Cuban8 Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Posted by Alan Gorham_ on 13/03/2018 17:29:08: No than's not right. You can buy Oratex for full-size aircraft that needs the adhesive to be applied to the airframe, but model Oratex, such as this: **LINK** has it's own adhesive backing, just like Solartex. Yes, you can buy an adhesive called Hotmelt as well, but this is intended to be used like Balsaloc is with Solartex - ie as an extra. I hadn't noticed that, thanks for the info. Let's hope that Solarfilm can pull the fat out of the fire, or have someone else make a proper go of the company (unlikely). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Gorham_ Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 I would say that is doubtful. It would seem that the film and tex production machines have been moved out of the Solarfilm factory ready for disposal (ie scrap) as they were out in the snow during beat from the east and storm emma. Apparently the message on the Solarfilm website about starting direct online sales is just to dispose of residual stock and then that's your lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuban8 Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Posted by Alan Gorham_ on 14/03/2018 09:19:52: I would say that is doubtful. It would seem that the film and tex production machines have been moved out of the Solarfilm factory ready for disposal (ie scrap) as they were out in the snow during beat from the east and storm emma. Apparently the message on the Solarfilm website about starting direct online sales is just to dispose of residual stock and then that's your lot. Well, that's that then. A real pity that another unique example of British manufacturing industry bites the dust. Funny how their German counterpart appears to be managing ok though - same old story I'm afraid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted March 14, 2018 Author Share Posted March 14, 2018 Hi, There is a very fine modelshop in France called Weymuller. They seem to have solartex available. Maybe they have other solar products. ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Posted by Alan Gorham_ on 13/03/2018 17:29:08: No than's not right. You can buy Oratex for full-size aircraft that needs the adhesive to be applied to the airframe, but model Oratex, such as this: **LINK** has it's own adhesive backing, just like Solartex. Yes, you can buy an adhesive called Hotmelt as well, but this is intended to be used like Balsaloc is with Solartex - ie as an extra. Sorry, I didn't spot the adhesive backing sentence. I note for the link the it's 60cm wide whereas I've just checked the roll of Solartex on my bench at the moment and it's 69.5cm wide so you don't get as much for your money/metre length. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Gorham_ Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 True Geoff, but seeing as Solartex is now out of production then Oracover is the only game in town unless you are prepared to use Diacover or other heatshrink fabrics that need separate adhesive and then doping to seal.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted March 14, 2018 Author Share Posted March 14, 2018 Hi, don't forget diacov. As far as I know it only comes in a natural colour ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Any news on when the online site will be open? It’s been several weeks now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted March 18, 2018 Author Share Posted March 18, 2018 Hi Guys, and thanks for all your help. I've managed to find a source for Solartex from Weymuller here in France. So if your needs are desperate, try their website. ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Christy Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 At least for Solartex and Solarfilm alternatives are available. But what about Clearcote and Solarlac? I'm almost at the stage of covering a vintage RC model and was going to use Solartex. OK, I can use Oratex instead, but my stock of Clearcote is low, and I don't have any Solarlac the right colour. Clearcote seems to be the same as the old Balsarite, before 'Elfin Safety issues in the States diluted it to almost useless status. It is not only a good fuelproofer, but makes an excellent adhesive for Solartex. And Solarlac is the only paint I've had any real success with for years. What am I to do now? Answers on a postcard, please..... -- Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 I guess that for fuelproofer it's back to solvent based polyurethane or two part paints, eg klasskote, that or 2K car lacquers if you have the biohazard suit. Colours can be matched easily enough at motor factors or B&Q etc., but these will need proofing for IC models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Hopkin Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 Posted by Don Fry on 13/03/2018 18:44:49: But being serious, the ultra light aircraft shrink fabrics like Ceconite, work well. There are on line application instructions which are good. They sell a glue. Don't bother, balsaloc, or equivalents are good for us. Ceconite cone by the yard, off a ( I assume, six foot) width. Cheap. Edited By Don Fry on 13/03/2018 18:45:18 !0/10 for the tip Don!!! The Ceconite arrived in tube format about 7ft long! which sent SHMBO's eyebrow somewhere near the ceiling however after the Balsaloc was slapped on and hammered in place with a iron at 100 degrees and shrunk at 120 it goes on a treat.............. will finish off with some non shrinking dope..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin b Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 You can get it here. **LINK** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Crook Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 I have often painted film covering on scale models, after treating with Primol. Does anyone know of an alternative to this for the future? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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