4
CANOPY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
The canopy hatch is held in place with tabs in the back and
springs over dowels in the front. To remove the canopy, push
forward to disengage the tabs, then lift the rear up and pull
the canopy back and out to disengage the dowels. (If you feel
too much pressure is required to push the canopy forward,
the tabs could be shortened slightly to shorten the “throw”
that the canopy has to be pushed.)
PREPARATION
Between the time the covering was applied to your model
and the time it arrives in your hands it is normal for the
covering to loosen and wrinkle – especially if it has been a
long time and/or the air is dry at your location (causing the
structure to contract and the covering to loosen). But this is
easy to fi x using the proper tools and techniques.
The best way to
renew
the covering job is with a covering
iron with a protective cover sock not only to tighten the
covering, but also to thoroughly bond the covering to the
wood underneath. The preferred tool is a 21
st
Century cover
iron with a cover sock set to about 300°F [150°C]. This
translates to about 280°F [140°C] measured on the surface
of the cover sock.
Begin with the wings. You may also do the fuselage and tail
surfaces now, or wait until they are needed for assembly later.
❏
1. Over unsupported covering, glide the iron across, but
where the fi lm is over structure apply pressure to bond the
covering down. Adjust the heat setting as necessary so the
covering tightens, shrinks and bonds to the wood, but not
so hot as to cause seams to pull apart.
❏
2. Where possible, support the structure underneath with
your free hand to prevent the sheeting from bending inward.
