I fully agree with sensei... a film covered model is far stronger when done correctly then silkspan/tissue. Many factors to consider if you really get down to it, but a well built structure skillfully covered with Monokote or the correct film won't just "crush" from the shrinkage of the film.

Monokote and Ultrakote are geared toward larger frames, depending on structure, maybe 30" wingspan and up.., and not so much mini and micro models though...partly due to weight, as well as shrinkage... but there are other products, as mentioned Parklite is a nice film for smaller models, where shrinkage and tension isn't necessarily wanted or needed... yet obviously serve the intended purpose. I built a few of the StevensAero micros and used Parklite with good results.

Many of us have experience with the old days of silkspan/tissue, and then moved on to Monokote and other films... and yes.. silkspan/dope when applied correctly actually does have quite a bit of strength, but try to punch a finger through Monokote, and do the same with silkspan, and you'll see the difference immediately.

obrien, film covering(Monokote, Ultrakote, Parklite, etc..) are far less invasive and FAR LESS labor intense then silkspan/tissue. All that's really needed to apply film covering is an iron, a decent pair of scissors, an X-Acto knife, and maybe a ruler. You really don't need an actual Monokote/film iron although they're cheap and easier to use. Many of us(definitely me), used our clothes irons when covering irons weren't mainstream... and they work just as well when you get the knack of it.

Tissue for the most part takes dope and thinner, brushes, a bit of sandpaper, scissors, maybe a ruler, etc...Then you have to paint the tissue and finish it in some way(usually).. and it can be labor intense, and the chemicals can be toxic, and some people are sensitive to that very smell(some of us like it too)..., as well as the paints can be messy if a person doesn't have alot of experience or isn't set up to handle such things. There's just alot of prep and labor compared to tissue.

A small model covered in Parklite is about the least invasive and least labor intense you can get if you're wanting to build and cover something.

Building and covering is a great way to enjoy the hobby, but it does take some planning and definitely takes some time(that's why they call it a "hobby")... Just keep studying it.. maybe it will work for you, or maybe you'll find other aspects of the hobby along the road to enjoy as well. Good luck with it.