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Molt Models Hellcat by SteveM. Viewed 4001 times.
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SteveM19-Mar-08 21:22
All of the electronics and geared parts were removed for sanding. Sanding went quickly as all of the parts fit very well and I had already shaped the LE and TE. This one goes into the hanger till I sort out the covering options.
SteveM20-Mar-08 01:23
After searching RC Groups for some time I have decided that the polyester based iron-on fabrics are what I need. On the light end is Airspan at 25 gsm and on the heavy end is SIG Koverall at 46 gsm. I estimate the fabric to cover the Hellcat would add 8 grams and 15 grams respectively. Both the Airspan and Koverall are unsealed, can be attached with heat activated glue or nitrate dope, are shrunk with heat, and can be sealed with dope and painted. The Koverall is said to be quite resilient but is usually used on much larger planes (50" to 60" wingspan or larger). Airspan doesn't shrink as much, is twice as expensive, and I can only find it from Peck-Poly. So while I haven't found a covering yet, I am converging.
SteveM20-Mar-08 01:38
Depending on who you talk to, these products may be called iron-on tissue.
poppy20-Mar-08 08:39
Have you tried Monocote? Iron on, all colors, heat shrink, no dope or paint needed. I used on my Stearman, and several R/c models. Seems mighty lite to me, but I am no expert in lightweight models.
jgood20-Mar-08 11:27
Did you rule out Doculam, Steve? I always wanted to try that - doesn't weigh much more than Solite, but takes it paint. $20 for 500 feet of it! Doculam vendor.
SteveM20-Mar-08 13:27
I don't want to use Monocote or any of the other plastic films as the color selection is limited and you can't paint them. The exception is Doculam, which as James says is fairly light and can be painted. The reason I find Koverall and Airspan appealing is that I can purchase them from regular hobby shops and you can apply them with dope and seal and paint just like with silkspan. But since these products need heat to shrink I could end up getting an iron for that and by then I might as well try the Doculam. Since Doculam doesn't need sealed with dope it would probably be the lightest in the end. So no, I haven't ruled out Doculam. If I get Doculam there will be so much of it that I'll be gladly giving it away to people that want to try it.
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