Vac forming

Don't know if I've mentioned this before but we have a vac forming machine at school, ideal for canopies, cowlings etc. A bit limited on size and I'm struggling at the moment with a 1/4 scale windscreen for Colin that is about 260mm wide x 150mm deep x 200mm high but normal size stuff would be OK....Wish I'd known how easy it was to use before I paid 28 kwid for the cockpit and nose blisters for the mossie.
All I need is a plug to the shape you need, this can be in any material that isn't affected by hot air, so wood, plaster of paris, balsa is ok so long as it's not too soft and don't put any surface finish on it just smooth.

The sheets of plastic are around 50p and that would make, for example, 4 1/6 scale mustang canopies.

Following the departure of the canopy off my new Sukhoi, I managed to locate a canopy (fiberglass) from Carbon Copy. Although for the original "kit" version of the Sukhoi, it is a very close match to my ARF

So today I decided to rub it dowm in put a coat of primer on it. As this went so well, and the primer cured well in front of my heater, I decided to spray the blue framework. This also went on really well and built up to a lovely gloss finish. It was at this point that no only was the paint blue, but also my language.....While attampting to hang the canopy up to dry, I dropped it. Although I was quick enough to cushion the fall with my foot, the blue paint now looked like it had lost a fight to a cheese grater!!

Oh well, once it's dry, i'll rub it back down and start again.

As I then reached across my workbench to switch the heater off, I knocked the container onto the floor which contained all the little canopy fixing screws. At this point, I left the garage and went indoors to explain the mornings events to the wife. Was she interested?????

you should cut back on the scotch and more water young man

Whilst I wouldn't wish it you Ian, I am pleased its not just me it happens to!! Real bummer tho mate...

Just glad it wasn't a wing or fuselage, then the cat would have got a boot up the bum......And we don't have a cat!!!

Managed to get the damaged area of paint rubbed back, then appiled a fresh coat.

This time the paint ran and bloomed

Going to wait until the weather gets a little warmer