i have a pica 1\12 scale p-51d and the instructions call for rudder and elevator control surfaces to be hinged with the covering. I thinking of using monocoat or ultracote for covering but dont care too much for this style of hinging.Balsa is to thin for conventional hinge style.Any other ideas? I'm new to this forum and just returning building.

iron on hinges work great.

Using covering as hinge also seals the hinge gap to make the control surface aerodynamically more effective.

Where does one get iron on hinges these days?

Huntermax -

Either make the hinges as an integral part of your covering - ie no gaps or, use the covering material to make up hinges after you have covered the control surface and stabiliser surface separately.

Bryces - what they recommend is a very good way to make hinges - unless you are building a 1/2 scale monster.

Morning Robert, mine was purchased at lhs.Put out by Granite State R.C. Products.If they are still in business I have no idea.

I am a little worried about just using monocote as hinges. What I usually do is use some CA hinges, and then cover them with monocote to have a gapless hingeline. It's not that much extra work, and it's a lot of insurance!

You can use the old U/control hinge of pinked fabric ( over & under type)with Sigment or Ambroid. You can sew them, carpet thread or newer materials.Use two strips iron on fabric ( one of the tex`s) cut them 1" wide & 12" or so long , put the glued sides together & use sewing machine(remove backing first) cut to length you need. Then slip surface in slot on each side & iron on. Or you can go with the plastic covering as they say (plenty strong). All these work good on thin surfaces, I always liked the old model air plane glue,so much fun to chew it off your fingers !!!Hope this helps.>>>>>>>>>big max 1935

There is a good rundown on hinges made from covering material at http://www.flightlines.com/forum/For...ML/000053.html
Just scroll down to Swoopers input with good pictures of how to do it. I use this type hinge all the time, even on the really big birds with no problems.