Neuhausr

I am building a 1/4 scale pt-19 from Hostetler plans and am ready to start covering. I am using Coverite fabric and need some guidance on the best way to cover the fuselage.
Seems to me one could cover lengthwise or widthwise. Each strategy appears to have its challenges. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rad

Walt Thyng

My Feedback: (9)

I alwys civer lengthwise. That way I have fewer seams and can usually plan them to be on a longeron.
Walt

skylarkmk1

Neuhausr,

Every full size fabric covered airplane I have encountered has the covering applied lengthwise. Re-enforcement tapes are applied to all longerons and any place the frame touches the fabric. Seams are done on the longerons, usually at the top and bottom of round fuselages or at the corners of square fuselages. Re-enforcement tapes are applied to all longerons and any place the frame touches the fabric and over all seams.

LesUyeda

And if you cover the bottom first, the overlapping seams are downward facing, and not as noticible as the opposite would be.

Les

TomCrump

The application of finishing tapes from Pink-it http://www.pink-it.net/, will mask your seams altogether. These tapes also provide an authentic look to your model.

They are displayed here, on my 1/3 scale Spacewalker.

LesUyeda

If the image uploaded, this was my last effort, and if you can read the date, you will see how UN current my memory is, but Pilot was very accurate.

Les

p.s. TaDa; it worked. and I don't remember any pinking tape on the fuselage.

Augie11

Cover her lengthwise. Pinking tape is a great idea for concealing seams and improving the scale look of the plane. But I cut my own from the covering I'm using by using a fluted rotary cutter like quilting/sewing people do. The cutters are available at craft stores like Hobby Lobby and come in a variety of fluted/scalloped patterns. And, by using the exact covering that you're using, the match is perfect. If you really want to go crazy you can create mock 'stitches' UNDER the tape using white glue before you apply the tape.

Best of luck. The PT-19 is a great plane.

JeffH

My Feedback: (43)

most fabric covering also has a direction that is shrinks more in. Solartex shrinks better lengthwise along the roll.