". . .the best way to get this junk off of an airplane? "

If it were junk it would come off easy, and at the worst time.

You guys should have been aroung in the japanese tissue and dope days (or linen and paint for the bigger models). Monokote and Utlracote, Coverite, etc. are a Godsend.

For a split you can wipe on white glue diluted with water so that it penetrates better. As MinnFlyer said, getting reinforcement behind it is best. I have had success with pieces of coffee filter soaked in white glue and applied with the help of a stick to reach remote spaces. It collapses to fit around bulkheads and opens up when squeeged with the stick. Like brain surgery but with balsa scraps.

Charlie P.