To start your Top Gun L-39 cockpit up grade sand the back of
the pilots heads until the material around the edges become
thin then with light pressure with a hobby knife cut them free
from the parts sheet. Apply model cement in the shape of
the head to a non porous surface and dip one half of the
head in the cement to give the edge an even coat of cement.
Bond the halves together aligning at the bottom edge of the
helmet first. ( Neck alignment is not as important as the
helmet since it will be hidden.) Allow the heads to dry
overnight before sanding the seam.
Use tape to mask the area that the canopy will contact when finished to reduce the rough sanding job
needed for a good bond later. Cut the flange from the rear instrument panel and bond it in place as
well as the head rest plates. Note, the plates will require a crease bent into them over the edge of the
work surface to an angle that suits your taste. Lightly apply primer to the cockpit tub. This material is
thin to keep it light and can become soft if a heavy coat is applied. Two light coats is much better
than one heavy one. Apply a coat of flat black to the instrument panels then use a small sharp tool
to scratch the dial markings to the instrument faces. Apply a drop of epoxy in the instrument face
recesses to give them the glossy glass look and allow gravity to do the job of smoothing the surface. (
prop up the tub so the dials
are horizontal) Use the
model paint you prefer to
color your cockpit details,
most common brands have
been tested and do fine. Tips
on painting the pilots can be
found on the website under
instructions and the tips can be applied to the cockpit as well.
The air hose is painted automotive wire and is not included. The
heads are bonded in place with model cement, in order to
position the head turned or looking downward some of the collar
will need additional trimming. After the head is in place and the
cement is dry apply silicone for additional security.
Rough sand the backside of the instrument glare shield to
prepare it for the "attachment stick " that engages the fuselage.
Apply epoxy thickened with micro balloons ( baking soda works
too) to the stick and the cockpit tub. Insert the stick into the
hole in the fuselage and seat the cockpit tub in place on the
fuselage. Flip the assembly upside-down and make sure the
bond is being made by peeking through the forward wheel well.
To find the spot to drill the hole for the latch pin. Mark the end
of the latch pin with ink or a soft led pencil. Hold the latch back
and install the cockpit tub. release the latch and the mark will
be transferred to the cockpit tub.
Trim the canopy along the
molded lines and check it's fit to the tub with the tub installed on the
model. Sand the inside of the canopy edge avoiding the window
areas. Clean the canopy one last time and check the cockpit for any
details you may have forgotten.
Apply epoxy to the cockpit tub
and place the canopy on the tub
. Practicing this step a few times
before actually doing it will help
to get it right the first time.
Cutting the corner of a sandwich
bag makes a handy way to mix
and apply the epoxy.
Tape off the windows on the canopy then trim the portion of the cockpit tub used as an "epoxy bib ".
eave about 1/8 inch of the tub around the edge to leave a thin looking panel line. Prime and paint. if
you can't find the perfect color match for your model foam safe paint will allow you to overlap colors
like the green below making the mismatch is less noticeable. The tan color used below is not foam safe
paint and must be applied to the canopy only.
