How do you build a scale looking frame for your 'bubble' plastic canopy? Building a jet (SU-27)and have the clear plastic canopy which I had to order from Italy, so replacement is difficult if I screw it up. The full size has a 'flange' arrangement around it. The hinged portion has the flange which rotates upward as the canopy opens. Aluminum-litho plate- is the only thing that comes to mind to hold the shape. I guess almost all jet canopies are similar, any ideas or 'How-to' articles you know of? Bill S.

One way to make a frame is out of styrene plastic. You would need to carve a plug of the canopy first and then build the styrene frame on the plug. This would work fine and the plastic details very well. BobH.

What I did for this one was form 2 canopies then cut the "windows" out of one, paint it and glue it on. You could buy another and do the same thing.

Sorry, I missed the part about coming from Italy. The first thing that I would do is to make a plaster of paris mold of the existing, uncut canopy. Then you should be able to find some one locally that would form you a new one.

Les

NEO, the builder of an incredible SBD has all the answers:

http://www.renderwurx.com/rc/SBD/htm...ce/canopy1.htm

Thanks for the help, and THE WEBSITE! I think I'll start with the plaster mold-just in the off chance I screw something up, or a crash. I messed up a windshield on a Pilatus Porter (in a heavy landing) and it's irreplaceable- if I'd had a plaster cast, would have been able to 'pull' a new one! Good insurance policy. I have used the aluminum automotive 'duct' tape which I guess is similar, if not the same as Flite Metal. Also, have some styrene on hand I use for model trains. Think I'll play with some of that and see how it does. Thanks again guys! Bill S.