WINDOW WORK
“Windows are the eyes to the soul,” wise men say. Oh, wait, maybe I have that backward and should stick to the prosaic, “On this model, the windows are the eyes to the interior.”
Well, what’s clear is that clear windows are essential in this build and that they should be flush with the exterior of the fuselage, as on the real “Luscious Lady.”
But easier said than done. Let’s look at HG’s work getting there using a vintage Mattel Vacu-form and some extra-special plastic sheet sourced in the Czech Republic. By popular demand, I also include some commentary from the man himself.
Looks like I have a bit of prep work to do on the new poly material.
Note how the original plastic and clamp are perforated into the pins. Get out the new drill.
Some progress.
1st. There are about 50 holes to drill.
2nd. My master [cockpit roof mold] has to be repolished from the job and more in general.
3rd. The clearity is OMG great!!!
4th. This master needs to be solid and the Vac-form needs a one way airflow. When the suction ring comes up it pushes air back up and cools the plastic plus makes the entire platform tray jump around.
5th. The flat parts may not need any tweaking, we’ll find out.
Good learning here and will carry on improving things for the second trial.
And a perfect cut out of a roof window!
And, after correcting a “rise” in the roof itself
It fits perfectly
At least to my eye.
More to follow, of course.