Mozart

@coolingthunder

It depends how complex or curvy the canopy is.  My go-to method is simply to measure each section of the canopy as carefully as I can then draw it in Studio.  Once the mask is complete I then test fit each section, note where tweaks are necessary then amend as necessary.  

The canopy for the T7 Hunter was impossible to do by this method so I did as Kev suggested; I put masking tape over the canopy and traced the glazed outline with a pencil, then took it off and used it as a flattened template. I took a photograph of that then imported it into Studio to trace to get the correct mask shape.

Max

So pleased it’s still ok 🤣🤣

I use the Silhouette Designer software Gene, just measure the canopy as carefully and accurately as I can. I have actually done the full set of markings (this is part of it) for a friend’s chosen scheme:

In more ways than one Kev, only took an hour or so.  The trickiest part was the narrow top section of the windscreen, had to adjust that several times to get a good fit.

Masks for the excellent new tool Hawker Hurricane.  Please note that the outside masks have all been trial fitted and are accurate, the inside ones are simply a slightly reduced version of the outer but haven't been test fitted!

Sorry friends, only just picked up on this thread. The answer is “yes”, I bought a special blade and cut this:

which is the centre section of a sliding canopy for my Harvard. The resin ones that I bought were too thick to have the front section slid back, so I measured and cut these, painted it inside and out and glued it in place, not even glazed, didn't to be because it was hidden between sections 1 and 3:

Max 

It's a single click with some tools and a double with others but I can never remember which is which, so the occasional "oh bother" slips out! 😁

Not far away at all Andy…..nearer than Melbourne where our esteemed leader lives! 

15 hours ago, Wobblehead said:

Got back into modelling after a long layoff about 7-8 years ago. Have got fed up with thick decals, decals that crack whilst applying, lack of choice for markings etc, etc.

 

Have gone through the forum and digested all of the valuable information in there and have downloaded Silhouette Studio to start having a play before splashing out on a Cameo. 

 

Andy

 

 

 

 

Brilliant, welcome Andy! I’m just over the border in Dorset.

Max 

Thank you Gene, that’s very good of you and much appreciated I can assure you. 

Glad to see you here and I hope you’ll find lots of helpful info on the site, but if you need specific advice, just shout! No promises of answers but we’ll try. 😁

Max 

Ah, Guy....welcome Pw!!  Good to see you here my friend. 😄

Cameo 2 Gene, no distortions! 😀

Max

12 hours ago, GeneK said:

Unfortunately, despite Kevin's efforts, this very useful forum hasn't gotten much visibility. Understandable, in a sense, since the number of cutting machine users is still relatively small. Also, many of the folks who do drop by to view and/or download seem to be hit and run, without so much as even "indicating" any appreciation or providing any feedback ... most of the time.

 

Gene K

 

 

Human nature I guess Gene, sadly. Following putting the Anson masks on here I have shared them and the forum address on both Britmodeller and iModeler, I think that’s the only way to increase awareness. I have the new Revell Hurricane and plan to make canopy masks for that too before too long, again sharing this fact across forums. 
Max 

You’re right Gene, must admit I haven’t investigated Joe’s layers but must do that as a priority! 
Max 

Well it's taken a while, and I must admit I've done a lot more than I initially intended, but I'd like to announce that the masks designed for the Airfix 1/48 Avro Anson are now available in the "Canopy masks" section.  All the items have been trial fitted, adapted where necessary and now fit to my satisfaction and I hope yours too, however if you come across any issues please feel free to get back to me!  If you have already downloaded an earlier version, please delete that from your files and upload the latest version.

All the best

Max

Thank you Gene, there’s not a lot of feedback on this forum so your comments are especially valued and appreciated. 
Max 

And done: 

Outside ones have been tested and are fine, inside ones not tested yet for fit but the file will be uploaded when it’s ready. Just the side windows to do then. 

You’re very welcome David, hope you find them useful. I started working on the earlier canopy yesterday, should get them finished tomorrow with luck.

Max 

6 hours ago, geedubelyer said:

Hi Max, thanks for running the test. It looks very encouraging and will definitely yield better results than I could achieve with a punch set. 👍

Forgive my ignorance but is it possible to programme the machine to cut to fractions of a millimetre? 

The punches are obviously each a fixed diameter which may or may not match the scale instruments. 

Yes, the circles can be cut very precisely Guy, so it could 3.5mm, 2.7mm etc etc 

So here's the answer Guy and Mike, these circles (slightly distorted by the camera angle) cut in paper ranging from 1mm to 7mm:

In “our” 1/32 scale Guy this is possible for the larger instrument faces, like the artificial horizon. I have cut thin transparent perspex for the windshields that I made for the Gauntlet and Tiger Moths, and it cuts very well indeed.

There is a limit to the size the cutter will cut cleanly, I can’t quote a figure but it’s small, like a couple of mm. Just for fun I’ll do a test piece later and post the results here. 

1 hour ago, MikeC said:

Thanks Max, downloaded.

 

Are you contemplating adding an early windscreen at some stage?  Curiosity only, I've not identified a subject for mine yet, and it's unlikely to have a sloping screen.

I think there's a moral imperative to do so Mike don't you?  The earlier screen is I think easier to do than the later.  I'll also look at the side windows to see what needs doing.