Clear Canopy forming

[Tirick]

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

[rmks2000]

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.

[SJPONeill]

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...

[Texman]

And, you could always have an open canopy to avoid the gap

[Tirick]

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

[spaceagent-9]

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.

[Tirick]

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

[The Orange]

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)

[Tirick]

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).

[rockpaperscissor]

The second attempt looks like a total success. Nice looking model.