1/72 Aircraft canopies

[BillF67]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place.

 

I have real problems painting 1/72 canopy frames. Way back when I was a lad (60’s) I’m pretty sure that some kits came with the frame and the “glass” as separate items. The clear element was suitably indented to almost snap into place under the frame. Paint frame, insert transparency and job done.

 

Is this something that could be achieved with 3D printing and could I bribe anyone to do it if it is possible? I for one would happily cough up given how much it would improve the look of my completed models. As it is, I dread canopies🥺 despite having tried all the tips and tricks - I just can’t seem to do them.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Bill

[Edge]

Hi Bill

 

I have no answer to the main point, but I do know that Airone Hobby do make a photo etch canopy frame for the Arma Hobby F4F kit, so the idea is not dead!

 

https://www.aironehobby.com/?lightbox=comp-jtosmw88__c58c5c95-dc69-42fa-9287-fc7e568b5004_runtime_dataItem-jtosmw89

 

Edge

 

[BillF67]

That was great, Edge. Checked out the site and there’s  a photo etch for a Mk1 Hurricane canopy - and the packaging provides the transparency.  Just what I wanted.

 

Very many thanks

 

Bill

[ICMF]

4 hours ago, BillF67 said:

Is this something that could be achieved with 3D printing

 

Short answer: no.  Not for the home user or to the quality you're looking for, and not without a CAD model to print.

Long answer yes, but with a bunch of caveats.  (specific professional machines/materials, you'd be better off printing a vac-form buck, the frames would be thick and clunky, you'd be farther ahead just paying someone to mask and paint your frames for you, etc. etc.)

[BillF67]

Thanks, ICMF. I sort of thought that would be the case or the market would be awash with them. On the bright side, as long as I stick to Hurricanes (see above) I’m cushty!

[Andreas.R]

On 9/7/2021 at 11:50 AM, BillF67 said:

Apologies if this is in the wrong place.

 

I have real problems painting 1/72 canopy frames. Way back when I was a lad (60’s) I’m pretty sure that some kits came with the frame and the “glass” as separate items. The clear element was suitably indented to almost snap into place under the frame. Paint frame, insert transparency and job done.

 

Is this something that could be achieved with 3D printing and could I bribe anyone to do it if it is possible? I for one would happily cough up given how much it would improve the look of my completed models. As it is, I dread canopies🥺 despite having tried all the tips and tricks - I just can’t seem to do them.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Bill

I had the same problem - the solution: "painted decals" paint transparent decal foil and cut thin strips. Apply this with the help of "Future".

[BillF67]

I’ve got some of that so I’ll give it a try. Can’t be any worse than my paint jobs! VMT

[Andreas.R]

Here is a link to my previous post regarding this problem.

Regards

Andreas