SHADO Sky 1 Instruction Sheet

This model is fairly simple but the notes below may be of help.

Please note there are some small parts with this kit, namely the 4 cannon ends and 2 small canopy rear windows. Don't lose them!

1. Cut away this area in the cockpit hole to allow the cockpit assembly to be inserted.

2. Glue the pilot to the ejection seat and install into the cockpit tub as 1 piece. They will be a very tight fit into the tub...they'll fit, but some filing may need to be done. Next, glue the dashboard and rear brace to the cockpit tub before inserting the cockpit into the hole in the fuselage...in order to be sure everything fits under the canopy, go right to the inner edges of the tub with these pieces as shown with the arrows. The dashboard and rear brace should prevent the cockpit from falling inside the fuselage.

3. Please note that the weapon pod/engine tube is thicker at the pod end. Dry-fit the the pieces together first before glueing.

4. If you're going to fit Sky 1 to the Diver section, epoxy a small piece of metal to the back of the rear end plate (not shown, sorry) of Sky 1. Epoxy a rare-earth magnet of sufficient strength to the opposing plate on the Diver section to hold the 2 sections togather.

5. Dry-fit the glass pieces, then apply a small amount of glue around the outer edge of each piece to secure into place. It may be best to install the glass pieces first, then mask them in order to paint the canopy. If you want to make the glass pieces thinner or more clear, the same tecniques used to clear yellowed headlights or remove scratches from plastic-lensed eyeglasses can be used. Basically, sand the pieces to the desired thickness, then use increasing grades of sandpaper, up to 2000 grit, to get the smoothest possible surface, then finish off with a plastic polishing compound.

6. The base color for SkyDiver is an old Ford auto paint color called Oyster Gold Metallic. Unfortunately, that color isn't available in spray cans in the United States. However, any auto paint store that mixes PPG paint can mix this color using number 24567.

Please refer to this document for information on handling the decal sheet and refer to the illustrations below to place the decals.