First Guillow Plane - Advice for Novice

[palerunner7]

Hello fellow modelers. I am building my first Guillow plane in 30 years. I attempted a kit when I was 9, but not enough dexterity to do the tissue. Now, I am an adult and overcame my "fear of tissue." I have seen some wonderfully crafted planes here and seek to become a master modeler. Here is my Messershmitt Bf109. Ready for 50/50 dope. This is a rubber only flyer, so can I replace the final dope with a different product? Does 50/50 dope come in spray or should I brush on? Any finishing tips would be highly appreciated. Thanks[/img]

[krob]

I've only built a few models, but on my last one, I used Krylon to seal the tissue. I liked it alot. It's light, drys fast, and is easy to use.

[palerunner7]

[palerunner7]

[palerunner7]

thanks, do you use clear coat and then enamel?

[krob]

Sorry, you'll have to experiment there. On my rubber flying model, I used different color tissue instead of paint to keep it light. Then I used Krylon to seal it up. Not sure if you can paint over krylon. The models I have painted, I painted with acrylics and sealed with water based polyurethane (wbpu).

[Bean]

You've done a nice job on that model PR. If you plan on flying I would put 2 coats 50/50 on. In addition to sealing, it also gives a bit more strength.

Be sure before you fly it to check your CG too!

[Bean]

Oh, and I always brush it on. Use a decent brush, nice & wide 1/2 inch at least. Even strokes, and put it on evenly. Let it dry, lightly sand (with>220 grit) any bubbles, then do a second coat.

I've heard some folks say you can spray, but others I've heard say dope will stick in your airbrush and not to do it...can't really say since I don't airbrush...

[Bean]

Ok sorry, one last post.

As for alternatives to dope, I am experimenting with some of these myself. In fact, it's the reason I joined this forum.

See my post here where I describe some of the alternatives to dope:

http://balsamodels.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1667

What I didn't mention ther was that I am also experimenting with Esaki tissues too.

[palerunner7]

Thank you both very much! I decided to go with the 50/50 on this one since it's the first time.

[palerunner7]

Thanks for all the advice in this forum. It gave me the confidence to take on this challenge. Any tips on paint scheme or how to cg this bird? Also, my next plane is actually a Dumas kit. Does anyone have experience with this company? It is model #222 Fokker Eindecker EIII.

[Bean]

Th plans will show where the center of gravity should be. There's several ways to check that the model is balanced...I simply use my fingers, or two pencils, place them at the CG on each wing, and see if it leans back or forward...add balast to get it to balance evenly.

[ADW 123]

dumas is alright, but i have found that although the wood is nice, lite, and laster cut, the directions arent as good as guillows though but o well

[palerunner7]

[scigs30]

Looks great, if you decide to paint then go with airbrushing to keep it light. Mine came out to 44 grams with weight and rubber, but she still flew great.