RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
This is once again a situation where technology has offered us choices. Nobody will argue about the beauty of a fabric/dope finish on a model, but if a comprable finish can be achieved without all the smell, mess, sanding and repetition of a dope finish (not to mention the complaints of family members), I can see where many of us have gone to iron-on coverings, paints and urethanes.
I agree that an airplane covered with plastic film, especially a scale model or one originally covered with fabric, looks tacky, but some of the iron-on fabrics are wonderful and take to just about any finish you can offer.
I'm sure that as long as there is dope and fabric, some people will cover models with them, and they will be beautiful. I just like having alternatives available.
papermache