I am working on a kit of a Newport 17 (WWI Bipe) and am not sure what to use to cover it. I have experience with Monokote, but I am not sure that it would look right. I am building the plane as a sport scale, but would still like the covering to look somewhat authentic.

Am I going to have to learn how to silkspan and dope the model, or is there an iron on covering that will give me the look of canvas?

Thanks,
Micky

Try SolarTex. It's an iron-on fabric.

You might try 21st century fabric as well. Takes a little time compared to ultracote and monocoat, but looks great once on. You'll have to plan for the seams however, they tend to show.

Is it the Balsa USA kit? I'm building one also.I did a google search for color schemes on the full scale Nieupot 17 and found that many of them were silver. It had to do with reflecting solar rays and protecting the fabric covering. I'm going with silver solartex which is sold by Balsa USA.

I used solartex on my DR1 and also highly recommend it. It goes on easy and you can either get it precolored or paint it as I did. I had only experience with monokote also and I found this easier to apply.

I agree, glossy plastic covering just doesn't look right on WWI planes.

Colorfab from Nelson Hobbies is also exellent. I just did a WW1 aircraft with it and was more than pleased with the results. Very easy to apply and works easily with low tempatures.