Making canopy 'frames'?
10-15-2003, 03:19 PM
#1
Making canopy 'frames'?
Have a full canopy for a scale jet and want to make a scale looking frame over it. Would like to be able to add 'rivets'. I've used automotive aluminum tape and a tracing wheel on the backside before sticking it on, but the rivets don't hold up well under the pressure to stick the adhesive. This darn canopy took weeks to get from Europe and mucho danero, so don't want to screw it up. Any techniques you guys recommend?
10-16-2003, 09:53 AM
#2
Banned
RE: Making canopy 'frames'?
The first thing that I would do, would be to make a plaster of paris mold of the canopy, so that - just in case - you can get someone with a vacuum form to make you another.
What I have done for a frame, is to vacuum form two canopies, then cut out the window sections of the other. What is left is a frame that fits perfectly. Paint it before you glue it onto the canopy.
Les
What I have done for a frame, is to vacuum form two canopies, then cut out the window sections of the other. What is left is a frame that fits perfectly. Paint it before you glue it onto the canopy.
Les
10-16-2003, 05:13 PM
#3
My Feedback: (8)
RE: Making canopy 'frames'?
If you look at a jet close up, you will see that the canopy frames are flush with the rest of the canopy material and you wont find any raised rivets.
Mask the entire canopy with liquid masking film. Draw the canopy frames onto the dried masking film. Then, using a fresh X-Acto blade, lightly score the masking film along the lines you have drawn. Leave the masking film on the areas of the canopy that will remain clear and peel it off of the canopy frames. Then spray paint the frames. As soon as the canopy can be handled, peel the remainder of the masking film off.
Mask the entire canopy with liquid masking film. Draw the canopy frames onto the dried masking film. Then, using a fresh X-Acto blade, lightly score the masking film along the lines you have drawn. Leave the masking film on the areas of the canopy that will remain clear and peel it off of the canopy frames. Then spray paint the frames. As soon as the canopy can be handled, peel the remainder of the masking film off.
10-16-2003, 09:35 PM
#4
RE: Making canopy 'frames'?
Two good ideas! The plaster cast is good regardless of the use for frames. I have a couple of plans/articles for making a simple vacuum box. I've got a Pilatus Porter with a broken windshield and no replacement to be found. If I had made a cast to begin with, I would have a good looking plane. As for liquid masking, I've never seen any. Where do you find it, what brand(s) would you suggest. Thanks for the ideas guys! Bill S.
10-17-2003, 09:45 AM
#5
Banned
RE: Making canopy 'frames'?
Your local hobby shop should have the liquid masking. If not Micro Mark. If you get serious about vacuum forming, get the book from Micro Mark. The best spent $15 you could ever have.
Les
Les
10-17-2003, 10:58 AM
#6
My Feedback: (8)
RE: Making canopy 'frames'?
I have used the liquid masking film marketed by Bob Dively Models. If my local hobby shop doesn't have it when I need it, I have them order it.
One VEEEERRRRRYYYY important pointer on using the liquid masking film -- DO NOT be conservative on the application of the film! Glop it on as thick as you possibly can get it! If you put it on thin, you are in for hours and hours of grief and frustration trying to get it off. If you put it on thick, it is a breeze to peel off.
One VEEEERRRRRYYYY important pointer on using the liquid masking film -- DO NOT be conservative on the application of the film! Glop it on as thick as you possibly can get it! If you put it on thin, you are in for hours and hours of grief and frustration trying to get it off. If you put it on thick, it is a breeze to peel off.
