Dusted off the ol' Mattel "Vac-u-Form" this morning and went to work on moulding a canopy. I have run out of the Mattel(tm) clear sheets many years ago but have a constant supply of clear stock from the tops of greeting card boxes. I use another sheet act as a pattern to perforate the holes to hold the sheet in the brackets.
Here is the canopy carved from balsa, sealed and coated with about three coats of model airplane dope. I am sure that Alan Hall is smiling. I love retro modeling as it saves much scratch. Tamiya tape is used to represent the canopy frames. The canopy block is extra tall to allow for the plastic to settle down tight over the section that will be used.
Here is the unit heating up with the block secured in place. It smells of roasting dust.
It took three attempts to get a good copy. Most of the problem was from not waiting along enough to allow the plastic to heat properly.
And after some careful trimming (it's not done yet) it is beginning to fit onto the fuselage. Most of the trimming now is to the rear of the part so it will fit the profile of the fuselage.
None of this work is difficult to do but like the building of a kit in general, patience is the word.
