Fixed Wing

I've recently acquired a new ARF version of the 40% J'Tec Radiowave Extra 330L. The plastic canopy that comes with the plane fits the hatch very nicely. However, there isn't enough overlap on the sides to screw it on to the hatch like I have done on other planes. The hatch is covered with Ultracote. While I have used RC56 canopy glue successfully in the past on smaller and less heavy canopies I'm concerned that if I simply glue this huge thing on and then tape the edges whether the glue will have enough holding power during flight and over time. What are other ways you have attached a large canopy to an Ultracote covered hatch? BTW, my first impressions of this plane's quality and detail are very positive. It is very straight and true in all respects. I will likely make very few modifications to it in order to match the way I like to build or set things up. Thanks in advance for any responses you may have to my canopy question.

Fixed Wing

sweetpea01

My Feedback: (10)

Glue will hold. I would cut away a small portion of the ultracoat so that the glue can stick to wood.......or at least scuff the ultra coat. You can use canopy glue, epoxy, or (this is what I would use) aeroepoxy [the loctite hyrosol]. Use some masking tap to make loop handles for the top/sides of the canopy so you can hold onto it easier (you may also ask a friend to help). then place it........and tape it down until the glue dries. Then use some vinyl to cover the edge and a blowdryer to heat up the vinyl so it'll strectch nicely around the curves.


All in all its quite easy and safe. And if you still wanted the screw look you can cut down some and drill holes and glue them in also. (they would be cosmetic only)

bhanley

As noted glue will work. Suggest you use P.F.M. made by
Innovative Model products. I get it at my LHS. It is clear
and applies like RTV. As noted make sure that you have
a clean and roughed surface on the inside of the hatch
frame.

Also, for me I have found it easy to glue canopys into frame
by using balled up newspaper piled in the fuse as a way of
getting upward pressure against the canopy as follows:
- complete the frame mount scheme
- fit the canopy to the frame
- pile up balled up newspaper in the fuse in the canopy area
sufficient so that when you mount the frame (now with canopy
in place) there is sufficient newspaper to push the canopy
tightly up against the mating surface of the frame
- remove the canopy and frame
- apply the P.F.M. to both the mating surface(s)
- get the canopy back in the frame and mount the frame
with the newspaper pushing the canopy in place
- clean off the P.F.M. that oozes out with water and paper
towel
- let it dry overnight
Good Luck
Bruce