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Building an Upgraded Kingfisher

a build story by Mike Taylor
10
Comments



 

Now for the Canopy

So now I have this colorful plane with no canopy. Vacu-forned canopy?! AAaahhh. Only one !!?? O.K. don’t screw it up! Get a SHARP x-acto blade and lightly scribe around the frame of the piece you wish to remove. Continue until at some point you’re through the plastic. Be careful. It’s better to trim it out with extra attached than to trim right through a frame. Time, patience and perhaps a cold beverage or so later and all the canopy parts are removed. I chose to keep the gunners canopy closed-2 reasons. It keeps dust out of that beautiful interior and I really didn’t want to cut the dang thing apart. :D The canopy was cemented into position and allowed to dry. While it was drying I cut some silver decal trim film into 1/16” strips. These then were applied t the canopy. First the cross-members allowed to completely dry, then the longitudinal braces. Trim as you go. The same technique was used on the pilot’s canopy. I did choose to open that one as that’s the way the Kingfisher usually looked when on the ground. Besides its white glued and can be slid over the cockpit to protect it from dust if need be.

That’s about it. Added the antennae and float bracing wires. Painted the prop and took the finished photos. I’m happy with the way it came out...Mike T

Copyright ©2002 - Text and Photos by Mike Taylor (modelguy2) . All Rights Reserved.
Project Photos
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About the Author

About Mike Taylor (modelguy2)
FROM: OHIO, UNITED STATES


Comments

Tin_Can
Mike-nice article,nice fish!
JUL 23, 2002 - 02:58 AM
Ranger74
Great article, first pictures I have seen of the resin bits painted and installed. Gorgeous airplane. One question: I have read several comments that the difference between the new floats and the kit floats is minimal, I have not seen the actual replacements, and may not be cost effective. The new interior and the new cowling definitely are required items.
JUL 23, 2002 - 03:05 AM
penpen
That's what I call a nice article ! There is so much to read... impressive ! And the plane looks so nice !
JUL 23, 2002 - 03:06 AM
Bombshell
Great looking model Mike. You did a superb job with the old Monogram kit. I for one couldn't devote that much attention to such an old kit without loosing my nerves. I love your articles, they are very comprehensive and full of important information. Keep up the good job! Cheers, CDT Reimund Manneck U.S. Army ROTC
JUL 23, 2002 - 03:37 AM
Chief
Mike, One word......SWEEEETTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
JUL 23, 2002 - 04:50 AM
TimberWolf
Wow thats a cool model and site!!
JUL 23, 2002 - 04:59 AM
modelguy2
Thanks for the kind words guys. I have to say there is a difference in the floats-how much exactly I can't say But I think they're worth buying. I removed and threw out the Monogram floats much as Cortez burned his ships! I had no choice then but to buy the replacements...Mike T
JUL 23, 2002 - 06:17 AM
JPTRR
Hi Group, This is an old article but it is still a good article!
AUG 30, 2013 - 06:45 AM
Merlin
Hi Fred Great call bringing this back to the top! Good grief, the article even pre-dates me joining the original Armorama! I'll move the thread over to WW2 where it'll be easier to find. All the best Rowan
AUG 30, 2013 - 06:53 AM
Joel_W
Old article for sure, 2002 era to be exact. Willing to bet that more then half of the membership wasn't around back then. Just an outstanding upgrade to a old, old Monogram kit. 1st rate work, and flawless painting and decaling. My only other thought would be if Mike would have decided on a Alcad 11 NMF with various panels darkened/lightened? Joel
AUG 30, 2013 - 10:49 AM
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