Nice work, LocalFiend. I have been cleaning up the plans for the canopy on my mini AT-6 and will be adding a few of these features. I really like the idea of using tabs. I have been using clear packaging tape to attach mine, but this looks much cleaner.
I have previously used clear soda bottles for canopies and found out quickly that you cannot use hot glue on them - the heat instantly warps the plastic. I take it you haven't had any issues with the transparency film?
I bought some transpareny film on Amazon and made the canopy for my mini Mustang using the plan posted on the thread from Rasterize, but used tape instead of glue. I guess I need to make another now trying the hot glue.
Packing tape works, and for something like the mustang might be better than tabs. I played around a bit with tabs for the mustang, but it sits differently on the hatch than the Zero canopy, and a such, is really easy to just glue or tape down while still looking good.
Your AT6 though will benifit from tabs I think. The canopy sits more up top, and slots could be cleaner.
As far as heat goes, the laser printer transparency film doesn't have a problem. It's designed to have ink melted onto it, and stands much higher temps just running through the printer. Maybe the inkjet or non printable versions will have issues. Dunno. Someone will have to test it. Low heat hot glue would probably work if you added a little scoring to where the glue goes.
These two are a blast to fly, slow low passes with the corsair and kamikaze dives with the zero
Yours are a work of art I dont spend too much time making them pretty, always in a hurry to get them in the air
They all look great once they're in the air. Those two a nicer than most of my FT planes. I painted up my last couple mostly for testing purposes. Usually my planes are white, coated with decals, or just packing tape.
That's just beautiful. Nice work! Now you know whats next. A full paper cockpit! Gotta have something to show off inside that canopy.
Yeah, I know. Got some more graphics drawn up for it, but I'm so busy right now it's hard to find the time for building. It'l happen eventually.
Oh, in your plans, I noticed the wings are both labeled Right--just to be picky!
Greg
Thanks, I'll get those fixed. Probably combine improved canopy with the plans at the same time.
those old Japanese planes were just as fragile as these foam board planes... but geeze were they maneuverable.
Beatiful looking plane though! It looks awesome! Now all we need is a Bf-109 and we can have some Mighty Mini dogfights!
Someone was supposed to be building one, don't remember who though. I suppose if it doesn't happen soon I may draw one up.