Hi y'all. Sorry for the delay, out earning the daily bread.
Well Bill these are for Desperado. I'm working on a travel (take-apart) copy right now that might see duty for the team trials.
Molding canopies isn't too hard but may take a few tries to get your technique down. Build your fuselage like you are making a solid painted canopy. Carve and sand the block on the plane. Then carefully cut the canopy portion off. You will only have to do this once for like models if you take care of this first plug. Next add an apron around the bottom of your plug bring the sides down at least another 1/2" all around. Make this all one solid block. Do Not use any putty, fillers, dope or epoxy on the plug. It will stick to your canopy when you draw the hot plastic down over the plug. Just sand it very smooth and wipe with a tack cloth. Mount it to something strong and steady so you can work it hands free. You can see mine in a machinist vice.
The clear plastic is from Sig and is .040. I get four shots from one sheet. Plan to goof up some shots so buy extra plastic.
My holding frames are 3/16 cheap Luan plywood. Cut the center out leaving about 1/8 clearance around the plug. (2 pieces). The plastic is sandwiched between the ply wood then very small screws hold it together about every 1 1/2" apart. I also have some sandpaper glued to the ply so the plastic stays put. This is put in my small countertop oven @ 350 d . Watch until it sags about 1/2" in the middle then give it another 15-30 seconds then pull it out and press down evenly over the plug. Hold until it cools.
If the sides are stretching too thin then let the sheet get a little softer in the oven. The center hits the plug first and cools quick. Then the sides must do all the stretching. If you let it get hotter you'll win that battle.
Once you have your technique working make up a few extra for future builds or replacement when you've left it in the sun without covering it!
Dave
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