_GOTOBOTTOM
Scratchbuilders!: Aircraft
This is a group for aircraft scratchbuilding questions, topics and projects.
Hosted by Mike Kirchoff
How do I form aluminium cowlings
jaypee
Visit this Community
Scotland, United Kingdom
Member Since: February 07, 2008
entire network: 1,699 Posts
KitMaker Network: 114 Posts
Posted: Monday, July 27, 2009 - 09:20 PM UTC
I had planned to use coke tin for cowlings for my 1/72 mustang but I can't get it to form round the kit part
and stay there, any tips on that? Or alternatives? Thinner aluminum sheet, toothpaste tube might work
wine bottle foil will be too weak.

Smash molding clear sheet I've done for canopies, could this be used with clear or white sheet for the cowlings?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.
thegirl
Visit this Community
Alberta, Canada
Member Since: January 19, 2008
entire network: 6,743 Posts
KitMaker Network: 456 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 02:29 AM UTC
Have you tried heating the panel up under a candle flame .

Smash molding will work just fine as well if not better .
jaypee
Visit this Community
Scotland, United Kingdom
Member Since: February 07, 2008
entire network: 1,699 Posts
KitMaker Network: 114 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 02:41 AM UTC
Cheers Terri you never fail

Heat it and let it cool? or work it while warm?

Just normal white evergreen work for smash moulding?

If all else fails I'll bevel the edges so it looks thin.
casper
Visit this Community
Nelson, New Zealand
Member Since: August 01, 2005
entire network: 395 Posts
KitMaker Network: 152 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 12:42 PM UTC
,
you can always take "smash molding" the the next level and vac-form -
http://www.automodeler.com//features/1243,
no special tools or equipment required, or use traditional panel-beating methods - make a pattern from hardwood and beat the shape using copper or brass plate (just remember to anneal the metal regularly), the book The Complete Car Modeller by Gerald Wingrove (ISBN 0-85429-946-7) cover's this and many other scratchbuilding techniques very well.
Any Q's on either technique just give us a yell and I'll explain more in-depth if needed.
HTH

Roger.
fam1943
Visit this Community
Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Member Since: March 31, 2010
entire network: 3 Posts
KitMaker Network: 3 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 09:35 PM UTC
Hi Terry,
ever tried Tomatoketchup tubes? It's soft and fairly soft.

 _GOTOTOP