How to scratch build your own plastic canopies for RC aeroplane, whether its a new build, or a replacement for a ARF or foam plane. This is a relatively easy and cost effective way to make canopies, and it is hugely satisfying!
I've used this process myself a few times, allways a great success. A couple of tips I would add: Use the really cheap unbranded 2L water or supermarket brand fizzy drinks, aside from being dirt cheap the bottles are extremely plain... a good blank canvas, no embossed patterns or ridges around the labels. Make sure your form/mould is robust they really do shrink with some force. Make your form/mould extend past where you are going to trim it, even if its only 3mm (1/8"), helps when trimming to get a clean edge.
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Trying to make all my own model parts is often the biggest challenge. I have struggled with the canopy from recycled plastic but you make it look easy. Great technique. I will adopt this Thank you
Pleased you liked the video and found it useful, I think its good to make your own parts, its a great sense of acheivement, for me its what the hobby is all about. Thank you very much for the comment it is greatly appreciated.
I'm after a little canopy just for my techone tempo foamie really struggling to find something so this is a really good idea and a great instructional video good job
Thanks for the kind comment, your support is greatly appreciated. Yes, I am always amazed how much they will shrink, even though I have done it many time. think the trick is to have it as tight as possible to start with so it ends up nice and tight. thanks again.
Great job! I made a piper cub cowl once using this method, but I used an existing cowl and poured a plaster of paris inner mold which I then used to shrink a bottle around. Your canopy looks superb and I will keep this in mind for future needs.
That was slick..! Coke bottles make absolutely beautiful RPG dummy rockets. Cap PVC pipe, put a schrader valve and pressureize it as you heat the pipe . Fun
Thank you Mark for making this video. I have never seen how plastic canopies are made. I need to make one for one of my airplanes and I look forward to trying to make it now. I hope you will show how you attach the canopy to the airplane in a later video.
Thank you so so much for this insightful video and for your intellect to figure out how to save a whole Lotta money using old soda bottles genius thank you so much now I can replace the fractured canopy that I have on my glider.
Thanks Mark for a clear and concise video, I've just posted my version of this video for a new glider cockpit it came out really well thanks to you, I've given you a little name check in the description as well, thanks again 👍
Hi Cliff, thanks for the kind words and shout out, its appreciated. Just about to make another one myseld for the latest build I am crrently filming. Its a really rewarding process.
Hahaha, now that would be telling!! Thanks for the comment, its really appreciated. Yes there will be a series, still quite a bit of work yet to go, so not sure when I will start posting. It is a lovely plane to build, and so well designed, I am really enjoing it.
Great video! Could a hair dryer work as a heat gun? Also, does the plastic get stick so it can be hard to release from the mold? I am thinking of using bake-hardened clay for a mold.
Thanks for the comment, not sure about the hair dryer, best to try on an old bottle. The bottle does grip the mould very tight as it shrinks, but if you cut along the bottom it releases easy enough. Good luck
Hi Mark. You did a great job with those bottles, but I was wondering why you didn't use a PET thermoforming sheet plastic. It's the same material but without any imperfections, so wouldn't a small expense be worth it for such a wonderful plane?
Hi thanks for the comment, guess just fancied doing it this way, and due to my living circumstances at the time, when I made this it was the easest option, but I know you are correct and once I get my new workshop sorted I will be keen to do some vacume forming, and another video perhaps. Having said that the canopy does look great on the finished plane. Have you been following the build of the plane?
@@MarkRobinson555 I have. I've always loved model building and RC, but only now I'm starting to actually get into it. I purchased my first trainer and electronics just recently.
You can get canopy glue, although I have never tried it, I usually use very small servo type screws, the type with the integral washer, I then tape the seams. Thanks for the comment, its appreciated
The best material I have found for the top of the beanch is MDF 18mm, it is very flat and good to use, but it has to be supported and treated to seal it, for which I use Danish Oil
