Covering Small models

[Dreadnot]

Well I have been stocking up on Guillows models. Now I am really interested in getting the things built and in the air. I can build them and get the radio gear in them, also hook up the engine. What I really need help on is the light weight covering. I am a monokote fan and have had trouble with other kinds of covering film.
I would like to get insight on laminating film as well as tissue and silk span or light span, which ever anyone knows about. I have never painted a plane with any success.
Please give me a quick run down on supplies and technique for this. There are some very exotic ways of coloring the film that I have read about, including sending the stuff through the printer.
What would you use for a topcoat? What glue will not smear this kind of covering?
Lots of questions, please share your ideas.
Thanks,
Dreadnot

[Remby]

Try Silkspan and dope for a strong finish. Tissue & dope is a bit harder to work, but is lighter. The old Carl Goldberg info on covering is about the best I've used, find a older plan from a kit to get the info for a easy way to cover with tissue or silkspan & dope.
Best,
Remby

[Dreadnot]

I have some old line controls that I will take a look at. They might have some information on them.
I don't know if I have the right materals to do the job and don't really know where to get the stuff any more. The LHS will not be handling it due to the hasmat problems of shipping, and the lack of people who still do any tissue work.
Dreadnot

[Remby]

Hello,
Tower hobbies has the stuff, both silkspan & dope. Also, check the local library on modeling books, older ones will have info on covering as well. Tower can be contacted at 1-800-637-6050 for a catalog, or the site at www.towerhobbies.com . I did a number of Golberg control lines some time ago, LilSaten, Jumping Bean, Both had covering info on the plan. About the best I tried. Hope this helps!
Best,
Remby

[Blazer]

I recently covered a free flight using Coverrite 'Coverlite', which is a synthetic tissue thats applied with an iron. Its totally fuel proof without having to dope it and weighs less than an ounce per sq. yard. It seems to be a good bit stronger than reg. tissue, but won't shrink quite as much. Jim

[Andrew0820]

Originally posted by Dreadnot
I don't know if I have the right materals to do the job and don't really know where to get the stuff any more.

Penn Valley Hobby Center (http://www.pennvalleyhobbycenter.com/) and Brodak, a major player in the control line arena (www.brodak.com) both carry extensive dope/silkspan/tissue supplies. Hazmat charges will apply only to dope shipped in larger than quart sizes. Peck Polymers (http://www.peck-polymers.com/) also stocks covering material for light models.

Andrew

[Dreadnot]

Thank you everyone,
I will give towerhobbies a try, and look up some old sages here at the club and talk them into a lesson or two.
Dreadnot