Friday, May 3, 2013

Canopies and Windshields

 TBB
 Dave:
 I just watched the last of the series and appreciated the view of your Bosch Jaguars. The segment on the windscreens elicited a question. The material you used was called Styrene. I've also heard of similar materials called Acetate and Butyrate. Do you know if they have any different properties? I once saw a model (your favourite Red Zephyr) finished in Butyrate dope. The modelLer then attached the butyrate windows with butyrate thinner. It looked as though they had been painted on.  I've also heard of acetate attached with acetone.

Mister Scale
 Styrene, PTEG, acetate, and butyrate are all clear plastics and any can be used for our purpose. Styrene is joined with the special liquid cement, while the others best use balsa cement. None of them take well to CA which crazes and eventually cracks them. 
Dave 

 TBB
 I wonder which of these is the least susceptible to nitromethane. I remember swearing off cabin models because a couple of flights with a cox made them look like they had been airbrushed with CA. As for attaching the stuff, I've had pretty good luck with RC56 or any of the knock offs with 56 in the name. I don't mind waiting. But, recently, my local shop sold me a tube of P.F.M. (pure flipping magic) out of Margate, FL. He said it sets up faster, remains stronger longer and stays flexible, turns invisible and never shrinks. I'm anxious to try it but it smell like anthrax.


 Mister Scale
 Of all the only one definitely fuelproof is PTEG (petg?). And yes, I've had good luck with RC56 etc. too. Dave Platt

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