The Little World

You’ve read before in this column about using a drafting pen as an instrument to paint the frames of a model airplane canopy. It is a perfectly valid technique – and one that I use all the time. If I am going to attach the canopy later with PVA glue, I can sit with it on the end of a wooden stick and paint the most minute frames beforehand.

I take my glasses off and peer at what I’m doing from a very close distance indeed. The dilution and handling of the colour makes it closer to ink than to paint – and some colours are harder to succeed with than others – but overall it is pretty good.

Note that some canopies and nearly all gun turret covers are a challenge. If the kit makers have not moulded adequate frame structure onto the clear plastic bubble you can have the devils own time trying to paint them on freehand. Mind you, give me either a clean casting with sharp frames or a smooth canopy with nothing – it is only when you get the half-and-half jobs that you really struggle.

When you have painted the frames and panels, you set the canopy aside to dry well. Ultimately you’ll be putting it back with PVA, but now you have to deal with the open cockpit. It will need some protection from the basic fuselage colour spray – and your family will need some protection from your language as you try to do the job. This is no job for a cleric, as they are far too ready to invoke demons when frustrated…