covering a model
 

hello everybody

this is my first post as i am new to the hobby
i would like some advice on covering my model (uno wot kit) what to use either heat shrink or dope and tissue and the techniques required this is my first model but i am a helicopter engineer so fairley useful with my hands i hope!!

the models coming on well fuselage almost done and wings well on the way

i would also like to hear from flyers in the north wales , angelsey area

all help will be greatfully received

cheers chris

RE: covering a model
 

hey chris, first off let me welcome you to rcu.

now as for your covering. it really depends on what you're wanting the end result to be. tissue is the lightest (i've never had any deaalings with it, so all this is "by reading" accounts) but it is probably the least durable. the only thing i can see tissue holding up to is rubber band powered models.

next is shrink film. i think this is the most versatile "all around" covering on the market. it does require you to learn several new techniques to keep wrinkles to a minimum. you also have to watch the overlap of the film (making sure the overlap is facing the aft of the plane so the wind won't undo the covering job). it's durable (within it's limits), fuelproof, long lasting, easily patched.

the last you asked about is silk-n-dope. i plan on covering a model with this sometime in the future just haven't decided what i want the scale look on. yep...that's right...silk-n-dope has lots of benefits durable, fuel proof, paintable, scale. also has some downsides. CAN be messy, labor intensive, you REALLY need a well ventilated area (i just couldn't handle the smell of dope for hours on end), this one also requires you to learn several new skills, and finally, don't coun't on calling up one of your flying buddies to ask for help. silk-n-dope is probably the least used of all the covering now. so there's someone, somewhere, across the sea, state, continent etc that was using silk-n-dope years ago and you and him can talk back and forth on here but don't expect a lot of help should you have any questions.

hope this helps and one you get started snap a few pictures to let us know how it's coming along and feel free to ask, if you have any more questions.

RE: covering a model
 

I know someguy who swear by silk and dope. When applied well, it looks great. I only like it on a vintage looking plane though, especially WW-1 era through the 1930's type planes. For a modern sport plane, I think heat shrink film like Monokote or Ultracoat (Oracover) look best. That's just my opinion though. I've personally never used tissue or silk and dope so I can't really comment on which is easier to apply.

RE: covering a model
 

hello chuck could you tell me some of the processes envolved with the heat shrink type covering

cheers chris

RE: covering a model
 

shrink covering is hard to beat. they are so thin/light that the weight differences is minimal and the durability is phenomenal over that of a tissue covered model. for the above vintage look the Coverite fabric (not the film) is hard to beat. for instructions on 'How-To' check out Top-Flight's site for tips: http://www.monokote.com/monoinst1.html

kc

RE: covering a model
 

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=352
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=67
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=352

Go to these links. They will help you. MinnFlyer is the author of these videos. You can search for other articles by him by entering: Covering in the title section and MinnFlyer in the Author section of the search box.

RE: covering a model
 

thanks for all the help guys the links are just what i wanted

cheers chris

RE: covering a model
 

I think Safebet meant to post this one too. It's my latest covering article with some really good videos

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=726

RE: covering a model
 

Thanks MinnFlyer. I need to write that link down. Everytime I want to recommend your video's I have do do a search.

I got it down, now.

RE: covering a model
 

Actually, there's an easy way to find what you're looking for in RCU Magazine:

To the right of the screen, there's a search box.

Click "All Article Types" and select "How-To's" (Pic 1)

Then click the "Search Articles" Button (Pic 2)

You can also Search by the Author's name, Product Manufacturer, etc (Pic 3)

RE: covering a model
 

thanks again guys this level of help is fab

cheers chris

RE: covering a model
 

Hi!
Forget about silk and tissue if you are a newcomer (even if you are fairly experienced).
The best and easiest way to obtain a light, durable and nice finnish is to sand well and then use Oracover plastic film!

Silk and tissue is a thing of the past and there are far better ways for covering a model if you want mirror finnish on your airplane (epoxy and 25g glassfiber and 2-part auto acryl laquer paint like Sikkens, PPG, or Glasurite).
For most airplanes Oracover is the way too go.
All models below are covered with Oracover plastic film applied with an iron.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

RE: covering a model
 

Dang, MinnFlyer, you are just so smart. You are just a encylopedia of info, today. lol

Thanks MinnFlyer, you are the greatest and we couldn't do without you.

RE: covering a model
 

Thanks, there are just so many cool features of this site that a lot of people don't even know about.

:D