At a recent club auction, I picked up a never finished Joe Bridi Rearwin Speedster. Basically all that it needs is to be covered, and equipped with an R/C system. I want to cover it with UltraCote. It's 1/4 scale, and spans 96". How many rolls of UltraCote would you estimate, that I would need to do the job ?

Thanks.

Ed

Wouldn't this model be better suited, covered in fabric ?

I would guess about 5.

Yes, I agree, fabric.

The reason that I am considering UltraCote film, is because I want to keep it light. I am installing a U.S. 41cc engine with a spring starter, and expect it to be overall heavy. I am afraid that with fabric and paint, that the weight might become unmanageable.

Ed

I think the US 41 will be overkill for that plane, they originally flew with a .60 on a Dubro speed reducer. A good .120 4 stroke should fly it fine without the extra weight but if you must have a gasser try a 23-26cc first.

I had the kit, once. By looking at the plans, I would have no problem with the US 41. I had planned on a G-38, and to use Coverite 21st Century Fabric.

As Culver states, a good 1.20 would fly her.

From the web.. utracote weighs on avg.. 5g / sq ft more or less depending on color used. The pre painted fabrics like solartex are around 8-9g/sq ft. so every 3 sq ft adds just under an ounce of weight so your probaly looking at 3+ ounces additional weight for 12 sq ft of covering. I know you will need more but the 12 is what I will need and thisseems negligable for my next build considering theease and convenience. I've never used it but plan to on my next build so this is not from personal experience.

i had one of these a few years ago, mine was covered with monocote and used a quadra 35 it needed 1 lb of tail weight to balance!!! all up weight was 17 lbs. if i was to do it again i would use koverall and paint. change over to a wing tube instead of the stubs. i would probally use the same engine or comparible (there are lighter engines availible now with same power)

and one word of advice for landing this bird ALWAYS land tail up! has a nasty stall if you try to 3 point her!

I flew a friend's Ikon Rearwin that was covered in fabric and powered with a G38. It was a dream! It was no lightweight and is the same size as your version. I have one (Ikon) on the bench to finish.