xtra 330

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Just curious how people go about designing schemes for there new plane. I have heard somewhere about designing a scheme on paper and then taking it to Kinkos(or wherever) and have them blow it up full size..take it home and cut it out, glue to posterboard to use as a template to cut the covering material....and I have even heard about taking the design to a vinyl(graphics) store and have them cut the Monokote out on there machine, done by computer??? any inputs??

Gringo Flyer

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Sounds a little too complex for me. And if you had a company cut out the graphics I think it would be tough to get exact fits on the monokote.

I know its oversimplified but I just use the paint program to get a basic idea of the scheme. I always end up modifying the scheme as I go though. Sometimes as I am monokoting I see a way to improve the design or make it easier to cover so I change it.

All of my designs are copied after other planes though. I will spend weeks looking at plane photos and taking ideas from them.

Flyboy Dave

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Mono-cote used to have a poster with about a hundred neat color schemes
and patterns for planes. I haven't seen one for a long time though.

FBD.

bkdavy

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I use Microsoft Paint as mentioned by Gringo Flyer. Great Planes kit instructions have a page with the top/bottom view and the side view, which I just used and drew lines/curves and filled. Here's the plans and the finished product, just for comparison.

I did use brown wrapping paper to cut patterns, test fit them on the plane, and then use the patterns to cut the monokote. Made for less trimming of the monokote. Everything was pretty much done free hand.

Brad

tucker1865

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The Monocote poster is still available at Tower Hobbies. LXJA14 at 2.99

xtra 330

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thanks for the replies, but maybe I should elaborate a little more. I guess I should ask for the technique used to make templates for a scheme...say for example, doing a Somenzini wing design, how would one go about making the templates?

MinnFlyer

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Like bkdavy said, you can use brown wrapping paper (Or any other scraps of psper), cut it to approximate size, lay it on the plane, re-shape if necessary, and transfer it to your covering.

This is one of the reasons I like Ultracote so much - you can draw your designs right on the paper backing (Just remember to draw mirror images)

jetpack

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I haven't a clue on how to go about trimming this one. Its something I would like to accomplish on my schoolyard scale Citabria, which is 1/2A size (lightweight)

bkdavy

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I'd cover it completely with white, then use wrapping paper or tissue paper to make patterns for the black and lay it over the white. Is there a red edge on some of the black? Can't really tell from the picture. For that, I'd just use a straight edge and hobby knife and cut the strips on glass, then lay them down with windex or trim solvent.

Brad

Gringo Flyer

My Feedback: (18)

I use the scrap paper method too.

For smaller trim pieces I will just lay down an oversized piece of monokote on the surface of the plane and then I will draw the design with a dry erase marker. After cutting it out if any marker is left it comes off easily with a little alcohol.

jaka

Hi!
I just draw it on paper and then try it on the airplane...
I often use thin cardboard (0.5-0.75mm) for symetric shapes. Those tiger stripes below was just randomly cut with a knife.
I mostly use Oracover.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

tucker1865

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If you do a google search for citabria you will eventually come up with a scale drawing of the Citabria paint scheme, print it out and enlarge with a copy machine or enlarge it first and print it. I believe it is http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/AC/airc...a/citabria.htm

jetpack

My Feedback: (1)

Thank you, Tucker.

I was able to trace down the link and found the images. This is a great start for the proper proportions, now I have to wonder how to apply it. I would like to use a film called "Supercoat" as it appears to be lightweight, but never used it. Maybe a "tissue on tissue" approach might be better.

Most likely a topic more suited to another column, or if nobody objects it here.

bkdavey, yes those are red pinstripes that you see. On the actual plane those were adhesive tape stripes that helped hide the black/white dope seperation. Pinstriping on the model might be acceptable but my experience that will be a mess in short time due to the raised edges, sharp corners on the "star" tips, ect.

If tissue paper is chosen, I already know how to go about it and that is to double two sheets. Red tissue on the bottom, and black tissue on top, taped to the cutting table...then cut out so it fits like a puzzle piece when it is applied. Due to this being more or less 50/50 percent coverage, I worry about weight with that approach, as the trim areas will be double thickness (?)

I wish I knew more about dope and tissue trim issues for weight consiousness.

GarySS

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Hi Jetpack, Looks like you have a copy of my picture that I took at the 2003 Oshkosh AirAdventure in the American Champion factory display. If you would like more pictures of that aircraft, private message me with your email address and I will get them to you. I have a straight on front view, 3/4 front view and side shots of the N number and cowl. Maybe you already have them as I don't remember posting it anywhere on the net so maybe I did.[:-] If you don't need them that's OK too.[8D]

jetpack

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks Gary I shot you a PM, and yes just that single picture is all that was out there for this example on Google.

Has anyone seen my roll of film for this one? LOL. It must have been stampeeded at Oshkosh because I sure can't find it.

Thanks for your offer. [8D]

GarySS

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Com'in you way Friday. GarySS

dr_wogz

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I seem to just go 'freestyle'. As I build, I get an idea of what the coveirng scheme will look like. then, I start. i quickly leanred the 'windex / glass method' for overlaying Monokote & creating patterened 'monokote' sheets. then teh fun part of aligning it all up. Rarely do my planes have 'straight' monokote edges! Well, most of the time!!

Ugly Sticks are supposwed to be ugly!

Er, I should use 'Ultracote' in place of Monokote, as i find Ultracote' much much easier to use & manipulate than Mono.

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

What aircraft is that white wing with the engine in the rear? Nice design!!

DS.

wlcornelius

Tower Hobbies has the scheme chart. I have it hanging in front of me to go by when covering

MinnFlyer

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CGR, that's the Balsa USA "Northstar" Amphibian