I have been following with interest the various threads concerning this kit. I am about half way through building mine and I'm at the stage where I want to install an operable/scale baggage compartment door, the idea being (as others have done) is to install some of the electronics behind it. Making the door is not a problem, where I have hit a brick wall is the hinging of it. If anyone can offer any suggestions as to how it can be hinged without the hinges protruding I would gladly accept your input. For those of you who have/are building this kit you will understand that the baggage compartment door is not a flat panel. It has a distinct curve at the lower edge where it follows the contours of the lower fuselage, this is where the hinging problem lies, in that it is a curved surface.

If I were you I would PM Teookie and ask him. He has a very nice scale version, and I know he will get back to you. He has givven many people here help when they have asked him.
Alan

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXES27&P=7

Sonictronics makes offset hinges, that are completely concealed.

Les

I used the Sonic Tronic hinges that Les made mention of. Getting them in the right location is a challenge.
If your not concerned about scale operation, you could hinge the door at the bottom so it flops down. If it's hiding switches, etc., it really won't matter that much.
Paul

Link to Sonic Tronic [link=http://sonictronics.com/xcart/home.php?cat=321]http://sonictronics.com/xcart/home.php?cat=321[/link]

I just embedded a nylon Dubro hinge. Can't even see it.

Why after all the trouble of making a Bggage Compartment Door didn't you make opening Cabin Doors?

That might still happen yet!

I have gone with Deadeye's suggestion and used a standard hinge (Thunder Tiger 3/4" wide) works great and is barely noticeable. I also made a new door out of fiberglass, much thinner and will give just that little bit of extra room for the electronics when complete.

I have started my own thread on my cessna 182 build. " http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11331976/tm.htm " . I just love all the detail that some guys put into there Cessna's.
For- SDCrashmaster
I saw your 182 it looks great with the opening doors and all the detail. I just want to ask if it would be possible to modify a TopFlite 182 that is at 80%-85% complete to add opening doors? The thing is, there is a main spar on the sideof the fusalage in the middle that isrunning through where the doors will be.
Did you build it different than the plans and instruction say to accomidate the doors?
How will cutting this spar affect the strength of the model?
Do I need to re-inforce the door frame at the top and bottom with something if I cut it out?
How can It be done?
Any addviseon this issue is welcome...

Thank you

Hi Etienne,
If you look above at post 5, There is a diagram of exactly what I did to reinforce any door openings I cut out.
Have fun,
Paul