Sukhoi Su-15 (1949) Model-Kom in 1/33

[Isaac]

So you think an offset canopy would be a problem? Well you are right. But it does not need to be.


Lets analyze this.


Here is the purchased vacuformed canopy from Model-Kom ( the publisher of this model )


and here are the frames from the printed model


and both, next to each other.


Question: How do I fit this flat pattern on this curvy canopy?
Answer : Not the way they have it.


I decided to make a plug out of their canopy for potential use later on in case I messed this up. Pics later.

Lets try it out their way


and dry fit to fuselage. "Clearly 1+1 here does not equal 2" It does not fit!


Solution 1"
remove all except the forward frame of the wind shield.




trim away all excess clear plastic ( there is a pronounced curvature where the vacuform mold is at, so I had no choice but to remove it ).


and here is the gap between the clear canopy and the fuselage.


and rear frame is also not fitting


and now a one page visual explanation of the issue:




Will have to rethink this one.



Isaac

[MacSongLi]

Isaac,


Obviously the person that created to canopy mold hasn't built this model before.


Didn't this kit include a paper template for the canopy that you could use for a plastic mold?



Gary

[Isaac]

Originally Posted by MacSongLi

Isaac,


Obviously the person that created to canopy mold hasn't built this model before.


Didn't this kit include a paper template for the canopy that you could use for a plastic mold?



Gary

Yes, there is a paper template. I did not use it. I will try it later though just to check.
So maybe there is some redemption here.

But the frames still do not match the fuselage, so something is still a miss.


Isaac

[Isaac]

Here are the photos of the Model Kom kit.

the paper frame


and the built model on the kit itself


As you can see , the frames are not matching the fuselage either, but the clear plastic does. The test model is different than what is in the published kit.



Isaac

[Isaac]

I decided to stay with this bad canopy and add my own frames using some of the existing kit parts.


So the canopy is glued on tightly using Super Glue ( CA )



here is the rear canopy cover and side frames which are too short ( maybe due to the wrong canopy shape ).


cut the sides and glue the rear canopy cover in place.


The yellow tape shown is the demarcation of the gap in the plastic clear canopy and the fuselage side.



I cut new parts for the side frames and the windshield bow.


Here it is. Not the best of works and I will need to repair it again later.





Isaac

[Isaac]

I decided to make a mold using the original Model-Kom canopy knowing it is not 100% correct.


Here are the steps:
-coat the inside of the existing vacuformed canopy with olive/cooking oil.
-place it in a small dish upside down.
-prepare a soupy consistency Plaster of Paris.
pur into the plastic canopy
-place a wood pedestal to allow it to stand up during the vacuforming process
-wait overnight
-remove mold from canopy



here it is .




The next step will be to remove the "skirt" that the original canopy has, and then build up the sides flat and a bit deeper on the left side.


At this point. I stopped because of an upcoming trip.


So the build is complete. Pics in next post.


Isaac

[Isaac]

The model of this unusual jet is done. Small details added.

I liked the unique shape of this experimental jet
I liked its construction.

it needed some added structural support and nose weights.


I did not like the lack of canopy fit and it's framing


Overall it was a pleasant build that could have used some additional shading of different material panels to add to an otherwise monochromatic model.

I would not recommend this model to a novice builder. But, it is a good challenge to a seasoned builder.


Here it is on my work bench


It is a nice addition to my early jet collection


Isaac

[MacSongLi]

Nice recovery Isaac. You did a great kit bash on the canopy. In the nned, it is a great looking model (of a strange aircraft).

Congratulations on the build.

Gary

[Isaac]

Thanks Gary.

Sometimes its OK to build the beast without the beauty!


Isaac

[Isaac]

OK, never mind about the beauty and the beast. here are a few pics of this plane against a better background.







Isaac