Sure haven't. And to prove it, I have a question: when covering the fuselage, should I cut pieces that are the length of the fuselage, or is it okay to it in smaller sections? Or does it matter? All I know is I'm working from bottom to top, back to front, to keep seams in order. Other than that, don't really know what I'm doing yet.

It can be done either way. Start at the back if you do it in segments.

So it won't affect the overall appearance if I cover it in sections?

I know, the seams don't really show up on the stuff I've already done, but I just wanted to make sure before I started on the fuselage!

I'd try to just have one seam and hide it under the wing. The bottom can probably be done in one piece fairly easy. 2 pieces on each side. 1 forward top piece and 1 aft top piece. I do not recommend a QUILT. May need a separate piece around cockpit, not that familiar with covering this particular plane.

So, the fewer pieces the better then? That makes sense.

The way it looks like it'll work for this plane is: one piece for the bottom, one for each side, one for in front of the cockpit/hatch, one for the cockpit/hatch, and one for the turtledeck. Hopefully, I can make that work.

If you can do it that way, it would be great. On the top, work forward starting from the rear so that wind will not tend to lift the edges and fuel/oil won't try to get under the covering as much.

Also do bottom first, then sides and finish with the top.

I'll be doing that.

I did get that much from RCU.

The wife went shopping to get something to wear to the wedding we're going to this evening. I was going to start covering the fuselage, but I decided I should go ahead and fuelproof the engine area and paint the cockpit.

Since I'm using a spray paint (fuelproof) instead of epoxy, I wanted to do that before I had covering on the front of the plane. I'm not exactly a spray painting master, and I don't feel like having to mask off everything. So, I have now given the engine area and cockpit their first coats of paint (and brought them inside to dry since it's rather humid outdoors).

So... looks like it may be Monday before I get to go back to work on covering the plane. We'll see... I may be able to sneak in a little more covering time tomorrow.

Depending on the paint used, it may require several coats.

Yeah, I'm planning on doing at least three coats of black and a matte clear coat. The second coat should be able to go on in another 20 minutes or so.

The wife is back from shopping, and I'm glad she went. The dress she bought for the wedding tonight is hot.

And no, photos will not be included.

Why not? Please!

I'm not good at sharing.

Anywho, I have the second coat on now. Already looks a lot cleaner. One more, then the matte clear coat, and it'll be ready for me to start covering the fuselage. I'm thinking I can get the painting all done before we have to get all dressed up for the wedding tonight.

If I can get all the painting done today, then by the time I can do any covering the paint should all be nicely dried.

The plane is looking excellent. I'm excited to see a video of this thing in the air. Heard
a lot about the SSE but never seen one fly. I've only been back in this hobby for 2 months
after being out for 9yrs.

Thanks! I'll do my best to get a video online as soon as she's airworthy!

The third coat of black paint has gone on. In another hour or so, I'll put on the clearcoat and she'll be ready for covering Monday (or tomorrow if I can sneak it in ).

EDIT: I'd take pictures of the painting, but it looks like crap really (with all the overspray) and I don't want anyone to see it. I'll have more photos once I start covering her!

The SSE fuse is one of the easiest I've ever covered. Just five pieces--bottom, two sides, and two turtle deck halves. The only compound curves were in the turtle deck, hence the two separate pieces for that. The cowl deck was covered with the same pieces I used on the sides, just up and over, with a seam down the middle. I was planning to use a separate piece for this, but didn't need to.

It's fine to cover in sections, though. Just get it done.

Thanks nickj.

I just sprayed the clearcoat on... and it's a milky white color now. If that doesn't dry clear, I'm going to be upset. But only a little, as I can always go back and spray another layer of black over the 'milky white' clearcoat if I have to.

I'm going to let it dry overnight and see where it stands tomorrow.



And now... I'm off to start getting all dressed nice and stuff. Got to look good for the wedding tonight. Maybe I'll even be able to post again tonight, but somehow I doubt it. See you all tomorrow!

Lots of clearcoats go on kinda "milky" then dry clear. I wouldn't worry 'bout it. Great job on the covering so far....ringer.

Have fun tonight!
( I get to go to my sister's next month [:'(] Can't wait to see my wife's dress! )

Yay! It dried clear! I was a little worried about that.

Anywho, the wedding was... interesting. Ever been to a Greek Orthodox wedding service? Different. The reception was awesome though. Good food, and free wine and beer.

cwrr5, hope your wife picks out a hot dress too. [8D]

Okay, I got the underside of the plane covered. I only used one piece of covering too.

The photo shows the underside covered, with the wings on for looks. Actually, except for not having landing gear, that's exactly how she'll look from directly underneath.

uhh - she'll probaby fly better with servos too.[sm=bananahead.gif][sm=bananahead.gif]

Looking good!

Hmmm... you could be right. [sm=bananahead.gif]

Actually, that's really a good point. I didn't eve think about that when I posted. []



Anywho, turns out the wife is rather understanding of my desire to work on my plane after waiting for so long. As you can see in the attached photo, I have now covered the hatch!

EDIT: See that front corner? That proves I'm not that great at this covering stuff! [:'(]

If that is the only rinkle you are a ringer .

Looks real good hope I can due as well when I cover my Pete'n'Poke

Looking good

Not to put any pressure on you, but have you thought about when you'll try to maiden her? 2 weeks?

Keep up the good work.

-tychoc

Very nice, kiswa. The wrinkle in the hatch is a common one--I still do it once in awhile. You need to completely seal the surface before working on the edges, but sometimes I lack the patience. In any case, we're all dyin' here to see that thing in the air.

Looks like you've got a lot of guys anxious for you to maiden her. Not to be pushy!