dhal22

i looked through that entire thread and didn't see a lot of masking info. i see the results but not a lot of technique. but there are several (long) build threads there, perhaps i looked at the wrong one.

david

Bootalini

Just about there. Using the pre-cut masks obviously saves a lot of time...and ultimately yields better results. Not sure what type of vinyl the rest of you use for masks but I had to reduce the tackiness of the vinyl before I applied the mask.

Anyhow, I'll have the aircraft ready for clear coat here shortly. The rest of today will be spent touching up a few small areas, the worst of which is on the cowling where I used pinstriping to mask.

Jeff

mmattockx

This is the thread: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6180279/tm.htm

Dean doesn't have much on the technique in there, just the final results. He will custom cut masks for just about anything if you want them.


Mark

Bootalini

Whew!...I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel. All touch-ups are done and she's ready for clear. I'll likely take Tues or Wed off from work to finish the job.

Jeff

WEDJ

Beautiful. Just flat out Beautiful.

dhal22

I second that. I'm positive I would be too scared to fly her. very well done.[sm=thumbs_up.gif][sm=thumbs_up.gif][sm=thumbs_up.gif][sm=thumbs_up.gif]

david

mmattockx

Now there is a man who has his priorities straight.

And wow, just wow at the finished product. Simply gorgeous, Jeff.

Mark

Bootalini

I guess that does sound kinda funny. Gotta do what I gotta do though. I need to get this thing finished....I mean it's been how long since I started this thread?

Thanks for the kind words!!

Jeff

Deadstik

My Feedback: (8)

Jeff,

Beautiful work! I know you are tired of masking. Should be beautiful when clear coated....

Dan
Carolina Custom Aircraft

can773

My Feedback: (1)

Jeff, you are going to have to bring that baby out here and let Pete and I have a go at her when she is done....looks great. Almost makes me want my conquest back lol

Bootalini

Chad, she'd be a blast to fly although don't expect it to knife-edge like your Twister. WRT Pete, seeing as how he's now firmly entrenched into the geeky F3P scene, he's no longer allowed to touch my pattern airplanes...

Most of the clearcoat has been applied and I'm almost done wet sanding and buffing. Holy cow..that's a lot of work! I wet sanded everything with 1500, then 2000, and followed with the scratch/swirl remover, and finally the polishing compound. Not as shiny as the original clear but that's the way I like it. I prefer a slightly duller and deeper shine as opposed to the ultra glossy finish you get when the clear dries.

Anyhow, let's get to some of the more useful data now that the finish has been applied:

As a refresher, the initial weights before applying the glass cloth:
-Fuse (minus belly pan, motor, and nosegear) = 562 grams
-Single wing panel including aileron (no gear or servo) = 205 grams
-Stab half, including elevator = 72 grams

Weights with the cloth and many Poly coats applied and sanded...i.e. the aircraft is ready for paint:
-the fuse weighed an additional 127 grams (689 grams)
-each wing panel (w/ail) weighed an additional 48 grams (253 grams)
-each stab (w/elev) weighed an additional 16 grams (88 grams)

Final weight with the complete finish applied
-fuse weighs 740
-each wing panel (w/ail) weighs 290 grams
-each stab half (w/elev) weighs 100 grams

Therefore the overall weight gain from this prep/finish method is approx 404 grams, or .89 lbs. I'm curious how that compares to other methods...anyone??

I'll post more pics in the next few weeks.

Jeff

Bootalini

Howdy folks. Just a quick note to let ya'll know that I finished the airplane over the holiday. What an insane amount of work sanding then buffing the clear back up but I'm satisfied with the results. I'll post more photos after I get the gear installed and the airplane back together.

Jeff

8178

My Feedback: (17)

Looks wonderful!!

dhal22

.89 lb gain, what's that about 14 or so ounces? monocote would be 4-5 oz? or more. i'll take the 8-10 oz gain everytime if my builds end up looking like that.

Strykaas

Did it crash ?

Bootalini

Nope, it has not flown yet. The weather here in Ottawa is just starting to warm up and the primo flying weather is rapidly approaching. The limiting factor right now is that I've not yet purchased the lipos. 8s or 9s packs are pricey!! []

I'll be sure to capture the maiden flight on video.

Jeff

doxilia

My Feedback: (3)

Jeff,

I've never used inexpensive lipo's but am starting to really be tempted, especially at these cell counts. I"m not sure if this is allowed but you might be interested in these:

http://hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=7656

http://hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=7657

Hard to beat the price!

David.

Stuart Chale

Look at True RC as well. Also good prices on generally lighter cells at least for the 5S pattern packs and good service.
Stuart

Strykaas

Will they last as long as the latest Hyperion 5C cells ? Probably not...

Union Models

The saying goes you pay for quality...

I've been there with the cheaper cells, they just aren't up to it in my opinion.

ElectRick

My Feedback: (2)

Sometimes you just pay for a name, too. As in rebadged packs from Chinese sources who sell direct, and to resellers/rebadgers.

Rick

antmadronal

dhal22

i assume he means plan not plane.

gkaraolides

Is it still not flying weather yet in Ottawa?  I (and I'msure I'm not alone) eagerly await reports of the Flight Of The Electric Aurora...

G.

doxilia

My Feedback: (3)

Jeff,

how're those lipo's coming along? That Aurora has had enough time to rest - you've got to set her free!

David.