Newbie question about painting flying models

[Viper1]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently building my first Guillows kit a 900 series A1-H Skyraider. Everything is going reasonably well so far however im a bit confused about weather or not it's ok to paint a model intended for flying. The actual instruction sheets state that if you want to fly the model it should not be painted, however the beginers booklet gives the impression you can suggesting a minimum of 2 coats dope and a maximum of 2 colour coats later.

Which one is true?

P.S i only intend on giving a very light spray of grey just to make it look a little more authentic...surely this would not make that much difference in terms of weight?

[Wildpig]

Hi Viper,
My personal opinion is that it is o.k. to paint a flying model. I've painted some models with a mist coat of Krylon or colored dope. What color is the tissue? If it's other than white or gray, you will have a difficult time getting it to look right.
You can buy tissue at a craft store the color you want.

[Pauli72]

Hi Viper1,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your first Guillow's model build.
I agree with Wildpig. Go ahead and paint it. Although limiting weight is extremely important for rubber powered flight, a light coat of paint to add scale realism for a first model is perfectly fine.
I just had to chuckle thinking back to my first flier, a 500 series Stuka dive bomber. Back in the stoneage early 80's, there was no internet, and you pretty much had to figure stuff out for yourself through trial and error. I recall finishing the model by blasting it with dark-green spraypaint and rushing to get it flying that day. No test glide, no balancing, just get out there and crank it up. LOL! Well, under a full power launch, it banked 90deg. and smashed on the corner of the garage leaving a dark-green paint mark. LOL! I havn't thought of that in over 25 years.

Have fun & good luck!
Post some pictures.

[Bill Gaylord]

I use an airbrush to spray thinned Testors Model Masters enamels, which keeps the weight low. One of the most recent is a 16.5" Guillows Stuka which turned out to be a lovely flyer, with airbrush painting and micro Spektrum gear with r/e/a/t control, ailerons and rudder mechanically mixed. When I use cans, the idea is to waste $$ by spraying at a distance, which gives an even coat, and therefore the lightest. Costs more money, as much paint is wasted in overspray, but it's worth the extra few dollars to have a good flying model. I finished the little 190 recently and hope to have the same results, given similar specs. It is airbrush painted also.
Flying video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdCdwgk8PvM&list=UUtk2LreLH_IhNe3uS3fLSoA&index=6&feature=plcp

[Viper1]

Thank's for the reply wildpig, pauli72, and Bil! it's been very helpful.

The tissue itself is a light grey so after what you folks have advised im going to go ahead ang give it a light coat of grey just to add a little bit of realism.

When i finaly have it completed i'll post some pics,

Cheers!

By the way bill im luvin that stuka!!!!!!!!!!

[Pauli72]

Considering that this is your first Guillow's model build, I would highly recommend you check out the Cessna 180 group build started by Phugoid. He did an awsome job! There are tons of helpful techniques by lots of people on this thread, which would be especially helpful to a first time builder.

Speaking of group builds.....anybody interested?