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Aircraft Canopies

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Aircraft Canopies
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 29, 2005 7:51 PM
Hi, I recently lost all five of the canopy pieces for my very old circa 1972 1/32 scale Revell F-4J Phantom II. I've pretty much given up hope on finding replacement pieces from Revell-Monogram or aftermarket canopies (if any actually exists) that fit my 1/32 F-4. Anyway, while stomping around in fustration, I knocked over a box in my study and out fell a bunch of 3M clear plastic sheets (used for printing overhead slides for use on conventional projectors). I have the variety with one rough/one smooth side and another variety with both sides smooth. I was just wondering if anyone has tried creating their own canopies with this (or other types) material and any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Utereg
Posted by Borg R3-MC0 on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 3:25 AM
I have used clear plastic to make canopies. Basicly, you make a mold, heat the plastic sheet, then pull it over the mold. I think it's called the "heat smash" methode After some practise, it's not that difficult.

Very often products are packed in a lot of clear plastic. I use the leftover plastic from these packages. It probably PVC.

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Chester, UK
Posted by mikeiw on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 8:37 AM
It's often referred to as "push moulding", as you push the master through the hot plastic. The key part here is for you to create an accurate master from something. I'd suggest getting yourself a block of Sculpy, and having a go with that first off, and if you can get it to look right, bake it & use that as the master.

If you can get your hands on another kit of the same scale, you could use that, or perhaps even take measurements off a different scale kit canopy to help you make your master more accurate.

You've got a big job ahead of you though, whichever method you use - good luck!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 10:50 AM
Thanks for the tips. I've tried making a master and moulding clear plastic but I guess I'm lacking both the skill and time. My attempt was a disaster! I actually found a guy with the right canopy parts but I think he went AWOL during our transaction. Guess I'll have to bid on eBay for the entire model kit then.....Sad [:(]
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