Aeronca Champion 85 Build.... pre Tissue

[paul]

I have had so many failures I dare not list. lots of scrap balsa and plans.
Coming from plastic I thought this would be a walk in the park...How wrong was me

Started this kit with very poor quality balsa, so I made a template of a F1 rib, and made 16 of the 22 ribs
Also had to do the same with 11 of the Formers. This must be a 1/3 of a scratch build.
Going to add a 7"-8" prop after reading latest thread

16 ribs

11 formers

[Steve Blanchard]

Well Paul,
There is nothing special about your story. Unless you had someone with great experience by your side helping you through your first few builds you most definitely will have what seems to be numerous flops. Please note that as you go on you are improving. The most difficult thing I think you have going for you is that you did plastics. You are in a completely different mindset than stick and tissue in both building techniques and in aesthetic quality. Not to say that stick and tissue planes aren't as real looking as plastics. There are just compromises made for weight and flying ability. Also you are probably being hard on yourself unnecessarily over how your builds may look. It all takes practice. Whether you figure skate or play hockey, the best competitors are the most skilled skaters. So keep moving forward. One thing I have to say is the fact that these kits aren't the best quality has led to you learning to make your own parts. Check that one off the list. Now when you try to fly one you can start all over again with a brand new learning curve.

It's all good fun!

Steve

[Wildpig]

You have at least one other superb balsa modeling ability: You didn't give up.

Your Aeronca looks great.

[Phugoid]

I agree with Steve and Wildpig completely. Your build looks pretty clean. Keep going!

Andrew

[paul]

Thankyou for your kind comments and advice since joining this forum
I dont want to get boring, but this is how far I have got with this build
Saw the term "slow poke" somewhere, so I thought I would do the same
Next picture I post will be of finished plane. Hopefully

[paul]

Hi guys
What's happened to my tissue?
Applied a product called Eze Dope evenly over the plane and left over night.
It was transparent and taut, but had an unsightly mottled effect, so hiding with decals.
No problem with stripping and starting again if need be, as this is a rare clean build

What tried and trusted product name of Dope do you use, or a pre dope application
Or was I just unlucky again at this final stage?




Ps
Thats not my phone number

[Wildpig]

I think that splotchy effect is from applying/drying in a high humidity environment. Just a guess.

I use Aero Gloss dope. Still available at my LHS.

Usually, I use Krylon Clear Acrylic spray in a rattle can.