Page 6 - March2020
P. 6
Painting Techniques for a Realistic Model
By Aircraft Canopy
Will Chabun
A detailed canopy is one of the most attractive
Canadian Aviation Moments
features of a finished scale model aircraft. You may
QUESTION: Why did the possibility of a Japanese want to pay close attention to this part of the
invasion on the west coast make the protection of process. Smudged frames, scratches, stained or
Barkley Sound a prime consideration in the dirty glass and fingerprints can be very damaging to
defence of the west coast? the final look of the airplane model. The painting
ANSWER: “The possibility of a Japanese invasion techniques for the canopy of the scale model
made the protection of Barkley Sound a prime aircraft can become tedious at times and,
con- sideration in the defence scheme of the west unfortunately, there are no short cuts. This tutorial
coast. “Through Barkley Sound into the Alberni will examine how to get the canopy of the airplane
Canal, the city of Port Alberni and its harbour at model to look like realistic glass as well as a great
the head of the canal were vulnerable to attack. technique for painting the window frames.
The enemy would then have direct access to the
Straits of Georgia, placing them on the city of Some of the tools required for this tutorial include;
Vancouver’s doorstep in a position of power that Tamiya masking tape, tweezers, a small plastic clear
no one wanted to contemplate. tub, a sharp hobby knife, Future floor polish and the
“The War Plan for the defence of the west coast appropriate paints for the colour scheme of your
called for an RCAF flying boat station at Ucluelet. scale model aircraft.
But until the threat of a Japanese invasion came
closer to a reality, daily patrols carried out by a In order for the canopy of the airplane model to
small detachment of No. 6 (BR) Squadron person- look like natural glass, we will be using Future floor
nel provided sufficient security.” finish. This technique will make the clear plastic
SOURCE: Jericho Beach, Page 59 appear thinner and clearer. Surprisingly, Future will
also hide minor scratches and blemishes that are
often unavoidable when working with clear
polystyrene model kit parts.
To begin, make sure that all the clear airplane
model parts are clean, dry and free of any
fingerprints or dust. Next, fill the plastic clear tub
halfway with Future floor wax.
