"I'll keep thinking about the covering, haven't decided yet but believe that plastic film isn't an option!"

Silk and dope, obviously:-)))))))))))))))

Actually, I like Solartex. A bit heavy, and scale "coarse", but it does the job well, and looks great.

Les

I'm a Solartex guy, too.

You get a "scale" texture, and it's a lot less work than other fabric type products.

Originally Posted by TomCrump

I'm a Solartex guy, too.

You get a "scale" texture, and it's a lot less work than other fabric type products.

I was thinking of using Cub Yellow Solartex W/the red "Hazel Sig" color scheme painted on.

What would be a good paint for that. Aso Solartex seems to stain easily so would a light coat of the same Cub Yellow be helpful to seal the surface.

Bear in mind that I will be running on methanol.

I prefer to use Natural Solartex, and paint the entire airframe. This eliminates the need for color matching the paint, and seals the entire model.

Rustoleum seems to hold up with methanol.

In this pic, both models were painted with it. The Cub is glow powered. The Cessna was sprayed with a gun. The Cub, from spray bombs.

Originally Posted by TomCrump

I prefer to use Natural Solartex, and paint the entire airframe. This eliminates the need for color matching the paint, and seals the entire model.

Rustoleum seems to hold up with methanol.

In this pic, both models were painted with it. The Cub is glow powered. The Cessna was sprayed with a gun. The Cub, from spray bombs.

Well I thought I would start out W/Cub Yellow as a base so it wouldn't take heavy coats to achieve an even color.

Does Solartex bubble & wrinkle in the sun like 21st Century fabric?

BTW: what year/model Cessna is that in the picture?

Oh wait, the Bird Dog is the Cessna, what the heck is that yellow/green bird?

The Natural seems to take paint better than the colored Solartex. I've done it both ways, however. Both ways work.

I haven't had trouble with either covering. Solartex is easier to apply.

On any covering, I let the model spend time in the sun, and re-shrink as may prove necessary.. I do this several times, until the covering becomes stable. Only then, do I appkly paint.

If I'm covering during the Winter, and it isn't possible to place the model in sunlight, I go over the covering several times with a heat gun, letting it cool between sessions.

The Cessna is modeled after a 1941 Cessna Airmaster.

Originally Posted by TomCrump

The Natural seems to take paint better than the colored Solartex. I've done it both ways, however. Both ways work.

I haven't had trouble with either covering. Solartex is easier to apply.

On any covering, I let the model spend time in the sun, and re-shrink as may prove necessary.. I do this several times, until the covering becomes stable. Only then, do I appkly paint.

If I'm covering during the Winter, and it isn't possible to place the model in sunlight, I go over the covering several times with a heat gun, letting it cool between sessions.

The Cessna is modeled after a 1941 Cessna Airmaster.

Very helpful Tom. I think I will stick to the original plan & start W/yellow. I'll be recovering a Wolds Models 84" J-3 ARF before the SW so I'll be able to get a good grip on what is involved.

If the yellow W a light topcoat works on the Cub, I'll have leftover covering & a better idea of the product when I start the SW.

I had originally decided to use (scale) Stitts fabric. I may still go that route, but it seems to take a lot more steps.

I really like models of obscure aircraft. I'll bet that Cessna gets a LOT of questions @ the flying field.

Originally Posted by TomCrump

I prefer to use Natural Solartex, and paint the entire airframe. This eliminates the need for color matching the paint, and seals the entire model.

Rustoleum seems to hold up with methanol.

In this pic, both models were painted with it. The Cub is glow powered. The Cessna was sprayed with a gun. The Cub, from spray bombs.

Hey Tom,

Is that your Cub? If so I musta missed your build on it and would like to hear more about it, see pics. In any case, I love the Marine Corps markings and hope to do one similar one day.

Mike

No Mike. The Cub is from a BUSA L-4 kit. My friend Terry White built it. All I did was paint it.

Originally Posted by TomCrump

krokko

You're doing a great job !

Look back in this thread, to where I joined the front fuselage to the rear. I layed 1/32" ply over the joint, to help bond the halves together.

This really strengthens the area. You may want to take a lok, and see if you are interested in doing something similar.

Tom,

I can see that you are using one servo for the elevator, since you been flying the SW, is it enough or should I consider two servos, one for each elevator? Also, I think I will copy your switch installation!

/krokko

Actually, I'm embarrassed to tell you that I haven't flown my SW.

I have no doubt, however, that a single Hitec 645 will be more than adequate for any of the control surfaces.

Originally Posted by TomCrump

Actually, I'm embarrassed to tell you that I haven't flown my SW.

I have no doubt, however, that a single Hitec 645 will be more than adequate for any of the control surfaces.

Thanks, Ill stay with the original design then!

/krokko

Originally Posted by TomCrump

Actually, I'm embarrassed to tell you that I haven't flown my SW.

And from the looks of the weather map, you wont get a chance to any time soon. At least not without electric heated skivvies and snow skis.

Mike

Originally Posted by CryHavoc

And from the looks of the weather map, you wont get a chance to any time soon. At least not without electric heated skivvies and snow skis.

Mike

same her, -20C today, ice on the lakes but very little snow. Waiting for March-April, then we might be able to do some flying!

/krokko

Originally Posted by krokko

same her, -20C today, ice on the lakes but very little snow. Waiting for March-April, then we might be able to do some flying!

/krokko

From a guy that grew up in the Arizona deserts I can only say.... buuurrrrrrr. Normally here in San Diego I can say I don't worry about such things. Its in the 60-70F range but raining cats and dogs so no flying here either.

Mike