I have a model ( T-33) with a hole in the canopy. How can i repair it ?. How would you suggest to do it. I plan to try with super glue !!!. How to sand it clear ?
Thanks for info[8D]
Well, I’ve never done it, but I’d try 5 min epoxy rather than super glue. You can get stuff that dries crystal clear. You’d have to sand it smooth with the canopy and then use a polishing kit on the canopy to bring it back to clear.
Maybe someone on the list has an extra canopy they could send you? What manufacturer/scale is it?
Also might want to try www.squadron.com. They have all kinds of vac-form canaopies that may be a better bet than trying to repair the one you’ve got.
Good luck!
M.
superglue will destroy the canopy. do not use it!
I would not try epoxy either, as most brands I know of cure to a slightly rubbery consistency, rather than the hard finish that would be needed. I think trying to source a vac formed one from squadron, or even try writing to the kit manufacturer/importer for a replacement. I have done this sucessfully in the past when I found a broken canopy in a kit I had just purchased.
Dip the Canopy in Future floor polish.
well, depending on how big the canopy is, testors has a clear canopy cement and “window maker” that I’ve messed around with and it works okay, but I’d try it out on something else to get the hang of it first
Depending on the size of the hole the future solution might work. If it’s very small you might try it. The five minute expoxy idea will work too. But be preparef for hours of sanding with extremely fine sand paper and a final coat of future to get the crystal clear finish.
But I think the best solution is to go with the Squadron vac canopy. It’s going to be more scale than the cast piece that came with your kit and you’ll get two of them so you can afford a failure. Be sure to coat your vac canopy in future as well. The future will take out any imperfections. The price is under $3.00 plus shipping. Worth it I’d say! [:)]
Good luck!
Dave
If there is no replacement available, you might try forming a new canopy over the old one using one of the clear sheet materials made for stretch-forming. Squadron and Micro-Mark both have such material, and no special equipment is needed, unlike vacuum-forming. You might have to repair the hole by some other means before forming, and it might take several tries to get the hang of it, but it’s possible.
Try Humbrol Clear Fix if you can find it. It’s a little bit like Crystal Clear, but thicker. Depending on the size of the hole, you might have to stretch a thin coat over it to form a seal. After it dries, you can put more on. Once it has cured, you can probably buff it down even with the rest of the canopy.