Hi,
I have built a tf-p47 and I have already glassed it and put the primer on it. Now I want to make the panel lines. I am going to use a soft pencil to write the panel lines on it and then i want to put the tape on it. Do you have to put the tape on the panel lines (so the panel lines are under the tape) or next to the panel lines? It's a bit confusing cause i've seen some pictures where peaple put the tape next to the panel lines. But I've also read that you have to put the tape over the panel lines. Can someone tell me where to put the tape?

Here's the way I have done panel lines:

Light coat of primer.

Draw panel lines on surfaces.

Put thin tape exactly where the panel lines are to be placed.

Several more coats of primer.

Pull off tape and you have recessed panel lines.

Than paint your plane as desired.

So you place the tape exactly on the lines??

It depends on the effect you want and how the real plane is build. Panels that butt together will require a very thin tape on the line to creat a "canyon". Panels that overlap will require wide tape against the line to create a "step". In both cases primer may be used to build up the panel. You could also use body putty for the step style.

Carl

Really good tutorial here: http://www.rcscalebuilder.com/Tutori...ts/default.htm

If you're using Chart Pak type tape, use a monocote trim iron or similar when you go to pull it up. It will greatly reduce the amount of stickum left in the panel line. I read it somewhere, and just tried it. Worked great.
Sam

I want butt jointed panels, so I put two strokes of tape along both sides of the lines?

No, just one line of tape.

If you go to the link above it will really help you. Butted panels leave a small crack "canyon" between the panels. The single very thin line of tape placed over the penciled line then primered over until the edge of the tape is level then sanded down until you see the tape will leave a crack or canyon and look as thought two panels are placed against each other.

Carl

I think I get it. For the butt jointed panels I have to use tape that is just as thin as the lines from the pencil are. I first thougt that the blue line was the panel line made with the pencil but that is the tape. Cool never knew there is that thin tape. Thanks! I go and try to find that kind of tape

Here's a link to a supplier of tape.

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

I don't know if they deliver to the Netherlands.

I used it for my RNAF Spitfire.


I have a more detailed description in post #24 here

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_75391/tm.htm

Scott

Like this:

Tape, spray filler, then rub back and pull tape off, then prime and paint.

End result:

That is looking verry good, unfortunatly the smallest tape I could find here was 1/16. Now I have some larget tape and I have to cut it to the right size myself. I hope it will work. Thanks for the info!!

I think that will be disappointed by trying to cut your own tape that thin, unless you've got some gizmo I've never seen. I just put panel lines on my Spitfire, and I have to say that the 1/64 is probably best, with maybe 1/32 for the larger lines. I'd really recommend you find some commercial tape. Good luck,
Sam

If you want an ultimate tutorial on panel lines, rivets, detailing, and finishing...GO HERE!

http://www.tompierce.net/190/index.htm

Follow along as Tom builds and finishes an Fw190 at a Top Gun level of detail.

Chuck

If you have a Lathe you could cut tape to the proper size. Make a spool on a wooden mandrel and then cut it with a # 11 blade in your tool holder.. should work.. absent that.. buying tape would be best.

For me, buying the tape is the best way. I get mine here: http://www.injectorall.com/draftingtapes.htm

I jusy did the fuselage on my Stuka yesterday, following the method presribed above.

I just got ordinary car trim tape, made a little wood channel to pull it through, and stuck a razor blade in it at the required thickness. Can pull through 10m of 1/64 (or whatever)quicker than I can type this! EASY

In truth I only figured out how 'cause I couldn't get any thin tape over here....

Cam

Same problem here, I can't find any thin tape. So I have to cut it myself

Hi RubenJ. I use a monokote trim tool called Smart Stripe. I've included a picture. The tape on the left is 1/64" (one full turn on the adjusting knob on the left). The middle is 1/2 a turn and the right is 1/4 turn. You can't get much smaller than that. I hope this helps.
Steve

Tnx all for replies, I've cut the lines myself today. I hope it's good enough. But it's just a matter of time when I can see that.