H5487

I'm not anti-Monokote or the other fine plastic coverings but I'd like to learn more about alternate covering methods such as silk, Silkspan, Jap tissue, etc. Most of the books that I've run across claim to be all about different covering methods but then spend most of the book talking about how to do that perfect Monokote job.

I'm more into vintage designs than the latest rocket planes.

Thanks,

Harvey

Top_Gunn

My Feedback: (6)

I've never seen one. But there are many good written descriptions and You Tube videos on all sorts of covering techniques. Just takes some searching. I like books, but for this kind of thing their time seems to have passed.

Charlie P.

Harry Higley has several books on building techniques.

There Are No Secrets gets into all kinds of coverings.

http://www.harryhigley.com/index.htm

Sullivan bought up all the rights and Tower sells the full line.

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

I don't recall seeing any books that dwell on the old types of covering. I learned how to use silk span in the 50s and 60s and it was trial and error. Same with silk and also glassing.
I did buy the Harry H book on covering with Mono but really didn't learn a lot of anything new that I didn't hear from mentors. I still do some glassing but have my own ways to do things but it's been ages sense I have done any silk covering. Once I used the TEX iron on covering I wouldn't do silk and dope again. I just did some silkspan work though and it was like riding a bike, came right back to me.
I do have a very old how to modeling book but it's in my Kindle. If it has what you need I will let you know and maybe get it to you as a loan or gift?

sensei

You can cover a model the same way you cover a full scale only use the light weight uncertified Dacron cloth instead of the heavy Dacron cloth used on full scale airframes. I have been doing this for decades and if I can do it, anyone can....

http://www.polyfiber.com/stits/index.htm

Bob

H5487

Is that because the TEX process is that much better or because the silk and dope process is that messier/tedious?

That sounds like something I'd like to add to my reference file. I wouldn't mind getting a copy if it can be downloaded off your Kindle onto a thumbdrive.

Harvey.

H5487

Hi Bob,

It looks like we're FINALLY getting some cooler mornings and evenings here in Texas!

Yes, I'm familiar with the Stitts Process but even the lightest Dacron would be too heavy for some of the smaller models like 1/2A. I grew up trying to build every Guillows model they made and would like to try my hand at tissue covering again. However, there are several types of tissue and several types of processes for each. I'd like to find a book (or even a good magazine article) that looks into each.

I used Royal's Silron on my Goldberg Falcon 56 in the 1970s and really liked it. Of course, it's not available anymore so I thought I'd give silk a try.

Harvey

FlyWheel

Did you try the local library (remember those? they lend those bound collections of paper and ink data called "books" )? They tend to have many older and out of date editions on many subjects, especially those in smaller towns. There is a chance you might find something from the pre-polymer covering era.

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

.The Tex is a true cloth covering that irons on like the mono but is much easier to both put on and shrink. Also comes in colors so you don't need to paint. Makes you look like a pro, the stuff is really easy to work with. The no mess no smell is also a big plus. If push comes to shove I will do silk span, it stinks and is a mess but it is still fun to work with. A fellow just did a build in kit building and went silk span and dope.
I have a book to finish today then I will look up and see what the old modeling book has in it. I remember it has a lot of scratch building tips but don't recall much more then that. I have the app for kindle on my computer too so I can download books on it too. I have several kindles though and only use it to pre read an authors work before publishing but the app is free. It's on Amazon kindle.

bunsen

Dave Platt has a DVD called " Back To Basics" where he describes covering with Silk, Silkspan and Polyspan.

DVD # B2B-1

As with all of Dave's Videos it is very useful as well as entertaining.

http://daveplattmodels.com/Videos/index.htm

Cheers

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Cool, a DVD. My book is for the most part design and building and no mention of covering.

peruse12

Hi Harvey
I have a great book that 'covers' this subject , it is called Radio Control Airplane Finishing & Detailing , published by AirAge .It also has lots of other good info on practicalities of scale modelling .
Regards Gary

H5487

Gary, is this it?

http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Control-.../dp/0911295518

Harvey

peruse12

Yes , that is the one , lots of interesting tips in there and not expensive .

Gary

rcmiket

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nC-LEeBE-w
While not a book it's pretty informative.
Mike

Granpooba

My Feedback: (5)

What do you need a book for ? Just ask for some advise from folks that have used different covering materials.

jaka

Hi!
No book needed !
Covering with silk and papper tissue is easy.
What you do is the same for both types.
1. Paint the entire wing with clear dope (nitrate dope) three to four times, especially on surfaces that where the silk is going to be fastened.

2. Take the silk in your hands and bundle it together and hold it under the warm water tap (Cold water works qually well...) so it gets totally wet and then press ut the water beteen you hands so the silk is just damp.

3. Lay the silk out over the wing (top surface or bottom surface ). Be careful to spread it out evenly as much as you can.

4. Fill a jar with aceton and take a brush and use the aceton filled brush as a way of securing the silk to the outher edges of wing. Start at the wing tip so the silk is secured there (let the aceton evaporate Before you work your way toward root of the wing). The aceton will disolve the dope making the silk stick to the balsa surface. At the same time use your hands to draw the silk tight toward the edges of the wing so that the final result will be a wing covered in an evenly coverd silk surface.


5. Then cover the other side of the wing in the same way.

6. When the whole wing has been covered you paint the whole wing with several layers of nitrate dope.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

As a supplement of what was just written, find the local control-line club and then locate the guys who fly competition stunt. Ask a lot of questions and hopefully, one of them will tutor you.

bluesuperman74

I'm doing this to a cub now. Works well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoT_sY7wbmw

bunsen

Jaka

What is your preferred source for silk?

Ray

jaka

Hi!
Don't know really! Just bought it in one of the hobby shops over here in Sweden. But during my 40 yeras in this hobby I have used just two different types of silk/nylon weaves , one thinner and one thicker and both have worked equally good.

H5487

Gary,

I found a used copy of the book on Amazon and it came in today. That book has a great deal of information on covering and will be a big help. THANKS for suggestion it!

Harvey

peruse12

Hi Harvey , glad to be of help

Gary