The Ship Model Forum

drasticplastic wrote:If you can still find them, Dragon made some really excellent carrier aircraft. The models had both closed as well as open canopies.

Thanks, but I've already have 16 Trumpeter SBDs and 8 Trumpeter F4Fs built and in the process of getting their decals...

If you can still find them, Dragon made some really excellent carrier aircraft. The models had both closed as well as open canopies.

I'm getting close to having to add the canopies to my 1/350 CV-6 airgroup. I've always struggled with how to paint these. In fact, on my Lady Lex, I left them unpainted.

What's everyone else doing for canopy frames in 1/350?

I'm about to hit the same issue. Have finished my CV-9 and about to commence with the SBDs, TBMs and F6Fs.

The problem now is the canopies - in particular - they are all closed in the little aircraft kits, but in every photo I've seen they are left open when on the deck (and even sometimes when flying).
Has anyone tackled this with the kit canopies?
I'm considering razor sawing into separate segments and re-position the parts to position them open, with a bit of thinning down near the newly open edge. This will also need a bit of work to open up the cockpit area, which will become more visible.

Thanks, fellas!

I recall reading some folks essentially vacuform using a piece of cellophane and the kit canopy as the mold.

I've seen the photo etch frames, they don't improve the situation enough in my eyes.

Some of the canopy frames I had (Avenger and Wildcats) had recessed lines. This allowed me to paint the frames easily and then wipe off the excess. Worked well. It hit me recently that they still don't look right, but thought a good solution would be to do the same as I did before but then hit the canopies with a dark smoke effect to reduce that clear plastic look, but still somewhat transparent.

Looking to replace the clear Trumpeter kit canopies of 1/350 scale Hellcats, Avengers and Helldivers, among others, with something more realistic. To my eye, they are too thick and under-scale compared to the fuselage they are to sit on.

Maybe photo-etch framing? Does any exist?

If not, any tips on making the best with the kit's canopies?

Your ideas, please.