Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
12-04-2004, 04:39 AM
#55
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
The next panel was straight forward in that as you get used to working with Flite Metal,your technique will begin to 'breeze'you through the common problem areas encountered. Again I will down load pictures of the process as I proceeded to the forward fairing juncture between the wings leading edge and fuselage sharply rounded fairing found there--> (Cutting blades for the F.M. are important and I suggest you follow Ed Clayton's advisements posted here and of course with his instructions which can be found on line at www.flitemetal.com
( THe first picture is to illustrate a "dull blade'"toss it and get a fresh one..The rounded blades are said to work better so I will try that soon enough.)
( THe first picture is to illustrate a "dull blade'"toss it and get a fresh one..The rounded blades are said to work better so I will try that soon enough.)
12-04-2004, 05:14 AM
#58
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Once any remaining Windex has been squeegeed out and or has evaporated;you can proceed to burnish down the Flite Metal's edges around the perimeter of the panel you have just applied. Remember to use the clear acrylic burnishing tool carefully--- always using your finger tips holding it in such a way that is evenly distributing the pressure,along it's length, thus avoiding having the "end" of the burnishing tool 'dig in' causing a scratch in the F.M.. Remember though..once the application process is completed,you may use a scotch Brite finishing pad to remove all but the worst of those "little nasties!"
(The third picture illustrates using a "Monokote type," heat gun to aid in the easy removal of the blue and 'fine line,'masking tape once you have trimmed the Flite Metal to its final out line.)
(The third picture illustrates using a "Monokote type," heat gun to aid in the easy removal of the blue and 'fine line,'masking tape once you have trimmed the Flite Metal to its final out line.)
12-04-2004, 05:22 AM
#59
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
And here I down loaded a few more pictures of the on going process, which leads us to the ROUGH ONE AGAIN ..now @25% stretch it must be doable,with Flite Metal. I came close on the left one remember?? Don't hesitate to make comments or suggestions here.
12-04-2004, 08:38 AM
#60
My Feedback: (106)
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Richard,
Your project is looking good. I am following your thread with great interest.
What is the purpose of the windex? Does it give you a little more movement time of the panel prior to burnishing? Also, can you describe in a little more detail how you handle the removal of some of the wrinkles that happen on the fillets and around wing tips? Also, are you applying the spot putty to feather in each overlapping panel?
Thanks,
Bob
Your project is looking good. I am following your thread with great interest.
What is the purpose of the windex? Does it give you a little more movement time of the panel prior to burnishing? Also, can you describe in a little more detail how you handle the removal of some of the wrinkles that happen on the fillets and around wing tips? Also, are you applying the spot putty to feather in each overlapping panel?
Thanks,
Bob
12-04-2004, 01:47 PM
#61
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Hi Bob-
The Windex does what you described--The wrinkles are much easier to burnish out while the F.M.panel you have just cut from the roll of Flite Metal, is still attached to its backing;I found burnishing out the wrinkles with the cut piece of F.M. situated oved some dense foam board,simply works well,just remember to always use minimal pressure here. The 'spot putty' works as you described and works well to help ensure a nice over lapped panel as those found on the full scale Thunderbolt.
The Windex does what you described--The wrinkles are much easier to burnish out while the F.M.panel you have just cut from the roll of Flite Metal, is still attached to its backing;I found burnishing out the wrinkles with the cut piece of F.M. situated oved some dense foam board,simply works well,just remember to always use minimal pressure here. The 'spot putty' works as you described and works well to help ensure a nice over lapped panel as those found on the full scale Thunderbolt.
12-05-2004, 06:00 AM
#62
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Well, it was," my second time around," with the forward most fuselage and wing fairing. There is a reported 25%stretch of Flite Metal,under certain circumstances; I presume,so I proceeded---- Though not shown in the picture's that follow this text;the Monokote type heat gun was turned on 'high'and was usually just ahead of the burnishing tools: both paper and acrylic. We will fit the wing next ,take some pictures and do an INVENTORY as to Flite Metal on hand VS needed to complete 'Penrod&Sam..'
12-05-2004, 08:55 PM
#63
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Time to roll Thunderbolt on it's back and check remaining surface areas to be covered in Flite Metal. I made the fuselage cradle from supplies obtained from my local home supply depot. I found P.V.C. pipe black foam'tube' installation,(available in several diameters,) to work very well when used to protect your airframes surface from MORE dings and dents,when it is sitting in the fuselage cradle. Here I filled a few remaining dings and imperfections. Dang! Thought I had them 'all' but found another "nasty,"so I will check back in an hour or so,which is no problem as the I part spot putty dries fast! I have down loaded a few shots one of which pictures the type 'spot putty,'I've used. At some point I will have to stop the Flite Metal process on the belly of the 47 and finish fabricating and then install the tail wheel doors,which I molded out of glass and carbon months ago-I'm beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel ..[sm=lol.gif]
12-07-2004, 12:45 AM
#65
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Covering the Thunderbolt's bottom horizontal stab will be easy for the first step. Lets down load a few pictures of the 'simple process,'of duplicating the same panel(s)as covered the horizontal stab,in part as I have not decieded if I will do the leading edge of the stab in one continuious or two pieces with the first in the second case senerio being the bottom of the stab. Will takle that one next..
