There may be lot of you builders out there that need something quickly, maybe you dont have a 3D printer or know anyone that does own one. Yes, you can have mose anything printed or purchase the item you are needing. Sometimes I get in a hurry and dont want to wait on an ordered item or search out someone with a printer to make it for me. I am always “preaching” about scratch building so I am going to share with you a few things I have done in the past that might help you when in need for something quickly.
Making “Position Light Covers”
You will see in the pictures how I accomplished making these light covers for my OH-6. These were not included in the fuselage kit and I could not find exactly what I wanted commercially so I decided to make it myself. If you dont have a vacuum machine you can very easily make you own. All that is needed is a heat gun the wife’s hair dryer will work,lol), sheet plastic, a piece of K&S airfoil shaped aluminum ( easily found at the hobby shop ) epoxy and a little patience. You may ruin a few but you WILL get the hang of it.
I did this by first adding a piece of masking tape around the amuminum tube, then adding just 5 minute epoxy to get the correct height ( the epoxy will hold the dome shape while curing ). Once cured remove the tape and “final sand” to shape.
Making ther Form
Making the Cover
Cut you sheet plastic large enough to allow you to pull the heated plastic over the mold. Heat guns and hair dyres create a lot of heat so be very careful not to get a heat burn. Heat the plastic to the point it gets pliable and starts to “sag” and immediately pull the plastic over the plug. It will cool and harden in a couple of seconds. Remove and cut to shape. I use Elmers glue and brush it on the plastic lens and with an razor blade cut off the area I want to paint, after the paint dries remove the remaining Elmers glue and you have a nice position light cover. I attach to the fuselage with a very small amount of “Household GOOP” placed inside the cover hidden under the cover where the paint was applied. I use a simple model Navigation Light set found on Ebay.
