Scanning a mask sheet provided in a kit, and tracing cut lines is straight forward. How do you make canopy masks from scratch?

Is there no easy way other than taking the canopy and using a scale or micrometer and draw the masks, then transfer to your cutting software, cut and test fit, and repeat refine as needed? On my shelf is a Monogram B-29, with its green house canopy.

Any tips you can provide?

Edited February 19Feb 19 by PinehillJoe

One way to get a head start on the process is to lay some Tamiya tape over the canopy, use a sharp pencil to outline the framing, remove the tape and stick it to some paper, and then scan that into your computer. The pencil outlines will naturally be a little rough, but will at least give you a starting point.

Kev

A rainy weekend in Northern Virginia, I tried creating a mask for the Monogram 1/48 TDB. I searched the web for other masks, and came up with few, and used those as a starting point. Using machinist rule, I was able to get close to the proper scaling using the JPEGs found on line. Then created cut lines in Studio. Made several test cuts with printer paper, fine tuning the masks. Then test cuts with Oramask 810 and applying, seeing where each needed to be tweaked and fined tuned the individual masks between cuts. Results are pretty good. The kit is next on my list. After I use the file to actually mask and know its good, I'll upload. The Douglas TBD canopy is symmetrical, so I test fit one side then replicated for the other.

Edited February 22Feb 22 by PinehillJoe

I usually end up doing what's been mentioned - take measurements, then start with a base file I might have downloaded from here, a scan or scratch if need be then adjust based on measurements

if I've ended up slightly off when applying the mask, I'll correct with masking fluid and continue on or if it's really off I'll cut a corrected masking sheet

Canopies with straight edges are simple, less so those that are curved. For those I think there is no other way than Kev’s method; use Tamiya tape over the canopy, draw edges with a sharp pencil then apply to a flat surface. I usually then scan this, import it into Studio and trace. Then it’s a matter of trial fit, adjust, trial fit ad infinitum till accurate.