Side window installation

[Richard Logston]

I am looking for some advice on installing side windows on cabin type airplanes. I have a post on the Monogram Cub. I don't want the side windows to look like they were pasted on over the painted finish. On bubble type I used epoxy and micro-balloons to form a fillet, but side window present a different challenge. One problem with a C/L like the Cub is the control cables exit out the side window. Any ideas would be appreciated. Richard

[Avaiojet]

Richard,

I built a Sikorsky S-39 years ago for R/C from plans in RC Modeler.

I set mine up exactly the same way a door glass would fit into a door.

I used two layers of balsa. One layer was the outer fuselage skin. The second was the frame the clear plastic sat on placed behind the fuselage skin.

Then, I made a frame of thin 1/64 ply with a glass layer, and carefully epoxied them in place over the clear plastic.

You could use CA but then heat won't allow you to easily remove any window for repair or a redo.

Sounds like a good deal of work doesn't it. Well it is. 

Me being like I am, the results were worth it.

Unfortunately, the model has been taken apart and striped for a redo. I couldn't save the old frames, but here are the new ones I made a few years ago.

I pulled the model out and took these photos just for you, I hope they help.

See what others come up with.

CB

[Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach]

This is an excellent tutorial on just that subject.  Its for rubber power but could be used for any size or power. 

[Steve Thompson]

Consider "Formula 560 Canopy Glue".  Excess that squeezes out can be cleaned up with wet Q-tips if caught quickly.  Dries clear.

CA glue can cause fogging on the window from the CA fumes.

[Richard Logston]

A special thanks to all who replied to my side window post. The side window framing pictures are very helpful, as well as the vacuum process. Confession I have used the CA on occasion before and got away with it, but not a good practice. Again Thanks! Richard

[Avaiojet]

A special thanks to all who replied to my side window post. The side window framing pictures are very helpful, as well as the vacuum process. Confession I have used the CA on occasion before and got away with it, but not a good practice. Again Thanks! Richard

Richard,

Any progress yet? Anything you can Post?

CB

[Paul Smith]

I don't worry too much about this sort of thing.  In Control Line, some CL gizmos will always show.

I would rather have the leadout guide where it needs to be than to bury the leadouts in the wing and have the plane fly badly.

[Richard Logston]

Great post everyone. Yea, I'm thinking I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill regarding the windows. in retrospect the idea was to revisit and build a childhood airplane not a show piece. As to my progress of today, I just applied the 4th coat of dope and talc and will sand today. Research indicates the factory Cub Special was painted a light yellow with blue trim. This design states it is scale, the outline appears to be fairly close, however the cabin area has two former's that cuts the cabin into three sections. In the day this was one off the better kits available. It has been a fun project so far. Will post more pic's as progress is made. Richard

[Paul Smith]

Those cabin monoplanes don't leave much meat the connect the wing to the rest of the model.