David,

As an experiment I built a modified Taurus and finished it in urethane coatings only. No glass or material of any sort were used. I began with clear urethane over the balsa as a sealer., sanded it with 180 grit dry to a smooth surface, primed it with urethane primer, sanded with 320 grit dry to a paint ready finish. Then I applied the standard base/coat clear/coat Dupont urethane finish. I never had a chance to fly this bird, as I sold it to a gentleman who informed methat it was one of the most rugged models he has ever owned in the 14 years he has been flying R/C. His input was verified by the three landing crashes he put it through and still had a repairable airframe instead of a pile of balsa sticks.

I now have it back for repairs, as I volenteered to repair it for a customer who has since become a friend in the R/C world as well as my instructor for a refresher in R/C flying. You see, it has been over 35 years since I last flew an R/C plane. That is until last weekend when we finally got me some stick time on the old buddy box system. It was great fun and I am anxiously awaiting the time when I become competent enough to solo my Simla!!

Bill

PS- The reason I suggested that Richard recoat with urethane clear was to fill any raw stranding from the carbon veil. That is if there was any stranding. I also find that when I clear urethane the balsa I can apply fillers over it (after it is scuff sanded with 180 grit) without the need for glass or material covering. And I forgot to mention the modified Taurus was the lightest 60 size plane in my hangar by as much as 2.5 lbs.

Bye Now
Bill