Help with canopies

Most Japanese companies will NOT supply replacement or spare parts outside of japan, unless they got a local office like Tamiya.
HLJ might be able to help in getting a spare canopy. I know that they do at times order replacement parts, but not sure of their policies for doing so.

If I got paint seepage/overspray on a canopy I use a toothpick to scrap it off. You can also use a cotton-bud/microbrush soaked in a teenie bit of thinner to assists with the cleanup, keep soft tissues handy.

If you need to sand clear parts invest in a top compound or similar.

Either way I don't know near with anything really abrasive, I rather strip the part and repaint it.

Others might have some more suggestions. Best of luck for getting it sorted out.

Assuming the model is painted with enamels, just run enamel thinner applied with a fine brush and the paint will come off. As it liquifies, use cotton swabs to dry it off. If there is some hazing left over, polish the canopy with either Blue Magic or Novus #2 and finish it off with Future. Works for me.

This will sound like more work than it actually is. first fix the canopy to restore the proper shape. Then get some clear overhead projector sheet. fill the inside of the canopy with clay (plasticine is good too) and push a stick into it to hold ti firmly. over your stove(carfully) heat the clear plastic untill it starts to sag a bit then plunge it onto the old canopy. lei it cool and it should come right off. then trim the excess just like a vac form canopy. This has saved my but on more than one occasion. it does work!
good luck
Drew

I want to thank a you all for some good advice. But, I was talking to a person in the hobby business and he said that Hasegawa is supposed to replace parts through the local wholesaler. I am going to see if that's true and try it.

I know that sounds strange to take after a clear part with sandpaper, but it was suggested to me by a couple of other modelers in the area. They said that have done this technique when they get glue and paint and other crud on their clear parts. In fact one person whom I have talked to about this was surprised that the canopy cracked. He was sort of wondering if it was to do with different types of plastic between North American and Japanese makers. He related that he too has never had a problem with sanding and poloshing clear parts.

I think that I will try an experiment with some old parts that I have laying around and see what I can come up with.

I'll let you know what happens with my experiment, and whether Hasegawa wil send me replacement parts.

Clear Skies!
Carter