Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: Rob47 on April 01, 2026, 02:14:22 pm

Title: Canopy
Post by: Rob47 on April 01, 2026, 02:14:22 pm
As many know building an aircraft carrier can be dictated by available scale of aircraft. My QE has air win printed in 1/96 but as 3d printed they have solid caopies, so question any suggestions paint solid to make it look like a clear canopy?


Bob
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: KitS on April 01, 2026, 03:12:03 pm
In 1/96 scale painting them gloss black with a few pale blue squiggles can work quite well. Almost by definition the aircraft will be some distance from viewers when the ship's afloat anyway.
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: Rob47 on April 01, 2026, 04:29:00 pm
Kits
Yep have done that and found a coat of mask ol? helps as well. As you say hard to tell once on the water and this build though big is fun not exhibition level


Bob
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: tigertiger on April 01, 2026, 04:31:24 pm
Just a thought for the future.
You can 3d print clear plastic. If you printed the canopies seperately in clear, and printed the fuselage with the canopy area cut out, in a solid. Then glue together.
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: T888 on April 01, 2026, 04:33:35 pm
Hi Rob, :-))


This is my method I use, for helicopters Aluminium mixed with a bit of black, aircraft I use Aluminium mixed with white.




Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: Rob47 on April 01, 2026, 05:09:06 pm
Quote from: tigertiger on April 01, 2026, 04:31:24 pm
Just a thought for the future.
You can 3d print clear plastic. If you printed the canopies seperately in clear, and printed the fuselage with the canopy area cut out, in a solid. Then glue together.
Easy if you?re doing the printing and what you say makes sense, but these are commercial items


Bob
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: Rob47 on April 01, 2026, 05:10:52 pm
Quote from: T888 on April 01, 2026, 04:33:35 pm
Hi Rob, :-))


This is my method I use, for helicopters Aluminium mixed with a bit of black, aircraft I use Aluminium mixed with white.


Dave any particular manufacturer for the aluminium paint, will give it whirl


Bob
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: T888 on April 01, 2026, 05:14:13 pm
Rob,
TAMIYA paint





Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: douglas g on April 01, 2026, 05:54:01 pm
A very soft pencil, e.g. 5B or 6B, can give quite a good effect, with a small amount of shine.
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: Rob47 on April 01, 2026, 05:55:43 pm
Quote from: T888 on April 01, 2026, 05:14:13 pm
Rob,
TAMIYA paint
Last one Dave :o  Matt, gloss or satin?


Bob
Title: Re: Canopy
Post by: T888 on April 01, 2026, 06:19:06 pm
Rob,


Aluminium flat
Black gloss
White gloss


This I find gives a satan effect. If you are looking for a shinny effect I?ve use I the past on cockpit instrument panel which is a clear coating which I also use for keep clear cockpit canopy?s clear.


it Dries perfectly clear, And Gives a glass like appearance. Just have to be careful not to shake the Jar and create a bubbly froth