ORIGINAL: sensei
ORIGINAL: Chip_Mull
In answer to your question: if the ''Stits'' method is followed the fabric removal is simple. Just soak the area to be removed with MEK and it will literally just peel off. For complete instructions, go to
http://stits.com/RC_Model_instructions.html .
And welcome back to the hobby. You will find that almost any kit you purchase is no longer ''Die Crushed''. The laser cut parts fall into your lap. The new batteries are fantastic. The new radios are like something from Buck Rogers. You're gonna have a great time re-learning the new stuff.
+1
Bob
OFTEN A COMPROMISE
Most individual decision in the design and building of an airplane is a compromise.
It is particularly true for the decision concerning the covering and finish of a model.
The builder has to decide what is most important to him/her . . . ease of construction . . . time available for covering and finishing . . . how crash resistant the model will be . . . others . . .
Eventually we all experience a less than ideal landing. If we wish a construction that is more resistant to damage we have to take the means to give the model that resistance. We cannot always rely on the design being aimed toward "crash damage resistance". Often building ease and/or building time takes over. A good reason why experienced builders often make changes. Also the choices left to the builder are the builder's own decisions.
Some basic principles apply and one being discussed in this thread is the choice of covering and finishing.
The builder has to decide what covering material he will use and what finish. Does the builder wish a covering easily removable? When does he anticipate having to remove the covering? When does he anticipate he may have a damaging landing? It is for him/her to take his/her decision.
An easily removable covering is not as crash damage resistant as a fabric covering in which every single fabric thread is solidly glued to the structure. The size of the threads and material the fabric is made of has a lot to do in making a strong fabric. A strong fabric does not add much weight to a covering. Any slight increase in weight of the model can be a great advantage in its flying behavior in stronger winds and gusty air.
Some of the considerations to evaluate to the best of the builder's ability are _ _ _
The supplied pieces in the kit, where they fit in the structure and the estimated strength they should have.
In the case of scratch build the choice of the material selected. Example. wing spars should use hard balsa or bass or spruce (sitka preferred for grain). Plywood should be aircraft type to assure that the glue holding the layers together is good to avoid layer separation.
I suggest to builders to compare Stits method to Randoph method and decide their choice. We should not take decison for the builder; that decison has to be his/her own.
Zor
Edited to correct "buider' to "builder".