Falcon Clear-Vax Canopies

1/48th scale replacement parts

 

Plastic	A+
Instructions	A

review and photos by Steve Jantscher

Anyone that knows anything about the thinnest and clearest model canopies, knows Falcon of New Zealand. These are replacement canopies for production kits. Included in this set are nine different vac-formed canopies for modern USAF aircraft. These include the Monogram F-100, F-106, F-80, Revell / Monogram Northrop F-5E , Hobbycraft / Academy Lockheed T-33, Testors / Hawk / Italeri U-2, Hasegawa F-15 and F-16, both single seat versions and Testors F-5E. My sample of the set included an extra F-16 canopy set, but I don't know if that is common.

By the way, when I say canopy, I mean the windshield too, and any other canopy parts too (as in the F-16 "rear" canopy section).

These are absolutely clear, and very thin, which is why experienced modelers choose vac-formed canopies to represent scale thickness and clarity. Shiny right from the box, a light coat of Future floor finish will give them even more sparkle. The included sheet of instructions are quite exhaustive, pointing out suggestions as to the need or desire to open a canopy, and how best to remove and attach the pieces.