Geoff Smith 1 Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Hiya all. I am building a Micro Telemaster. I can foresee a problem when it comes to covering it. I suffer badly with COPD so doping is out 'cos the fumes will stop me. I have just built the stabiliser and it is very, very fragile and I think ordinary Solafilm will crush it when shrunk. I think the wings and fuselage will be ok. Can any one advise me on alternate methods which will suit this application. Cheers all Geoff........... decrepit dept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I've used LiteSpan polyester tissue in place of dope and tissue. It's stuck on with Solaloc/Balsarite or similar heat activated adhesive, then shrunk tight like solarfilm. It even looks like doped tissue. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew767 Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I'll second Bob!! Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim C Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Can I suggest Polyspan and a Waterbased dope alternative such as RCworls Ploy_c od the Deluxe Materials equivalent, better an tougher than Litespan IMO if you looking at a painted finish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Cantwell Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 another vote for lightspan here, but it does not shrink as much as solafilm, try to get it on with minimal sag and wrinkleing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I think 35MhZ is suffering from interference! Should read "RCWorld's PolyC" and I can recommend it too - no fumes - nice even finish. BEB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Is the Telemaster tail an open structure? If so how does Poly C work with this. I had assumed that it was just for covering sheeted surfaces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Hooper Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Geoff, Litespan is nice and looks traditional, but can be a tad awkward to apply. Have you considered Solarfim Lite (Solite)? Goes on like ordinary flim, but much thinner. Comes in both solid and translucent colours. Solarfilm Homepage Sometimes I use Solite and Litespan together on the same model. How daring is that then? tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Posted by Chris Bott on 04/01/2012 22:16:36:Is the Telemaster tail an open structure? If so how does Poly C work with this. I had assumed that it was just for covering sheeted surfaces. me too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim C Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 A covering such as Polyspan ( a polyester tissue) can be used with Poly-C in lieu of dope. Polyspan is a heat shrink covering, the poly-c has no shrinking capability like dope but seals the surface in a similar way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Smith 1 Posted January 5, 2012 Author Share Posted January 5, 2012 Hiya all, thanks for this information gentlemen, it is much appreciated. Yes the stabiliser is of open construction, made using 1/8sq, hence the fragility. 1/3 of the leading edge has gone already in sanding to l/e shape. In explanation, I have no modelling budget and will have to go with what I got, so I have doubled up on the leading edge by inserting pieces behind the original between the cross members. Should this not work I will change the stabiliser to a solid unit. Cheers all Geoff...............Belt tightening dept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Hello Geoff . Litespan will be fine for the light structure you descibe ,i really rate it but dont use balsa loc to attach it or you will be dissapointed . I use Solalac Clear Cote for fixing it but it does smell and as you suffer from the fumes that will not suit you . I have tried an adhesive designed for this sort of coverin made by Deluxe materials , I think its called CoverGrip. Its water based doen't smell and is much better than Balsa loc and doesn't come unstuck . make sure you apply a coat to all spars and ribs were the covering will touch as when its been shrunk tight you will have to go over these with your iron and this will lock the airframe into shape and stop any warps creeping . Another tip for using light span is to stretch it around corners or double curves with a hot air gun. It really sticks to and forms well to the corners ; just leave plenty of spare covering to get hold of when doing the corners. When you have covered one side of a panel and trimmed it Coat the edge of litespan with a thin coat of Cover Grip where the covering from the second side will overlap and stick to. As said in previously post get the litespan as tight as you can before shrinking ,also look for the grain in it that should run lenghtways along any panels you cover.It doesn't need any proofing as its already fuel proof and sealed . If you use the lighter AirSpan then it will need a sealing coat as its porous.Hope it helps E.D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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