Hey guys, I'm building a vintage 1/4 scale Bridi rearwin speedster and need help with this wind shield. Is there a way to heat it and make it take a shape a little easier?its a pretty tight compound curve around the cabin top blocks. What are some tricks? Also I need to make some wing tip light lenses for a f4u corsair that are even tighter. I feel like if I can maybe make a mold and try to heat up with a heat gun " has any one done this? Does it work?thanks a lot for the info, Steve.

For wing tip lights I usually purchase small canopies and work with them....they can be shaped using heat and a home made mould. usually just the right thickness.

For tip lights I use the actual piece of the tip that I cut out as the mould.

I add a little 1/8 balsa to the piece because as you mould them the plastic
tucks under the mould.

The mould fits in a vice on the supporting stick. The plastic is sandwiched between
some scrap wood pinned through the plastic. You just need the wood on either side
of the plastic, not all the way round.

Heat the plastic in front of an electric bar heater until it gets floppy then quickly
stretch it over the mould. Once it cools trim to shape & fit.

If you need them tinted Tamiya makes paint for plastic models called ''clear red'' &
''clear green''. - John.

Thanks for the answer boomerang. Can you explain the second sentence a little? The part about the 1/8 piece of balsa?thanks again. Steve.

For the windshield I would make a pattern out of heavy paper or manila file folder material and cut it to shape. Hopefully the pattern is on your plans already. Cut out the plastic and think about how you're going to hold it in place while you heat and shape it. It can be done with a heat gun and cotton gloves. Without a plan for holding it down, you will need a few extra hands so think it through. If you overheat the plastic, it will "craze" and not be clear anymore. It can be done though. Order .060" thick butyrate plastic sheets in 11" x 17" size and get more than you need.

Pay attention to where the heat gun is pointed while you form and stretch the plastic too. Once you get the hang of it it's not "too" bad.


carl

There is some detail and pictures of how to do this in this thread...lots of pictures
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_73...tm.htm#7346460

Thanks a lot sebo, I can tell you are a very smart builder with a wealth of useful knowledge. I just sat and read through all 27 pages worth of your BN Champ build. Now I want one to build. Maybe my next project? I also think I will get a lot out of your thread when it comes to running in my ST 3250. Not too much different from your 3000. I just need a muffler for it, and one more 6 foot roll of fabric and I can get on to finishing the big beast. It's tough to deligate time and money between so many different projects. Once all of it is done, I will be sticking to one project at a time. Much easier to actually finish . Well, thanks again. BTW, you did a REAL sweet job on the Champ. Congrats, and hopefully you get years and years out of her.Steve.

Thanks. Glad it helped.