COCKPIT HATCH
1To add functionality to any scale model, a hinged cockpit hatch
allows everyone to see inside the pilot’s main office to show off
any interior detailing, and it’s an excellent way to hide and get
access to engine ignition and radio power switches. To fit properly, the
hatch must be built in place on the fuselage. Then you have to fill it,
sand it smooth and finish it with fiberglass and resin. Hinging is best
done with a miniature brass piano hinge ( nelsonhobby.com) and screwed
in place with miniature screws ( microfasteners.com). A great way to latch
it shut is to use rare-earth magnets in the corners ( hobby-lobby.com).
WINDSHIELD FRAMING
2A cockpit opening will look much better if the area where the
windshield attaches to the fuselage has a nice, smooth fillet
molded to look like a framing section. To do this, glue the clear
plastic windshield in place with Pacer Formula 560 canopy glue
( franktiano.com) and then mask off the area at the base of canopy
with masking tape. Apply good old hardware store J.B. Weld epoxy and
smooth into place with a wet finger. When dry, remove the masking
tape, sand the edges smooth, add some small screws
( microfasteners.com) and paint to finish.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
3Of course, now that you have a great-looking functional cockpit
hatch, you have to add interior detailing. The most obvious is
the instrument panel. Since this model is 33% scale in size, it
is difficult to find the proper-size instrument faces. As you can see, I
used a photo of the full-size airplane’s panel as a guide and then
looked on the Internet for photos and drawings of the faces needed.
Print out the size you need and then apply clear packing tape over
them for a glassed-over, shiny appearance. You can then use thin
plywood or plastic to make the instrument panel; simply apply some
3M spray adhesive to the back of the panel and stick the faces into
place. Back with some balsa sheet and paint the edges and you have
a custom panel ready to glue into place.
