12
Mounting the Hatch & Canopy
The hatch mounts to the fuselage by
two tabs on each side that are at-
tached at the rear of the hatch. They
are already built into the hatch and
should have 6-32 blind nuts mounted
in them. Set the hatch in place and
check to see that the 6-32 bolts
(supplied) thread easily into the blind
nuts. You may have slightly enlarge
the holes in the fuse if the blind nuts
don’t line up perfectly. Check also to
see if the 2 dowels are protruding out
of the front at least ¼” – and that they
are glued in securely. Once you are
satisfied, remove the hatch. We will now attach the canopy to the hatch.
The full scale YAK has frame lines in the canopy. These should be molded into
your clear canopy. If you wish to paint these in or dye your canopy, now is the
time. You can paint them on the inside if you do not dye. With a Covering Iron,
touch-up any wrinkles in the Ultra-Cote covering where your canopy will sit.
Make sure the Ultra-Cote is stuck well to the balsa in this area. Once the canopy is
glued, you will not be able to get into this area. Carefully trim the canopy to fit the
hatch. Leave a small lip in the front, it makes the attachment more secure. Trial fit
it several times until you are happy with it. Remember, you can always trim more
off but it’s hard to put back on. Attach the canopy with whatever is your favorite
method. Some people use tape, some glue the canopy down, some use small
screws. This is up to you. If you use small screws add some hard wood such as
1/16” ply to back up the balsa wood of the hatch. I like E-6000 clear glue found at
your local hobby store. If you use it, run a small bead(1/8” diameter) all the way
around the canopy. Holding the canopy by the edges, open it slightly and carefully
lower it into place. Use a few pieces of electrical tape to hold it in place overnight.
Don’t worry about any E-6000 that may squeeze out. It is actually easier to clean
after it hardens. You can trim it carefully with a sharp X-acto and roll it off.
