1:144 F-18F vacu canopy (Dragon)

1:144 F-18F: a vacuum-formed canopy

A vacuum-formed clear cockpit canopy from the Czech accessory maker Brengun for a model of the two-seat version of the F-18F Super Hornet carrier fighter scaled to 1:144. The accessory is used in place of the clear part from the Dragon kit and is not a model in itself.

A two-seat cockpit and why it matters

The version with the F suffix seats its crew in tandem under one long canopy. The glazing therefore makes up a substantial part of the aircraft's upper silhouette and is the first thing a viewer notices from the side. A thick plastic part lifts the silhouette and blurs it; a thin vacuum-formed shell holds the outline closer to the real thing and lets the work done inside the cockpit come out.

Working it step by step

First mark the seating line on the film with a pencil, then go over it several times with a scalpel, only part way through the thickness, and break the canopy out. Never cut right through in one pass, as the film will crack away from the outline. Level the edge by sanding with flat strokes on paper laid on the table, test the fit dry on the model as you go and sand in small steps, because you can always take more off but never put it back. Dip the polished part in gloss varnish so that fine sanding scratches disappear. Mask the frames with narrow tape and spray them along with the fuselage. Choose clear cement for glazing or white glue.

Who the accessory is for

• modelers building modern carrier fighters in 1:144 scale
• those who want an open cockpit or a better view of the interior
• builders who dislike the haze and thickness of the part from the box
• more experienced modelers used to vacuum-formed parts

The accessory is supplied without a kit and unpainted. The model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.