1st Project and a little confused.

[Guest]

Hi to you all, just bought my first plastic kit, a Roden 1/48th WW1 Sopwith Strutter which arrived in the post this morning.

Being a total novice to this hobby I am a little confused as to why some parts of the kit, (the wings and body) are clear plastic. I would have thought that it would have all been normal coloured plastic.

I can only assume that it is like this so you can also view the internal components of the plane but as i want to use it as a piece in a wargame, I intended to fully paint it.

Can the clear plastic be painted in the same way as the rest of the coulered plastic parts?

Many thanks

[Guest]

You are right to think it is for viewing the internal details. Some motorcycle kits and even some tank kits have clear parts for the same reason. Just paint them as you would paint the plastic parts but be a little wary as you work on them. Clear plastic tends to be harder and more brittle than normal coloured parts so just be careful not to snap it.

[stona]

Exactly what Graham said. I would definitely apply a primer before painting as well.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Don't forget to give the parts a wash as clear plastics tend to have a bit more release agent used on them. As the clear parts are almost certainly very glossy I would give them a gentle rub with fine wet and dry as well to key the surface.

[Guest]

Thanks very much for the advise, very helpful.