2nd Question about solarfilming a wing

[Steve biplane]

Hi all,

I've now covered my wing (dark blue underside, white on top) and I'm reasonably happy with the result but I could do with some tips for getting a straight line between the colours where the top covering overlaps the bottom covering at the leading edge.  On this model I will cover the somewhat wavy line with a strip of black solartrim to hide it but I'd like to do a better job on my next model.

 Thanks in advance,

 Steve 

[Andy Green]

The secret is to have a straight edge and not have the iron too hot. where the line is you only want to seal the film not shrink it.

Also make sure the lip (overlap of the films) is down wind , ie there is no chance of the film lifting in flight.

Andy

[Mike Bell]

You just need a sharp scalpel blade, metre steel rule and being a mutant with three hands would help too! 

Make sure you cut the straight edge before you finally seal the overlap.

[Former Member]

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[Alistair Taylor]

Steve, I know exactly what you mean.

I've got the most appalling wavy line along the leading edge of one of my models - with balsa showing through in places

I use a straight edge, and a single edged razor blade as sold by hardware stores - this ensures a clean cut, but only use the blade for one or two cuts, then put it to one side for balsa, and use another. The films we use (and indeed other man made materials like depron) take the edge off a blade very quickly.

Otherwise design the colour scheme to make the ovelap easier - e.g. LE topside and bottomside the same colour - or stick checks on the bottom to make it harder to spot the wavy lines

AlistairT

[Former Member]

[This posting has been removed]