The covering on its tail feathers is just pealing off REALLY bad, and I don't want to go out and get all of the covering tools. I got the plane used and was warned about the old covering. My question is, can I temporarily replace the covering with aluminum foil, I have heard of people covering aircraft in aluminum, and I just want to do this to the tail feathers so that I can fly it once my radio gets back from radio south.

Aluminum foil probably won't stick too well. For a quickie repair, I'd just try some clear packing tape. Try to keep the seams facing aft.

You can use clear packing tape to do a repair and hold the peeling covering in place. Aluminum foil isn't going to be a good material to use to repair it with because it doesn't seal and protect the wood underneath. Fuel and exhaust residue can still get underneath it and soak into the wood.

Ken

Clear packing tape from the a dollar store works fine.

Okay, I will try that, any other hints?

All you really need (at a minimum) is an iron
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXJD40&P=ML
and a bit of covering. Since you don't seem to care how the plane "Looks" any color would do such as
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHV22&P=ML

try some ca

Another option would be Topflite self stick covering that hobby shops carry in long sheets. They are a couple of dollars each with a good range of colors. This makes good field repairs too.

If you ever plan on building a kit. Then go out and buy the $10 iron and just tack it back down. As long as it's just peeling off there is no need to go buy a new roll of covering. Although if you use the iron it will probably come back up over time. Tape is the simplest method and will work great, just be sure to clean the area with some rubbing alchohal to be sure there is no glow fuel residue or the tape will also peel off. If you get another kit and you have an iron you can almost always prevent this by going over it with the iron and making sure all of the covering is tacked down properly. Sometimes these arf's are covered very quickly and very often spots are missed and never tacked down.

Austin

Wait until the wife goes to get her nails done, and then grab her iron. [8D]

I didn't even think of that. You can use a clothes iron just be sure to get it to the right temperature.

Austin

You'll ruin the surface of the iron if not careful and then need to buy 2 irons.

Take a thin dish towel or t-shirt and use it as a sock over the iron...

Just turn the household iron up slowly until you get to the right temp. where the glue on the covering is activated. Mark that spot on the temp control for next time. Check with your buddies at the field or where you fly if you need scraps of covering. Chances are they have lots left over and will give you what you need. Or just by a roll of white and get busy. Its fun once you get the hang of it. Trim it with a hobby knife blade, or any new sharp box cutter blade. You can do it. Good hunting.

Bill

If you can, get with someone that has the right stuff to do the job right. If you don't you might be sending your radio right back to Radio South ENJOY !!! RED

I mostly agree with what everybody else has said so far, but I have to interject on the throwing away of the tinfoil. I suggest making a 'hat' of sorts out of tinfoil to keep the aliens (and/or Government) from getting into the ole' noggin. It's kinda hard getting used to sleeping with it, but in time you will adjust. And it makes a fantastic popcorn warmer! And a wonderful conversation piece!