actually it opens and closes just like the 1/48's. looking at a standard 1/48, if you look at the hinge part of the canopy(back of the fuselage), you'll notice the curved plastic piece that holds the canopy in place(its glued down). cap'n didn't glue the two pieces since you have to do some sanding and modding in order for it to open and close, that and the rear seat needs to be glued as well as the HUD in the back, plus you have to paint the interior.
outside of all the sanding and tweaking, i'm actually kind of glad he didn't offer it as one piece since it would've been a pain in the butt to get in there to do anything.
the hinge on the canopy does need to be sanded quite a bit for it to open and close freely. you'll have to make the hinge thinner(thickness-wise) as well as sand the back of the headrest of the rear seat(its slightly in the way) in order for it to move freely. if you got the kit in front of you, its much easier to understand what i'm talking about.
either way, just make sure you don't glue anything down until you're 101% sure everything is going to fit perfectly and move perfectly, if anything, just use tape or funtac at first to hold things together.
hope that helps.
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Thanks for the info. Did you get the heat shield? As well. From what I am hearing, this job will take more time than I have since I worked 56 hours last week and 44 this week so far... Is the resin sturdy?