Top Flite TOPA0310 - Manual (Page 47)

❏ 6. Cut three 1/4" x 5-3/4" wood dowels to the
correct length as shown in the photo, then bevel the
ends to match the fuse. Glue the dowels to the fuse
and cabin top with epoxy.
❏ 7. Use the side and front windshield patterns
on the plan to cut the windshields from the 10" x 20"
clear plastic sheet. IMPORTANT: The fit of the
windshields may vary from model to model
depending upon dowel placement and the final
shape of the cabin top. For this reason, be sure to cut
your windshields larger than the patterns to allow for
accurate trimming and positioning.
❏
8. Test fit the side and front windshields to the
cabin top and fuse. Trim where necessary.
❏ 9. At this stage the instrument panel and dashboard
area should be nearly completed, because we’re
getting ready to install the front windshield which will
make these areas virtually inaccessible. The way the
prototype in this manual was finished was to mark the
outline of the side and front windshields on the fuse,
then remove the windshields and paint the front of the
cabin black. Some modelers may prefer to finish the
cabin and install the windshields after the model is
covered, but this may be easier to do now because of
the windshield trim that will be added soon.
NOTE : The window material may be covered with a
clear plastic protective layer on both sides.
If you prefer to glue the windows in place and add
the trim after the model is covered, skip ahead to the
next section, then return when you’re ready.
❏ 10. Wash the side and front windshields with a
mild soap and water solution, then glue them into
position. If you’re careful, you may use CA. If you’ve
had bad luck gluing windows in with CA, use canopy
glue such as RC-56. The edges of the windows will
be concealed with filler to simulate window trim, so
you don’t have to do a
perfect gluing job, but use care
not to get glue or any other unremovable “guck”
anywhere else on the windows.
❏ 11. Use filler or epoxy mixed with microballoons
to make a fillet that simulates window trim joining the
windows to each other and to the fuse and the cabin
top. Allow the filler to harden, then cover the windows
with masking tape to avoid scratches and carefully
sand the filler to remove any rough edges.
Note: In case you wish to modify your windows if you
are building another version of the Stinson, molded
ABS
window trim is supplied with this kit. The
triangular parts of the molded window trim may be
used for the vertical posts over the 1/4" dowels on
this model.
❏ 12. While you’re at it, use the remaining clear
plastic sheet to make the side windows for the aft
cabin and doors. You can cut them slightly oversize
and simply glue them to the inside of the cabin (after
you’ve covered the model), or inset them into the
window openings and add trim made from plastic
sheeting (not supplied) just the same as was shown
for the opening doors.
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