Subsections

• 6.1 Nose block
• 6.2 Canopy
• 6.3 Shaping
• 6.4 Securing the Canopy

6. Nose block and canopy

The exact dimensions of the nose block and canopy, as well as their construction is primarily up to the builder, for this manual we'll use soft balsa.

6.1 Nose block

• Make up a nose block either from a solid block of balsa or a lamination of thinner sheets.
• The nose block should be at least 35 x 35 x 35mm, some people prefer to go to 40mm long for that extra sleek look.
• Glue the block flush to the bottom of the fuselage.
  • The excess on the top is deliberate to allow the smooth follow on from the canopy.

6.2 Canopy

• Cut an approximate block of at least 6mm balsa for the canopy such that it overlaps the sides by a couple of mm, this gives us clearance for when we're shaping the final block (12mm can be used if you want an extra round canopy).

6.3 Shaping

If you're planning on adding the rear fuselage fairing / profiling, it is suggested that you do so at this point so that you can form an even smoothing

(ADVANCED) If you're planning on fiber glassing the fuselage then you can afford to plane and sand back further because the fiberglass will add strength that would have otherwise been provided by the balsa structure.

• Using a balsa plane, coarsely shape the canopy and the nose to the desired result

• Using a sanding block bring the finish to a finer standard

6.4 Securing the Canopy

• Cut the canopy block at a downward 45 degree angle (from back to front) approximately 20mm from the front. The reason for the downward angled cut is to provide a natural locking facility preventing the canopy from lifting up and flying away
• Glue the 20mm portion to the fuselage
• From a scrap of 3.2mm balsa, cut a small block about 5mm wide with bevelled corners that will fit just in front of F3
• Place this block into position against F3 using some BluTack, Prestick or other plasticine like substance with the surface slightly raised above the fuselage.
• Add some medium CA to the top of the block
• Insert the large portion of the canopy into place, sliding it under the previously glued 20mm portion and then lowered down onto the shaped block
  • This will position the block accurately onto the canopy
  • Using CA means that you can pull the canopy and block assembly away within a few seconds
• Remove the plasticine substance
• Test fit the canopy again