12-07-2004, 01:09 AM
#66
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Getting a bit ahead of my self here with the 'text thing;'so here I begin the "SUPER EASY,"process of laying down the bottom left and right 'stabs'Flite Metal panels.-->I have cut the F.M. over size a fraction of an inch the span of the (trailing edge)portion of the panel to be applied. I then insure the surface to be Flite Metaled is clean AND dust free! Now I mist on a heavy coat of WINDEX.. Let me stop a moment and explain:as to why-- and that is.. for the 'same' reason we do when, applying vinyl graphics :it allows you to position the F.M. panel ,as well as for it to slide a bit,when you burnish it in place,which greatly reduces the chance of it bunching up,wrinkling and or other wise creasing. Flite Metal has a very aggressive adhesive and this process does not effect F.M.'s great adhering characteristics!
12-07-2004, 01:34 AM
#67
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
A few more pictures are in order here; as previously stated: you always want to work from the "center out wards,"thus lessoning the possibility of (trapped air). Here again after I have burnished down the Flite Metal,I use the recomended clear acrylic burnishing tool to lay the edges down flat,adhered to the respective panel . Since there may be some windex along the outer perimeter's edges you will need to give it a few minutes to evaporate.NOW you should carefully burnish all the edges down applying enough pressure to ensure the F.M.'s edge is flush with the surface you are paneling. TRUST ME me when I say using this technique, incorperating plain Windex spray is the "trick!"[sm=idea.gif]
12-07-2004, 04:45 PM
#70
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Well it is back off with the wing and back to covering the P-47 Thunderbolt fuselage. During the "sequence" of photo documenting the application of the Flite Metal to horizontal stabilizer's leading edges,left and right;I managed to take 63 pictures..Let me proceed to
select and down load the important steps in the (process of applying the Flite Metal skin AROUND the leading edge. The key here again was making a template,checking it for fit on the model,cutting the Flite Metal;one left one right..Heres the first four pictures;I'm running out of time so I will down load more soon enough.
select and down load the important steps in the (process of applying the Flite Metal skin AROUND the leading edge. The key here again was making a template,checking it for fit on the model,cutting the Flite Metal;one left one right..Heres the first four pictures;I'm running out of time so I will down load more soon enough.
12-08-2004, 01:33 AM
#73
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
The same process to the other side. Be back later to 'burnish down the edges and proceed to finish covering the P-47's underside. I have put it off long enough and will have to finish up the tail wheel gear doors.I will just concern myself with the gear door cut outs and proceed to cover that portion of the fuselage and then work forward covering the bottom nose and cowl.
12-08-2004, 05:22 PM
#74
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
great job richard! keep it up!! [sm=thumbup.gif]
I had my first go with Flite Metal last winter and was really pleased with the results. I did it on the smaller TF P-47. I agree that it's the most authentic finish that we can proably do on our own to replicate natural metal.
I had my first go with Flite Metal last winter and was really pleased with the results. I did it on the smaller TF P-47. I agree that it's the most authentic finish that we can proably do on our own to replicate natural metal.
12-08-2004, 06:36 PM
#75
RE: Covering A Topflite 'JUG' with Flite Metal step by step
Hello Sean,
Wondered where you were. That P-47 is nice indeed, I have really admired other picture that I have seen of your Flite Metaled Thunderbolt- The latest aluminum process as appears in another thread impresses me considerably;however if I ever decided to compete in our great hobby and found my self at a "Scale"contest I would have some concerns as to method used to tally a 'static score,' based on the builder of the plane rule..This hobby continues to amaze me with the advances:case in point the Metal Morphing. I must contact them to see if they would plate several pre primed parts that if done in aluminum(full scale)had surely been "stamped."I hope to see some of you all this coming season.
Wondered where you were. That P-47 is nice indeed, I have really admired other picture that I have seen of your Flite Metaled Thunderbolt- The latest aluminum process as appears in another thread impresses me considerably;however if I ever decided to compete in our great hobby and found my self at a "Scale"contest I would have some concerns as to method used to tally a 'static score,' based on the builder of the plane rule..This hobby continues to amaze me with the advances:case in point the Metal Morphing. I must contact them to see if they would plate several pre primed parts that if done in aluminum(full scale)had surely been "stamped."I hope to see some of you all this coming season.