Anyone care to weigh in on Squadron vs Falcon vac canopies? I've never seen or used either and I'm thinking of trying them out - specifically for the Ki 43
Thanks in advance for all opinions- Richard

They're the same. Falcon does the Squadron canopies under contract, so you're getting the same quality and attention to detail.

The only difference is that the Squadron canopies are done two to a pack (or one in the case of larger 1/48 subjects) while Falcon produces sets of semi-related subjects.

Jesse - Thanks for the quick reply - if I may pick your brain a little further - Any opinion on Rob -Taurus canopies and how they compare to Squadron/Falcon ? Again for 1/48 Early Oscar - Richard

I can't tell you that; I've never used Rob Taurus canopies.

Thanks just the same Jesse - Richard

Richard,
The few times (exactly twice) I've used a vac canopy, I bought it from the Squadron. Detail was almost as good as the injected molded ones, but the thinness really makes a huge difference when you open up a section of a canopy. For me. learning how to cut it out was an experience, and I honestly had to buy another one the 1st time.

Joel

Joel -

Thanks for the input . I think I will order the Squadron canopies as there are two in the pack . The first one may be " tuition " -

Cheers - Richard

I don't have experience with that particular Rob-Taurus vac canopy, but I did use one theirs (well, part of it) on a P-40M I built a few years ago. Really good stuff, IMO! Very clear plastic, with nice and sharp canopy framing.
Although I haven't actually used Squadron/Falcon canopies yet - I have a those for several of kits in my stash, but based handling those, they appear very similar in clarity and moulding sharpness, but seem to use thinner plastic, so I'd suspect them to be a bit trickier to trim and attach than those by Rob-Taurus.

Richard,
One quick tip. Before you cut or sand the canopy, pack it solid with Blu-Tac. It will make it so much sturdier with all the handling it's going to get.

Joel

I guess it's about time to link to the How To.

Many thanks to all for the help - all that's left for me now is to buy'em and try'em-

Richard

Jess,
I completely forgot about your "how to do" article. It's a great method.

Joel

I have several of the Rob Taurus canopies- all in 1/72, so can't comment on the 1/48 versions, but they are excellent! Framework very nicely defined, crystal clear, and the thickness is a little greater than the usual vacform canopies, so they are easier to attach and fair in. Most are molded so the windscreens and moveable hoods can be cut apart for the open canopy option. The Mossie canopies with the blisters are especially nice! Engineered to fit specific kitmakers' models, so can't comment on how well they would fit a different kit. Hope this helps.

Mike

Hi and thanks to all - I've just received my Squadron vac canopies and I am surprised and delighted with the sharpness of the frame detail . Now let's see if I can hold up my end of the deal by getting them to fit !

Happy Holidays to all - Richard

Richard,
With your skill level, I wouldn't worry about it. Looking forward to your pictures of the finished canopies.

Joel

Hi to all - updating this post by answering my own question for the benefit of all who may have been asking the same -
Today I received a set of Rob Taurus vac canopies and the are very nice indeed - these are made specifically for the Hasegawa Ki 43 - I whereas the Squadron/Falcon units are made for the Nichimo Ki - 43 - I .

I have not trimmed either set yet and the Nichimo set may very well fit the Hasegawa kit but the downside of this set is it has a raised area in the windscreen to be cut out for the telescopic sight. This cutout is a notch open all the way to the bottom of the windscreen so it can be dropped down over the sight.
The real aircraft has a hole that the sight inserts through and the Rob Taurus Canopies have location marked out for this hole and are thus more accurate.

Cheers and thanks to all who responded- Richard

Richard , good to know about the hole for the gun sight . I just pick up Hasegawa's Ki-61 I Hein and the Rob Taurus , vac canopy , It is very impressive actual . I only used Squadron vac's in past and find they can be a hit and miss at times .


Terri

Terri - you may want to check out Tamiya's new Hein - should be in town any day now - Richard