covering a model
#1
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covering a model
hello everybody
this is my first post as i am new to the hobby
i would like some advice on covering my model (uno wot kit) what to use either heat shrink or dope and tissue and the techniques required this is my first model but i am a helicopter engineer so fairley useful with my hands i hope!!
the models coming on well fuselage almost done and wings well on the way
i would also like to hear from flyers in the north wales , angelsey area
all help will be greatfully received
cheers chris
this is my first post as i am new to the hobby
i would like some advice on covering my model (uno wot kit) what to use either heat shrink or dope and tissue and the techniques required this is my first model but i am a helicopter engineer so fairley useful with my hands i hope!!
the models coming on well fuselage almost done and wings well on the way
i would also like to hear from flyers in the north wales , angelsey area
all help will be greatfully received
cheers chris
#2
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RE: covering a model
hey chris, first off let me welcome you to rcu.
now as for your covering. it really depends on what you're wanting the end result to be. tissue is the lightest (i've never had any deaalings with it, so all this is "by reading" accounts) but it is probably the least durable. the only thing i can see tissue holding up to is rubber band powered models.
next is shrink film. i think this is the most versatile "all around" covering on the market. it does require you to learn several new techniques to keep wrinkles to a minimum. you also have to watch the overlap of the film (making sure the overlap is facing the aft of the plane so the wind won't undo the covering job). it's durable (within it's limits), fuelproof, long lasting, easily patched.
the last you asked about is silk-n-dope. i plan on covering a model with this sometime in the future just haven't decided what i want the scale look on. yep...that's right...silk-n-dope has lots of benefits durable, fuel proof, paintable, scale. also has some downsides. CAN be messy, labor intensive, you REALLY need a well ventilated area (i just couldn't handle the smell of dope for hours on end), this one also requires you to learn several new skills, and finally, don't coun't on calling up one of your flying buddies to ask for help. silk-n-dope is probably the least used of all the covering now. so there's someone, somewhere, across the sea, state, continent etc that was using silk-n-dope years ago and you and him can talk back and forth on here but don't expect a lot of help should you have any questions.
hope this helps and one you get started snap a few pictures to let us know how it's coming along and feel free to ask, if you have any more questions.
now as for your covering. it really depends on what you're wanting the end result to be. tissue is the lightest (i've never had any deaalings with it, so all this is "by reading" accounts) but it is probably the least durable. the only thing i can see tissue holding up to is rubber band powered models.
next is shrink film. i think this is the most versatile "all around" covering on the market. it does require you to learn several new techniques to keep wrinkles to a minimum. you also have to watch the overlap of the film (making sure the overlap is facing the aft of the plane so the wind won't undo the covering job). it's durable (within it's limits), fuelproof, long lasting, easily patched.
the last you asked about is silk-n-dope. i plan on covering a model with this sometime in the future just haven't decided what i want the scale look on. yep...that's right...silk-n-dope has lots of benefits durable, fuel proof, paintable, scale. also has some downsides. CAN be messy, labor intensive, you REALLY need a well ventilated area (i just couldn't handle the smell of dope for hours on end), this one also requires you to learn several new skills, and finally, don't coun't on calling up one of your flying buddies to ask for help. silk-n-dope is probably the least used of all the covering now. so there's someone, somewhere, across the sea, state, continent etc that was using silk-n-dope years ago and you and him can talk back and forth on here but don't expect a lot of help should you have any questions.
hope this helps and one you get started snap a few pictures to let us know how it's coming along and feel free to ask, if you have any more questions.
#3
Senior Member
RE: covering a model
I know someguy who swear by silk and dope. When applied well, it looks great. I only like it on a vintage looking plane though, especially WW-1 era through the 1930's type planes. For a modern sport plane, I think heat shrink film like Monokote or Ultracoat (Oracover) look best. That's just my opinion though. I've personally never used tissue or silk and dope so I can't really comment on which is easier to apply.
#5
RE: covering a model
shrink covering is hard to beat. they are so thin/light that the weight differences is minimal and the durability is phenomenal over that of a tissue covered model. for the above vintage look the Coverite fabric (not the film) is hard to beat. for instructions on 'How-To' check out Top-Flight's site for tips: http://www.monokote.com/monoinst1.html
kc
kc
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RE: covering a model
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=352
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=67
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=352
Go to these links. They will help you. MinnFlyer is the author of these videos. You can search for other articles by him by entering: Covering in the title section and MinnFlyer in the Author section of the search box.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=67
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=352
Go to these links. They will help you. MinnFlyer is the author of these videos. You can search for other articles by him by entering: Covering in the title section and MinnFlyer in the Author section of the search box.
#8
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RE: covering a model
I think Safebet meant to post this one too. It's my latest covering article with some really good videos
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=726
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=726
#10
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RE: covering a model
Actually, there's an easy way to find what you're looking for in RCU Magazine:
To the right of the screen, there's a search box.
Click "All Article Types" and select "How-To's" (Pic 1)
Then click the "Search Articles" Button (Pic 2)
You can also Search by the Author's name, Product Manufacturer, etc (Pic 3)
To the right of the screen, there's a search box.
Click "All Article Types" and select "How-To's" (Pic 1)
Then click the "Search Articles" Button (Pic 2)
You can also Search by the Author's name, Product Manufacturer, etc (Pic 3)
#12
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RE: covering a model
Hi!
Forget about silk and tissue if you are a newcomer (even if you are fairly experienced).
The best and easiest way to obtain a light, durable and nice finnish is to sand well and then use Oracover plastic film!
Silk and tissue is a thing of the past and there are far better ways for covering a model if you want mirror finnish on your airplane (epoxy and 25g glassfiber and 2-part auto acryl laquer paint like Sikkens, PPG, or Glasurite).
For most airplanes Oracover is the way too go.
All models below are covered with Oracover plastic film applied with an iron.
Regards!
Jan K
Sweden
Forget about silk and tissue if you are a newcomer (even if you are fairly experienced).
The best and easiest way to obtain a light, durable and nice finnish is to sand well and then use Oracover plastic film!
Silk and tissue is a thing of the past and there are far better ways for covering a model if you want mirror finnish on your airplane (epoxy and 25g glassfiber and 2-part auto acryl laquer paint like Sikkens, PPG, or Glasurite).
For most airplanes Oracover is the way too go.
All models below are covered with Oracover plastic film applied with an iron.
Regards!
Jan K
Sweden
#13
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RE: covering a model
Dang, MinnFlyer, you are just so smart. You are just a encylopedia of info, today. lol
Thanks MinnFlyer, you are the greatest and we couldn't do without you.
Thanks MinnFlyer, you are the greatest and we couldn't do without you.