what is a good book on finishing models

I have bought "There are no Secrets" by Harry Higley. The book is excellent in explaining how to prepare models, different kinds of paint and their compatability. For covering, the book shows how to put on Monokote. I learned how to Monokote from this book.

Can someone recommend a book that teaches secrets of proper silkspan/silk/etc tecniques?

LAST EDITED ON Mar-21-03 AT 04:30 PM (CDT) by ()
 
I know Don Ross has a book on covering, but I am not sure if it is only for the very light rubber type models. It is carried by Carsten's publications--they publish Flying Models.

Here is a web link

http://www.flying-models.com/

You might want to repost this question in the "normal" forum. You might get more responses there.

update: I don't seem to find the particular book at the web site. I wonder if it is out of print.

Steve: It appears that we try to make things a lot harder than they really need to be. There are a number of excellent posts on the forum, with more than enough information to assist in becoming a real Silkspan expert.(or at least getting it on without looking like it needs ironing) No book necessary. Just look up Leonard's posts on the subject. That being said, I have yet to cover my Baby Clown wing--I may be in the market for a book shortly thereafter.

LAST EDITED ON Apr-28-03 AT 04:26 PM (CDT)
 
call Windy and get his tapes

his Contact info

Call (201) 896 8740
Fax (201) 896 8740
email at [email protected]

93 Elliott Place
Rutherford
New Jersey
NJ 07070
U.S.A

He's a great source for how to's on finishing planes

here's his website address
http://www.windyurtnowski.com/windy02/index.html

>call Windy and get his tapes
>
>here's his website address
>http://www.windyurtnowski.com/windy02/index.html

Windy has changed his website and I can't find the video library on the new format. Anyone else seen them?

Hi Steve,
I just double checked Windy's site and the video page is there
it's just under the online store tab

I recently won a copy of Ross's book in an indoor contest. it is marked "Donated by Don Ross." There is an address for:

Aviation Publishers
One Oakglade Circle
Hummelstown, PA 17036
717-566-0468

Give that a try and if you don't have any luck, get back to me and I can find out how the MMAC got the book. It is really excellent for rubber/CO2 power type things. There are some neat ways to make lightweight scale details that might be useful, too. The book doesn't otherwise relate very directly to CLPA, but I think it is great reading to learn how the other half does things. And we think CLPA planes are light compared to RC models........

Kelvin

>I know Don Ross has a book on covering, but I am not sure if
>it is only for the very light rubber type models. It is
>carried by Carsten's publications--they publish Flying
>Models.
>
>Here is a web link
>
>http://www.flying-models.com/
>
>You might want to repost this question in the "normal"
>forum. You might get more responses there.
>
>update: I don't seem to find the particular book at the web
>site. I wonder if it is out of print.

Hi Steve. Quick and easy for silkspan. First find the smooth side. There is a "rough" side to most silkspan. Prepare the surface with at least four coats of 60/40 brushed on dope. I use Nitrate, but Butyrate will do. Gently sand each coat until the last coat of dope is "shiny". Find the grain of the silkspan. Tear a corner of it. If it tears straight, that is the grain direction. Cut the silkspan to about 4 inches larger than the wing you are going to cover. Dampen the silkspan by spraying it lightly with water. Lay the span over the bottom wing, with the grain going span wise, pull it fairly taut and using a big brush, one inch, apply straight thinner to the EDGES only of the silkspan. Rub the thinner in with a finger tip, pulling the silkspan gently to remove any wrinkles. It does not have to be tight, just snug. Let it dry. Flip the plane over and do the same wing top. Then do the opposite wing bottom then top. Once the dope has dried, take a sanding block and sand the edges of the wing on the silkspan to cut it loose (the excess silkspan hanging over the edges. Then dope the EDGES only with 60/40 dope/thinner. Let it dry and genty sand it again. Do this twice then dope the entire wing with 50/50 clear dope. After a final sanding you can then go over the leading edge, trailing edge and center sheeting with a filler coat of your choice. I use Brodaks. Let this dry at least one day and sand it all off leaving only the filler in the low spots, Repeat as necessary. You shuld now be ready for the base coat. First time is a learning experience. Second time is a reinforcement and the third time you are the local expert. Have fun. ( oh yes, have lots of moving air when you do this. You do know why they call it "dope", right??