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Clear-Vax set 32: USAAF, World War II, part 1 (1/48 scale)

1. Seversky P-35. Suggested kit: Hobbycraft P-35.

The pilot's sliding part of the canopy is designed to overlap the fixed rear part. Note on the drawing the position where the aerial wire enters the canopy - this is indicated by a small moulded pip.
Suggested references: Squadron/Signal 'Mini' In Action No.1601.
2. Republic P-47D Thunderbolt bubble canopy. Suggested kit: Monogram P-47D.

The drawing shows the canopy in the fully open position. Also shown is the rearview mirror sometimes fitted.
Suggested references: Squadron/Signal In Action No.67; Aerodata International No.6.
3. Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Razorback" canopy. Suggested kit: Arii/Otaki P-47D.

The drawing shows the canopy in the open position. Notice the 'sit' of the rear section in relation to the fuselage. Most P-47 razorbacks had a small triangular window on the left side of the windscreen, as shown in the drawing. Carefully scribe this on the canopy if required.
Suggested reference: Squadron/Signal In Action No.67; Aerodata International No.6; Camouflage and Markings No.15 (Ducimus).
4. N.A. P-51/A-36 Mustang. Suggested kit: Accurate Miniatures P-51/P-51A/A-36.

In order to fit the Clear-Vax canopy, cut the kit fuselage away at the lines marked X and Y (the interior bulkhead indicates the position of line X).
Suggested references: Squadron/Signal In Action No.45; P-51 Mustang in Color (Squadron/Signal); 'Mustang at Wa'r, by Freeman (Ian Allan).
5. Curtiss P-36/Hawk 75. Suggested kits: Hobbycraft P-36, Hawk 75, Mohawk.

In order to fit the Clear-Vax canopy, cut the forward decking of the kit fuselage at the lines marked X and Y. Use the kit side windows.
Suggested references: Replic No.18 February 1993; FineScale Modeler 12(3) March 1994.
6. Curtiss P-40B. Suggested kit: Monogram P-40B.

Use the kit rear windows. Shave off the ledge moulded onto the kit fuselage aft of the windscreen break line. The dark line in the drawing indicates the position of the internal armour-glass.
Suggested reference: Squadron/Signal In Action No.26.
7. Curtiss P-40E. Suggested kit: Arii P-40E.

Note on the drawing the offset position of both the gunsight and the rearview mirror. Use the kit rear windows.
Suggested reference: Squadron/Signal In Action No.26; Argus Specialist Publications Plan Pack No. 2884.
8. N.A. P-51B Mustang. Suggested kit: Monogram P-51B.

To avoid some difficulty in trimming the vacuform parts, we suggest cutting away the kit fuselage at the lines arrowed in the drawing, and fitting the replacement canopy in its entirety. Refit the instrument panel cowling, and rebuild an accurate radio housing for the rear.
Suggested references: Squadron/Signal In Action No.45; P-51 Mustang in Color (Squadron/Signal); Aerodata International No.3.
9. Bell P-39. Suggested kit: Monogram P-39.

Separate doors are supplied for display in the open position if required. In order to fit the Clear-Vax canopy in its entirety, we suggest cutting off the 'roll-over' pylon from the kit fuselage.
Suggested references: Squadron/Signal In Action No.43; Profile No.165 (Profile Publications).

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