dividers, 1. They come in basic clear and a variety of colors, are inexpensive, and one sheet can be used for several models. They can be found at any office supply or discount store where school supplies are sold.
I recently built a U.S. Marine Corps LAV and U.S. Army Paladin. I researched photos and videos of them in action to decide the correct color shade. For the Paladin’s large turret periscope, I used a new hobby blade and trimmed a piece of red binder to fit. I then painted the spot where the “window” is with gloss black (you could use white, silver, or another color to get the correct look), 2. I did the same for the driver’s and commander’s periscopes on both vehicles.
It looks great! Don’t get me wrong, clear color paint has its place. But I find this works just as well.
Tip submitted by:
Mike Frady
Raleigh, N.C.