Any ideas for grooved headlamp lens texture

[FramFramson]

Doesn't have to be all segmented like this. I just need some thin, transparent plastic with tiny fine grooves in it. Convex would be really neat, but I can work with flat.

Any ideas that don't involve paying $7+ (plus shipping) for single model lenses from train or car detail kits? I did find one tutorial online, but it involved making a complex jig and that seems a bit much of a effort for just a minor detail on tabletop stuff.

[SotF]

Depending upon what you're specifically looking for, it could be extremely easy or very difficult.

The easy way, if this is something you're going to paint rather than a clear piece, is to use a slightly brighter or darker color to the rest and a stiff, dry brush pass to add the streaks.

[FramFramson]

I can do paint with an epoxy bubble on top, but I'm hoping to have actual physical texture (with the grooves on the outside).

It's not a big deal, but I thought I'd ask in case anyone had any bright ideas since it doesn't seem like an incredibly complicated thing.

[snitcythedog]

It's not a big deal, but I thought I'd ask in case anyone had any bright ideas since it doesn't seem like an incredibly complicated thing.

it's not unless you are doing it at scale.  For materials that are convex and grooved I cannot help but my suggestion below might.

I can do paint with an epoxy bubble on top, but I'm hoping to have actual physical texture (with the grooves on the outside).

Why not groove the epoxy bubble?  If you have micro files you could file the groves into a set piece of epoxy and then paint with Future to get the clear bubble back.  You might even be able to score the surface with a scribe or similar tool and then future it.  My two cents.  I hope it helped.
Snitchy sends.

[tin shed gamer]

Thin plastic  card score lines in,desk top hole punch(with a bit of practice will produce a convex punched disk),then attach to a rod or head light and remove excess with a file.
It's a bit old school and low tech for some but it will work. Stress lines in clear plastic won't be an issue as it's more a case of speed and the angle at which the blades hit the scored plastic combined with the natural grain of the rollered plastic sheets . Which breaks down to a little trial and error.
Hope that helps you Matt.
Mark.

[FramFramson]

Yeah, I was thinking about doing something like that. Even if I don't have the right tooth spacing on a file or rasp or such, it's small enough I can probably make some parallel knife strokes.

[OSHIROmodels]

Not much help but I'd pay the money for the parts 

cheers

James

[Svennn]

Not much help but I'd pay the money for the parts 

or check for shitty vehicle toys in dollar stores with lens that could be utilised by trimming down?

[Andym]

If you can get away with it not being transparent, a blob of Greenstuff would work. Round the blob off and score lines in it. Then just paint it. That's how this was done....

[FramFramson]

Not much help but I'd pay the money for the parts 

cheers

James

I actually did at one point, but then the bugger never sent a damned thing and I had to go through paypal to get my money back.

[Valerik]

M.V. Products Realistic Light Lenses For Models

They do a wide variety of sizes & colours & textures.

They are NOT cheap, but are little jewels that sparkle & twinkle!!

I useta use them on 1/35th stuff, long ago & far away...

Not sure where to source them, mine came from model RR places or swop deals.

Should be able to run them down from most any of the online railway hobby joints.

My last local brick n'mortar hobby shop, nestled in the back of a bicycle store, where I could put my paws on these, folded when they changed hands earlier this year... 

Guess I didn't visit, or spend, often enough... 
Now I know of nothing within even a semi-reasonable drive where one could buy supplies...

I'm sure I've also seen such creatures in plastic,  included by some Eastern European tank/vehicle model companies.  Or higher end Japanese products...
Strikes me they'd be too big in 28mm though, like 1/24th-1/25th car parts.

I DO just happen to have some Murch searchlights to add to the flotilla in Puerto Miseria,
so where'd I put that old spares box?  Hmmmmm..

Valerik

A Fresnel lense man from way back

[Connectamabob]

Head to the craft store, and see if you can find a round bead with lines on it that's around 2-3x the diameter of your headlight. Punch/drill a hole the diameter of your headlight in a piece of card, and glue the bead in the hole so part of it protrudes out the other side as a dome. Make a press mold from that, and cast a drop of clear epoxy or acrylic in it.

If you can't find a bead with lines, then get a smooth one, glue a bit of stiff wire in the hole, stick it in a drill/mototool chuck, and lathe groves in it with a needle file.