Nieuport Upper Wing Clear Center Sections

[WD]

Forumites,
                 Got a question, let me tap the hive mind of the Alter Hase. The initial runs of Nieuport 17's had "clear" center sections. I'm going on the assumption that these were made of some kind of clear celluloid. Now I remember my old TR6 (man I miss that car!) had a celluloid rear window, it was never very "clear", and it didn't seem to take long before it looked pretty worn, etc.

On my 1/72nd Nieuport build(s) I plan on representing this with either the included decal, or a piece of clear packing tape. Other ideas suggestions are, of course, most welcome.

My question is this: the decal and tape are much clearer than what these center sections seem to be, judging by photos. (Please see photo below.) How would I go about making this center section more "cloudy" without making it look like I messed the kit up?



I thank you all very much!

Warren

[DaddyO]

Hi Warren

As you know I used some 3M crystal tape for my Nieuport centre section (which worked very well and I'd use again)

Got to admit the small windscreens I make usually end up fairly 'misted' shall we say by the time I get around to fitting them (surface scratches etc) which look okay. For the larger centre section you could try the same method    Using some very fine worn wet and dry paper (800 ish) to get a similar effect or a light coat of tinted varnish would also do the trick I think

Paul

[Mattrix25]

Hi !
I am sorry, but I disagree with the celluloid being cloudy in the photo that you have supplied.
As I think that what the photo is showing us is the actual angled mirror reflection of the clouds above, in the sky.
Just my take on it,
I would think that the ground crews would have been detailed to clean the celluloid regularly, to allow a clear view for the pilot.

Kind regards,
Matt.

[macsporran]

I think these early plastics would have been fairly unstable in strong French sunshine, especially in the summer, and would likely show some opacity after prolonged exposure.

I'd suggest crystal clear on a model of a new machine just delivered from the factory and a little obscured after a few weeks service with effects of sunshine, moisture, castor oil and polishing.

My tuppence
Sandy

[petrov27]

I'd suggest crystal clear on a model of a new machine just delivered from the factory and a little obscured after a few weeks service with effects of sunshine, moisture, castor oil and polishing.

My tuppence
Sandy

I would agree with Sandy - I have a few pics that seem to show it as pretty clear but as noted it probably got a bit hazy fairly quickly. A possible way to cloud it, maybe a light coat of dullcoat/matt spray and/or a light shot of clear yellow (I would dilute a lot for 1/72)

[WD]

Thanks all for your replies, suggestions, etc. As I said before, my only experience with this type of material in real life tells me it's not that clear in the first place, and is quick to show scratches, smudges, and yellows, although I doubt I'm going to attempt the yellowing at this point. Another aspect of Nie. 17 1530 is that while not very old at all in these images, it doesn't let very much light through. Here it is on a bright, sunny day (as evidenced by the "white" sky [ortho film made blue fade to white] and the shadows on the ground) and it's not letting much light through at all.



Thoughts?

Warren