I stumbled on a technique for simulating the laser-reflective coating on modern armored vehicle vision blocks and optics by using colored mylar/plastic confetti and sequins that you can find at craft stores. The trick is to find flat patterns that are big enough to cut up for periscopes and optics windows. I found the below two types at my local A.C. Moore and Michaels stores for $1 each. The bags come in a variety of colors, so select one that has more purple, reddish-purple, and red material than the others. I'm trying to think of other uses for the others colors, so let me know if you have any ideas.



So far I have only used these to make the vision blocks on models where you would normally use a clear styrene insert. I have not yet tried to use it on periscopes that are molded in solid plastic (clear or standard). I'll be trying it on a Tamiya M113A3 soon and will post the results.

First, I select the reddish-purple, red, or purple confetti that I want to use (I find reddish-purple and purple the most similar to the look you see in most pictures). Then I cut out the template for the block and glue it to the confetti with white glue.



Then I cut out the block with fine scissors or a modeling knife. I install it much like I would install the clear styrene part, gluing it in place with white glue or cement for clear parts.

Here are two pictures of the end result. The first one shows the various uses (including gluing a piece of confetti behind a clear part tinted with Tamiya smoke for one window in the gunner's primary sight and for the CITV). The second one shows the effect when you mix the reddish-purple and purple confetti on the same model for a bit of variety, and to simulate the color-shifting properties of laser-reflective coatings.




Unfortunately I still am not very good with my camera, so the purple vision blocks are a lot bluer in the pictures than they are in real life.

Overall, I find that the result looks very much like the real deal in reference pictures.

Great idea. I am off to the craft store now.

Nick

So simple, yet so brilliant. I think this will be my method of choice, and I'll end up going back to redo the ones I tried with paint. Thanks for sharing Lucas!

Thats a Brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing.
No hassle with the clear parts and clear paints. I spent soooo much time making these vision blocks during the base coat and painting.

Great idea, Thanks again for sharing.

This should be made as an article else would vanish in no-time with the tons of other posts.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, you're about 4 years too late Aircraft modelers have been using this stuff since 2003:
http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/crtkq_1.htm Other stuff to watch for in the craft store is the mylar(?) foil used for wrapping wedding candies, similar idea. A coat of Future really gives it a nice shine too, and works well for attaching it.

Jim

definitely coat them with future, it really adds sparkle to them.

Here's some further reading


http://www.finescale.com/fsm/default.aspx?c=a&id=1688

Great Idea Desk Jockey
Thanks.
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/default.aspx?c=a&id=1688

Yep that it is what I am going to use too.

Looks really good.

To go along with Dave Roofs article, I use the clear ones for HUD's on all of my aircraft. Looks much better than the clear plastic that comes with the kits. I dig this look for the vision blocks on the armor subjects. Had thought of doing this many years ago, but never got off of my lazy butt to give it an attempt. Nice job Lucas. Looks good. "Q"

Great!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! This will be my choice now on!!

Bye,

Marcelo

Now I'm not one for building modern stuff but I have to admit the problem of properly replicating the vision blocks had been something I'd thought about, this is a very simple and effective solution for it.

I guess I re-invented the wheel here! Kinda funny when you think about it. I guess a lot of modelers spend time browsing craft stores to see what else besides artists' brushes they can find. I've gotten a few odd looks from what I assume are regular customers.

I am not really seeing anything re-invented. This technique has been used on modern AFV models by a variety of modellers over the past couple of years.

Before that was using exposed 35 mm film negative....the black exposed film works great for normal periscope glass and the amber coloured for just a slight bit of reflective laser coating.

Good to see a few other folks learning about it..hopefully they will use it...the key is to use it on an AFV that actually has the anti-laser coating....do your research before hand.

I have been using the film negatice stuff for quite a while - I'm very happy with the results so far

Wow. I can use this on my M1A1 and my F-15E. Can't wait to try it.

Well picked up 3 bags of them spangles so have all the colors covered.

Purple ,Fuchsia,Multicolor.

Thanks again Dude