BAYKO Glazing

Firstly, a confession, I'm sorry, I've never been quite sure why, but I don't really like the BAYKO Glazing, and I rarely, if ever, use it. I am, however, more than happy to admit that there are many excellent modellers who do so - with flair.

Scissors have never been my weapon of choice, though [age 6-ish] I did win a prize, at primary school, for being the best in class at cutting out round photographs without leaving any white bits!!! I know - impressive or what‽

But don't let my blind spot affect your judgement, after all 12-inches-to-the-foot scale models have glazed windows, so, if you're looking for realism…

Just as a matter of interest, Glazing was not a new idea - it was incorporated in the submissions for the first BAYKO patent, which was granted in January, 1935…

…only 20 years or so earlier!!!

Plimpton took a decision in the mid 1950s - I'm afraid I can't be more specific than that - that polystyrene was the material of the future as far as BAYKO was concerned - presumably based on its price.

Polystyrene moulding technology is completely different and so Plimpton began a gradual programme of retooling which eventually affected Bricks, Half Bricks, End Bricks and Curved Bricks.

It also affected Windows, Large Windows and, eventually, Doors.

The retooling plans for the windows generated a spin-off in the form of Glazing.

Only the Windows and Large Windows [left] were retooled with 'small' lugs in the four corners, which allow the Glazing [rectangles of clear plastic sheet] to be clipped in behind them, thus creating the impression of a fully glazed window. Gluing isn't necessary, though perhaps advisable for exhibition models.

Curved Windows were never converted to polystyrene, neither were Side Windows nor Opening Windows - glue being the recommended method for securing the Glazing in position.

Earlier Windows could also be glazed in the same way.

The Plimpton era Glazing was actually printed, clearly marking out the correct sizes for the various BAYKO windows…

…this was then supplied, wrapped in white paper, [right] in uncut lengths, which the young BAYKO modellers cut to size themselves - I wonder who did the risk assessment on that one!!!

These wraps of Glazing were included in all the BAYKO sets and could also, of course, be bought separately.

Perhaps with the safety question in mind - though more likely driven by the 'added value' / profit margin motive - MECCANO supplied their glazing pre-cut to size [below].

In 1962, when MECCANO launched their range of new BAYKO parts, the Shop [or Picture] Window was supplied pre-glazed.

The French Windows launched at the same time stuck to the glue method!

Today's modeller has three choices…

…stocks of original BAYKO glazing do still turn up…

…or use the cellophane sheeting available in art/craft shops…

…or even simulate tinted glass with coloured cellophane!!!

Following a gratefully received prompt from Keith Yorks, I realised that I had completely omitted the most important Glazing detail…

…how bid they are…

…oops, sorry!

If anybody has a micrometer, I'd love to be able to add sheet/part thickness information as well…

Well that's it for Glazing - perhaps one day I'll take up the challenge personally - in the meantime I've a website to finish!