Ultracote v. Monokote

Stuka Stunt Main Forum · 4 of 4 known posts recovered

mcm · Jun 06, 2001 07:41 AM

Just went back to using film covering after reverting to silkspan and dope for last three planes. Generally, I've decided (for this plane anyway), that films are faster, less expensive (or not more expensive anyway, given the cost of volumes of dope, thinner etc.) but, mostly, just a whole lot less messy.
Anyway, I tried Ultracote for the first time. Contrary to what I was told, it was not any cheaper than Monokote.
However, I couldn't believe how easy it was to pull the wingtips smooth and suck out all the wrinkles with a heat gun or iron. I was using the Ultrakote Plus, which was somewhat of a PIA because of the sticky backing, but it was still way easier to get good results than any Monokote I've ever used. Only real drawback, so far, is that the seams appear to be more visible than Monokote.
Are their any other drawbacks I'll experience once I get the motor running and plane flying?

Cary · Jun 06, 2001 08:24 AM

#1 source

MCM:

I'm no expert but have done planes with both and you are correct that Ultracote is easier to use. I have a Magician that is about two years old and it seems to be holding up well to hangar rash and the occasional wingtip scrape.

Cary

Nils · Jun 06, 2001 09:41 AM

#2 source

Regular Ultracote is less expensive than the Ultracote Plus that you used.
Nils

Peter Hess · Jun 06, 2001 11:11 AM

#3 source

LAST EDITED ON Jun-06-01 AT 11:35 AM (EST)

MCM
See the article by Tom Dixon, "Another Film Technique", on page 41 of the May/June 2001 issue of STUNT NEWS. He reports "excellent results" using regular Ultracote on the wings and stab/elevator, and Top Flite Lustrecote on the fuselage and fin.
After describing his first use of it on his prototype Time Machine, when he "was more concerned with just getting this 'proof-of-concept' model into the air than...with appearance or durability," he says that after five years "the plane is still going strong" and has "held up extremely well."
He then says: "Now, in 2001, I have no time to produce a buffed dope finish, but still want a good enough looking model for Expert competition. I also need a similar model for Classic competition. The long term success of the Time Machine has forced me to go to Ultracote for a competition plane with what I feel are excellent results." (All quotes are from the article in STUNT NEWS. My apologies to PAMPA and to Tom if my quoting from the article, even with due attribution, offends their copyright policies.)
The article goes on in some detail about his techniques for using Ultracote.
As I am struggling to get streaks out of my brushed on yellow dope, this approach is tantalizing.