Warped Resin

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I started working on my Czech Model XP-55 Ascender (does the name have anything to do with the engine location?[}:)][:o)] LOL). I found that the rear cockpit bulkhead, beside being very thin, is also very warped. Does anyone have any suggestions to flatten it out? Or, would I better off tracing it out on flat stock and cut out a new one? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,

2

I believe soaking it in hot water, then letting it cool while you bend it in its desired shape will fix the problem, or at least correct it by a large degree. Look for details HERE.

3

Another method uses a hair dryer and double sided tape. What you do is, heat up the part until it is wobbly then stick it to the double sided tape (which should be attached to a flat surface first). Once the resin has cooled (after about 30 sec), the part should stay flat.

hope that helps.

4

I always understood that, after heating and bending, you have stabalize the resin parts by putting them in the fridge. I never had this problem, so I haven’t tried.

5

John,
If the part isn’t too detailed or is basically flat, I’d rather just cut out a new one from sheep plastic…but if you’ll end up losing detail, then do as the guys have said - heat the part and carefully bend it back to it’s original shape.

6

Thank you all for your input. I will try the suggestions above. If it doesn’t turn out I’ll just cut out a new one since there is only one box on the panel that can be cut off and glued on. This will be a good experiment for the next time I have a highly detailed part thats warped. Thanks again guys!

7

Thanks for the heating idea. I justed warmed it up a bit and I was able to easily flatten it out. Once cooled it’s as good as new.
Thanks again,

8

Hey LeeMitchelTree… Sheep plastic… is that an aussie thing???[;)], you aussies have some intersting uses for sheep (and no dont go there).

The above advice really covers it all

9

180 degree F water, warm part. Remove from water and carefully straighten. Hold under cold running water to set new shape. If part is severely warped you may have to repeat 2 or 3 times moving in small stages until correct shape is achieved. Moving too much at once could snap the piece.