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1/3rd scale ka8b -island models**

Let us all watch your new project progress.
john greenfield
Posts: 497
Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 07:52
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Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by john greenfield »

Mick

Devcon is an epoxy and probably not that good for covering open structure models. Did you mean Diatex ? If so it is sold by Skysport Aviation and the grade you need is Diatex 1000. it comes on a roll 60" wide. Skysport also sell the low taut dope you will need to fill the weave. They also sell a covering cement (Glue) but it I find it too thick and a pain to use so I just use Balsaloc.

AEB
AEB = Aeronautical Energiser Bunny (with thanks to CW)
mick a

Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by mick a »

thanks john
found sky craft is that the one ? , but only have 2 yrd in stock
i normally use solartex , is there much advantage with diatex ?
also can i use a dope on solartex to fill weave or just use thin paint or matt clear as i have done before ?
thanks for your help
mick
john greenfield
Posts: 497
Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 07:52
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Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by john greenfield »

Mick

Sky Craft is the place, they are in Spalding, Lincs
Diatex is stronger than Solartex and the bond to the underlying structure is better when properly applied and it is more temperature stable so adds strength to the structure better than Solartex. Being 60" wide also makes covering bigger models easier without having to worry about joints. Properly applied I do not think it is any heavier than Solartex that has been sealed ...but .. although it takes no longer to apply that Solartex it does then need several coats of dope to seal it before applying any finish paints.

Sealing Solartex can be done with dope or paint but I am sure there are others who can advise the best products to do this as there is some fantastically well finished Solartex covered models within our community.

AEB
AEB = Aeronautical Energiser Bunny (with thanks to CW)
mick a

Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by mick a »

thanks john
great help , think will try it out on this one , as its 5 meter it will take a bit of covering
and will use balsa lock as you said
i presume its heat shrink the same ?
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Jason Griffiths
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Joined: 22 Mar 2015, 16:31
Location: Lincolnshire
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Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by Jason Griffiths »

Evening Mick - What size wing joining tube did you use 19/20mm ?
Thanks JG
mick a

Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by mick a »

hi jason
its 24 mm with 20 mm rod for main and 12 mm with 10 mm rod for incedence pin
you thinking of going for one ?
john greenfield
Posts: 497
Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 07:52
Contact:

Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by john greenfield »

mick a wrote:thanks john
great help , think will try it out on this one , as its 5 meter it will take a bit of covering
and will use balsa lock as you said
i presume its heat shrink the same ?
Mick
Diatex shrinks in direct proportion to the amount of heat so start at a low temperature (90 to 100deg) and go over the whole surface. Only turn the heat up a little at a time (10deg) if you need more shrinkage. It will take a very high heat but if you start high you will loose all control over the shrinkage.
Under no circumstances use a heat gun as this will ruin the fabric.
Don't forget to dope all round the edges first to seal them before shrinking and work from the middle out to the edges to avoid reactivating the balsaloc and releasing the covering.

AEB
AEB = Aeronautical Energiser Bunny (with thanks to CW)
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Jason Griffiths
Posts: 27
Joined: 22 Mar 2015, 16:31
Location: Lincolnshire
Contact:

Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by Jason Griffiths »

mick a wrote:hi jason
its 24 mm with 20 mm rod for main and 12 mm with 10 mm rod for incedence pin
you thinking of going for one ?
I am looking in to a kit ;)
Thanks JG
mick a

Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by mick a »

i would say go for it
they are all nice , the ka3 1/3 rd is great kit
and the granau baby looks good with all ply covering
mick a

Re: 1/3rd scale ka8b -island models

Post by mick a »

hi gents
just finished cockpit detailing , pleased with results
thanks for all your help
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