John Keywood Posted January 4, 2015 Share Posted January 4, 2015 Hi everyone, I feel I have had a head start on my build as I started before the STOL was nominated. I am building as the plan but it will be powered by an electric motor. I am starting with the Mk1 three channel configuration and then adding the Mk 11 wing at a later date. I do have a Mk 1 plan from the early days and the Mk 11 plan. I have found some discrepancies on the plans but they are not too much to sort out. (some formers are drawn the wrong size etc.,) I intend to fly the Mk 1 as a three channel and then adding the Mk 11 wing and flying with ailerons. I am intending to cover my model with dope and tissue but does anyone know if the more modern coverings would be as good Good luck to every one building, John Keywood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Keywood Posted January 4, 2015 Author Share Posted January 4, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFlyingCrust Posted January 4, 2015 Share Posted January 4, 2015 Hi John. I've used Solarfilm Litespan in the past and its much tougher than tissue/dope but looks like it. There's no adhesive on the product so you have to use BalsaLoc or similar to bond it. It doesn't shrink quite as much as Solarfilm but provided you get a fairly crease free covering it comes out excellently. Check out Solarfilm's website for more info. Have a look at the Quick Instructions. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted January 4, 2015 Share Posted January 4, 2015 +1 for Litespan. Picture of my Pushy Cat finished in red Litespan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyn K Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Hi John Good luck with the build. Watch out for the position of the rear spars (which define the size of the ailerons and flaps) on the wing on the mark 2 - they are incorrect on the plan (on the wing section - I think). See my blog. Martyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Levanter Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Litespan for sure. I have a West Wings Orion which was my first go at a tissue and dope alternative. It worked fine but you need to be careful on sheeted surfaces as it expands before shrinking and it is quite easily to get unwanted wrinkles. Get it as smooth as possible in the fitting stage I was having real trouble with distortion of a small Guillows kit using tissue and dope so I took it all off and re-covered with Litespan. I was really pleased with the result at virtually no weight penalty as it is self finishing in a variety of colours. It is also paintable. I am building a Stol as well. I have pulled out a suitable engine and made some notes on the plan following Martyn's useful warnings. Keep the photos coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Keywood Posted January 7, 2015 Author Share Posted January 7, 2015 Thanks for the advice Martyn K, I will be watching your blog. It looks as if I will be using Litespan then. Thanks everyone for the advice. John Keywood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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