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Build Diary

Canopy

 



The windscreen is made of a wonderful substance called polycarbonate.  Although it scratches easier than perspex, it is so easy to cut and drill.  I used standard drill bits and countersink bits and had no problems whatsoever.  I bent a scrap piece in knots and it didn't break - amazing stuff.  However, a note of caution - trim sparingly in the first few fittings, as I nearly over trimmed it.  As a result, the countersink nuts at the windscreen bow are closer to the edge than the plans call for, but I'm satisfied that this won't be a problem.

Bending the sides to conform with the screen wasn't too hard, but I couldn't get a perfectly straight line.  However, a lot of other builders have the same 'issue' so I'm not worried that my plane doesn't have absolutely perfect lines.  Fitting the screen was not that big a deal and my long arms came in very handy when tightening the bolts inside next to the glareshield.

Once the screen was on, I started on the canopy by sanding all the sides smooth.  I don't know what the supplier uses to cut them, but the edges are very rough and take some time to sand smooth.  

 

 

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