Covering is fun... before long you'll be trying all kinds of neat stuff. Here is my latest attempt at a cool scheme.

On this Goldberg Extra 300 I used both of the listed methods for joining the seams.

For the bottom of the wing I laid up the white first, then applied the red, then the blue (which had not been applied yet when I took the photo, but is now covering the center section). The seams are all on ribs or sheeting so there is solid backing for each seam.


For the wing top design I cut out my patterns and joined them on glass, then applied the covering to the wing. I did it this way because some seams cross open bays in the wing, with no support. For joining the seams I used trim solvent.


Here is the wing sitting in the un-covered fuse.


And one from the rear. Here you can see the printout (8 1/2 X 11) of what the top pattern will look like when finished.


I guess the point is match the method with the situation.

I do not cover it all in white first, the white is applied first (Because the darker colors will show through it if they are underneath), but not where the blue or red will be. Just let the white overlap the areas by a little. How much? That depends on a few things:

If it is a solid sheeted area, overlap by 1/8 - 1/4".

If it is an open area, and you are using Monokote, overlap by 1/4 - 3/8".

If it is an open area, and you are using Ultracote, overlap by 3/8 - 1/2".


Next Q: Run the iron over any contact areas that are questionable after heating with gun and glove.

awesome looking plane Post Hole, would you care if I used a variation of that scheme on my 4*60? and I have never used trim solvent, any tips on using it would be useful...

R1,

I am flattered that you would want to emulate the color scheme. Of course, please do, the only condition being that we all want to see it when you are done.

This aircraft flies soooo nice, I am very impressed with it so far. The Goldberg kit has to be one of the nicest out there.

As far as trim solvent, I had never used it before this project. I just laid out my pattern templates, cut them out marking each one red white or blue so I did not mix them up later. I cut both left and right pieces at the same time, by laying the Monocote face-to-face (so I ended up with exact mirror images) and putting the pattern on top. Then I cut them at the same time with a hobby knife and new #11 blades. I allowed for an approximate 1/4" overlap of the dark color over the white along the seams.

I peeled the backing off the Monocote, layed out the pattern on the back of an old mirror (perfectly flat) and used Scotch tape to tape them together at the "top". I did spray a fine mist of water on the glass to keep the Monocote flat. Then I followed the directions on the trim solvent and everything worked out great!

Here are a couple of shots of the finished aircraft. Well, finished except I had not mounted the wheel pants yet.





I am very happy with the aircraft.

I hope this helps.

Will

Ok, im going to do a similar scheme, not going for the red/white/blue look, i think i am just going to use blue and yellow and do a similar pattern... yellow where all the white is and blue for the blue and red... I think it will look pretty cool...[sm=bananahead.gif]
How does it sound?

I am a big fan of blue-and-gold (blue-and-yellow) for color schemes. Like I said, I really DO want to see it when ya get to that point.

It should show really well.

I am about ready to start covering so it should't be too long.

I got the wing done, picture isnt that great but you get the idea...

I use the glass meathod and have great success until I use silver. For some reason it is alot softer and the glue does funny things under heat. It is the only color that I apply after the skin is made up on the glass sheet.

Here is the latest project.



first I laid out the white then blue, then red. Sealed the seams on glass with an iron, put the skin on the wing and then applied the silver to finish.

Here is the underside.



I applied the white first and then I cut (yes I am crazy) 1 1/2" squares and then apply them in a diagonal pattern 5 at a time and everything comes out straight.

Here are a few others I have done recently as well. One is a recover of a SkyVista Arf and the other is an Ultra Sport 40+. Last is one of my first covering jobs years ago on my Shrike. I covered it all in white and added the T-bird on top of the white as well as all the other graphics. I do love red white and blue!

Jason

Wow, that's looking very nice! Can't wait to get a flight report too.

And your hanger looks very nice too, SilverEagle! Dang. I am impressed.

thanks, ive been putting it together in my room... it took over my room actually...

Here are the newest pics, still have not flown it...

couple more

Looks great! Like I said, I really like that color combination.

Still looking forward to that flight report.

Some lovely schemes and some great tips on here. I am starting to get a bit more adventurous with my own covering schemes, and will have a go at some of these techniques.

Stunning aircraft - sorry for being off topic but I think I've found the next plane I'm gonna build. I'm currently building a Goldberg Tiger 60 and it's actually very gentle (to a first time kitbuilder with a little experience in small scale woodwork) as far as the building goes. If the rest of his kits are similar I'll be building Goldbergs for a while.

Thank you Zzyzxx,

The Goldberg kits build as nice as anything out there from what I hear. My best friend built this one from a kit and gave it to me "in the bones" for finishing. I cannot believe how light the wing came out compared to an Extra 300 ARF that I bought used here on RCU, and the ARF has a 4" shorter wingspan.

Anyway, I am sure you will be pleased with Goldberg kits.

Thanks again,

Will

My $0.02...My LT-40 was covered in all bright yellow Ultracote with the Sig decals, which are a great contrast to the yellow. This was a great looking plane, and I never had a problem with not being able to see it or with orientation. My only problem was learning inverted flight. Probably not the best plane for it anyway, and a tip for everyone: Roll it upright before you yank back on the rudder. But, I knew it was upside down. Don't call me dum thum for nothing. Anyway, all the planes I have covered have been in yellow and/or red. I like my gliders with transparent red wing and tail and opaque yellow fuse. I have to start using flash tape though, because you have to range too far away with a glider looking for lift I could use the extra help.

I have seen people use one large (6-8") red stripe around one wing or even just on the bottom. I haven't tried this personally, but I have seen it in flight, and I think it is a easy to see scheme and a classy look as well. Kind of like that Shelby Cobra with racing stripes only on the drivers side.

Look at the color scheme for the Magic 3D ARF by Modeltech. It is yellow with blue on the bottom of the wing and red and blue trim. Orientation is easy until it gets too late in the evening.

I had the red and white Sig Rascal 40 and when it is heading straight for you ie. landing, it is very hard to see no matter the sky conditions as all you can see is the white. Therefore, I certainly recommend a dark color on the leading edge of the wing. I could always see yellow very well in this respect.

OK. So that was about $1 worth, or worthless depending on your opinion. Anyway, very good info on this thread and some killer looking planes fellas. People always ask me 'Is that an ARF?' because I take great care with my covering, but I am humbled in your presence. My hat's off to you.

Went and flew the 4 star 60 today for the first time... Had two great flights considering this was my first time to fly in 3 yrs... almost no trim was needed. It has plenty of power with the supertiger 90. Had to cut the second flight short because the forward most bolt holding on the muffler on fell out and is MIA[:@] so that will have to be replaced but other than that i am very satisfied with the maiden flight.

Sweet! Thanks for the update!

SilverEagle...did you cut the falcon layout on the Shrike by hand????????????????????

Hiya
Hopefully I havent missed the answer to my question in the previoius posts...
I am covering my first wing at the moment, with a Blue and Yellow colour scheme. I am putting the Blue on the bottom of the wing, with a yellow top, with one yellow strip on the bottom to help me reckonise orientation...

My question is, they say to put a dark colour on top of a lighter one, but they also say the cover the bottom of the wing first...

Have I just got myself really confused?? or there a trick to help me with what I am doing???
or have I just got my colour scheme completely stuffed up?? (ie Yellow on bottom, blue on top...) []

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

first put the yellow stripe on the bottom than put the blue on the bottom. next do the top, yellow first than blue.