transparent covering

[marc 540]

Hi all,
Just wondering what the best transparent covering for a woody would be? Of course light weight is very important. I normally use ultracote but I saw on tower they have a microlite covering that weighs only .6 oz. per sq. yard but I'm not sure it is strong enough.

Thank's Marc 540 :)

[atmosteve]

Hi marc, Its a guessing game at the best of times. What the manufacturer specifies and what we actually end up with... well who knows exactly.

Rather than start a debate on the subject, here is one of many interesting spec links to contemplate, sorry if you have it already;
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-10443.html

Personally, I have found that Solarfilm offers very workable and lightish film for sailplanes. I hadn't used it for many, many years, glad to say it has improved considerably.
Other than that, I would recommend profilm well ahead of monokote for lightness and usability, but I must admit that my recent experience with either can be narrowed down to only four gliders over the past year.
Hope this is of some help.
Steve.

[R. Carver]

I'd use Monokote. Ultracote would work also, if you're not too handy with a covering iron.

[LVsoaring]

I've read many times, and personal experience bears it out, that for an open framed woodie, Monokote is a top pick because it adds a tremendous amount of torsional rigidity. One drawback, however, is it is less puncture resistant than Ultracote.

[glidermang]

Marc:

Monocote, Ultracote, I've been happy with both. Monocote is thicker, ultracote sometimes just seems to flow wrinkles out.

I used monocote to re-build a Hobie Hawk a couple of years back. Looks great.

Yours, Greg

[quigley257]

There is also the "lite" line of Ultracote. I believe it is all transparent colors. Horizon Hobby carries it...http://search.horizonhobby.com/index.jsp?No=0&sid=11CAB4BC3AE6&N=5028+632

--quigley :D

[John_R_C]

I'd be wary of a 'lite' film on woodie open wing structures. I used Solarfilm Lite on the 70" Skimmer wing and ran into flutter at not too high air speeds in a 45 degree or so dive.

Recovered with Monokote, solid black on bottom, transparent green on top - no more problems :) .

John C

[marc 540]

Thank's for all the info guy's. I'll be covering a 3 meter Bird of time for Hi-starting only but I'll probably stick with ultracote just to be safe.That microlite may be a little too light!

Marc 540

[kzimmerm]

Marc;
Just keep one thing in mind. Regardless on what covering material you choose don't assume that all wrinkles can be removed by applying heat. In other words, do you best to apply the material on without wrinkles first. Apply heat to shrink the material.

I have seen, often times, guys assume that they will be able to remove wrinkles out by just applying heat. Doesn't always work. I have used Monokote almost 95% of the time and always get good results. I know guys have had very good luck with other materials. Your BOT will be fine with Ultracote.

Have fun and post lots of pictures.

Kurt

[rdwoebke]

I think Ultracote Lite (comes in like 4 different trans colors) is the best ultra light usable covering. That is what Drela suggests using on the BD.

Ryan

[irish_lord99]

You can use doculam too, it's not an "official" covering, but it works great once you learn how to use it. It's also cheaper than anything else you can find and you can paint it as well.

It's how I cover all my planes.

http://www.laminatorwarehouse.com/laminating_film.shtml#62

It's now called PET film, but its essentially the same thing. It comes in multiple thicknesses. I use 1.5 for birds up to 2M wingspans. You may want to get the heavier stuff for your plane. They want you to order two rolls, but you can get away with only one if you pay a five dollar "re-stocking" fee. At 500' for $20, one roll is really all you need!

~Jake

[mred3]

You can use doculam too, it's not an "official" covering, but it works great once you learn how to use it. It's also cheaper than anything else you can find and you can paint it as well.

It's how I cover all my planes.

http://www.laminatorwarehouse.com/laminating_film.shtml#62

It's now called PET film, but its essentially the same thing. It comes in multiple thicknesses. I use 1.5 for birds up to 2M wingspans. You may want to get the heavier stuff for your plane. They want you to order two rolls, but you can get away with only one if you pay a five dollar "re-stocking" fee. At 500' for $20, one roll is really all you need!

~Jake


OK, I went to their site and read the information about this covering and they are talking about melting temp of around 230Deg. Now I am not sure how this stuff works and how much melting they are talking about. Could you please give a little more information on how this stuff is used? I have never heard of this before and not ready to buy something that I know nothing about. Does it shrink any like MonoKote and does it cover as easy? Thanks.

Ed

[irish_lord99]

I apply mine with a typical covering iron on the highest setting. I've seen videos of it being put on with a household clothing iron. It does shrink, and it's not very elastic once it cools down. It's the only covering that I've every used, so I can't compare it to anything else.

More info is available here:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274520&highlight=doculam+discoveries

On the first page are some good pictures of just what you can do with it. Also, a search for doculam on the forum will yield some interesting results.

~Jake

[PatientZero]

it's basically a roll of laminating film, i use a similar product, 1 roll and it's all you'll ever need for a lifetime of covering, only problem is it is transparent, and on open construction, at altitude, it can be a bit of a challenge to see, and painting adds weight.

nqrc.com has some details for covering with it if you wanted to check them out
http://pldaniels.com/flying/balsa/using-laminating-film-for-models.html and a video too

[marc 540]

Does anybody know the specs. on ultracote lite? According to the Horizon website it's the same as all the other ultracote's.


Marc 540 :)