J3 Cub help needed
 

Hi, can anyone advise me on pinking and rib stitch positioning. As well as how much I am likely to need. Real J3 seem to be be thin on the ground here in South Australia, so I have little to go on.
Thanks in advance for any advice. Its a BALSA USA 1/3

Regards Ross

RE: J3 Cub help needed
 

The full scale J-3's you will see will all be a little different. Each rib top and bottom will have it. the longerons on the fuselage will use the same size as the wing ribs. These were there for wear points not stitched down like the ribs. The leading and trailing edge of the wing will use the wide tapes as they hid all the covering seams. The tail feathers use the narrow tapes on the ribs and again the wider tapes all the way around, but not as wide as the wing. Everyone wants to argue about the placement on the vertical stabilizer, using two(2) stars on the top row and tape on the lower row or two rows of tape. You will find the tapes on all edges of the door and frame and the area around the cockpit. Really anywhere the fabric ends is finished with tape. I wish I had pictures. Maybe someone out there knows were a cub or even a super cub is and can get permission to take a few close ups for you. You will get a million different ideas about this and even some arguments, but the truth is the are all a little different.
I hope this helps.
Jim

RE: J3 Cub help needed
 

Hi - these might help...

Cheers, Mike

RE: J3 Cub help needed
 

Jim, Mike, thanks guy's your information is very helpful indeed. Its nice to find this after a very average day at work :-)


Regards Ross

RE: J3 Cub help needed
 

Real shame there are no local J3's to look at... It is amazing to crawl around an actual working one... they all look so.... used!!! There are several near me at local airports that can be rented... one day I intend to spend a few hours in one with an instructor. Good luck with your Cub. I got all my pinking tape from Stits-Lite - they have a number of types of tapes in several common widths for 1/4 and 1/3 scale.