panel lines
 

Any suggestions on the best way to achieve panel lines on a scale warbird. I have heard of a graphics company that will provide an overlay from your plans. Anyone know how to contact them or have other suggestions?

panel lines
 

Check out the "Scale How-To" thread over at "Scale"
http://rcuniverse.com/showthread.php...082&forumid=78

panel lines
 

Thanks, I will check it out.

RE: panel lines
 

Richard
I applied panel lines on my Ziroli Zero on the top of the wing and fuse only. After I completed sanding the primer smooth I used 3M Fineline tape 1/16" for the panel lines. I measured and scaled up their location from one of the many books available. After I applied the tape I then applied another coat of primer over the entire plane. Then sand the primer until the tape has no primer on it. Then, this is the fun part, remove all of the tape and lightly sand any feathers that might appear. Once this is done you are ready for paint and the recessed panel lines will show up nicely. One more thing to remember is that there is no tape to come off in flight. Good Luck
Fred

RE: panel lines
 

To simulate butt joints, I use 1/64" chart tape. After glassing and once the surface is smooth, I layout the lines from 3 views in pencil. I then run the tape over the lines. This can be a bit tricky with such thin tape, it wants to curl and the adhesive side tends to flip up. Once the tape is all on, I use a high build sandable primer and give the tape several coats, feathering the primer out as you get further from the panel edges. I use about 3 or 4 coats. Once the primer is dry, pull up the tape leaving a trench in the primer which simulates the joint. Often the adhesive will stay in the trench. Once the primer is fully cured, you can go back with a solvent and a tooth brush and scrub it out. Next give a light sanding with 320 or finer grit paper to smooth any rough edges.
for lap joints, where one panel is raised, I use masking tape to tape over the lower panel. Once again I spray the joint with high build primer feathered out toward the center of the panel. Once dry, remove the masking tape and you are left with a raised edge. Lightly sand and you are now ready for rivet detailing and painting.

Scott