Vacform canopies....!

[Pen-Pusher]

I've just purchased the MPM 1/72 Mitsubishi J8M1 (the Japanese version of the Me.163) and to my horror find it has a vac-form canopy instead of the injection moulded type. This to me is a horror. I have NEVER successfully cut/shape/fitted a vac-form canopy and would dearly like advice on the best way to cut them out, smooth those rough frames and fit them? Any help out there is welcome.

[Roger]

I fill them with blu tac then cut them with a new scalpel blade. Sanding to fit needs to be very gentle, so take your time.  If you want to cut it to be open, sand it first as it will be stronger.  Of course if you pose it open it doesn't need to fit quite so well anyway

R

[Pen-Pusher]

Thanks for that! I think I see a demonstration for a club night on our bucket list!

[chriswil42]

Good tip - I shall keep this in mind.

[Wizzel]

Good tip Roger.  I too have some vac form canopies to play with including cutting them to be open.  Can I just clarify when you say sand it first, what exactly do you mean?  Sand it over the bit that will be cut?  If so, how accurate does it need to be - can the thing be polished up again okay afterwards?  Sorry to have so many questions but I want to get it right.