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Clear Canopy forming
I'm not certain I've dumped this question in the right subforum, but we'll try here. I am nearing completion of fairly complex build (for me), and I'd like some help on an early part of the build that went awry.
I am building (for those concerned) the Douglas Bader Spitfire (found in the D/L section here), which is a brilliant model. I've not posted build progress on it because, frankly, there are better builds of it already here, and this is my first complex-form paper model build. Where I ran into difficulty was with the canopy. The former provided went together well, and I have the right kind of clear styrene, but when I formed the canopy, the top part of it discolored and turned cloudy. What I would like to know is: What should I use for the fill? I had polyfill handy, which is what I used initially, thinking that it would harden nicely and be resistant to the heat while forming. Thinking I was clever, I tried to seal it with a layer of PVA glue to ensure it had a smooth finish for the canopy to form around. Obviously this did not work. While I can remake it easily enough, I don't really want to keep wasting clear plastic. Any suggestions? Thank you, Sean
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#2
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Try dipping the canopy in "Future" or a simialr acrylic floor finish. This may remove the cloudiness and save you the time from creating a new mold and canopy.
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#3
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The polyfilla on its own would probably be Ok for the mould - don't think that the PVA would respond well to the heat - most sorts of two-part putty are also Ok for molds...as above Future/Kleer floor polish is pretty god for healing many things that might ail a clear part...
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Please critique my posts honestly i.e. say what you think so I can learn and improve... The World According to Me |
#4
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And, you could always have an open canopy to avoid the gap
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Ray Respect the Paper, RESPECT IT! GET OFF MY LAWN! |
#5
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I had thought of just leaving it open, which would conceal the discoloration somewhat, but I like the option of leaving it loose with some sticky-tack so that I can have it closed sometimes.
I think I'll try redoing it, using just the poly-fill, or maybe two-part epoxy. Thank you all for your advice. I would try cleaning it, but I already had tried and caused a few scratches I don't think a cleaner will remove. Sean
__________________
For updates on all my design projects, or to download any of my releases, please visit my site, TCF Gaming |
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#6
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it probably discolored from being bent and turned milky white in the bend area.
i would use a thinner plastic or clear rolling paper you can buy at any head shop. you can also push mold heated plastic and see if that works. |
#7
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Thank all of you for your advice. My son just got some Hot Wheels in a pack that had a nice long strip of clear plastic. On a fluke I tried that with the original mold, and the canopy turned out quite well.
There are a few imperfections, but that is more from the irregularities on the mold, no discolouration. I will have to use packing box plastic from now on for such things; its a good thing I have small children. Many thanks! Sean
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For updates on all my design projects, or to download any of my releases, please visit my site, TCF Gaming |
#8
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Excellent job!
I know you have your reasons against starting a progress thread, but I say, you can never have enough of them! I'm sure a lot of us would love to see your progress pictures! (I know I would :D) |
#9
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I think I can be persuaded. It's done now, so I don't need to fear it fading into obscurity in an unfinished state (as... too many of my projects do).
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For updates on all my design projects, or to download any of my releases, please visit my site, TCF Gaming |
#10
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The second attempt looks like a total success. Nice looking model.
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Regards, Don I don't always build models, but when I do... I prefer paper. Keep your scissors sharp, my friends. |
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