Giant Scale

I'm finishing up a Morris Hobbies Top Cap. Is it easier to cover everything and then do the final assembly or should I put it all together and then cover it? Your opinions are appreciated. BTW this kit has been a blast to build..a welcome change from the 35% planes.

wgeffon

My Feedback: (4)

I cover then assemble with profiles. Its just easier IMO.
I have seen it done the other way with great results.

This is one of my Top Caps. ( covered first, then assembled )

Shortman

My Feedback: (21)

i to am building the Topcap, and like wayne im going to try and cover first then assemble... see if its worth the effort

Kevins_RC

My Feedback: (1)

I prefer to assemble, then cover. I agree that this approach is more difficult, though I do it for a couple of reasons. I like to have the open structure exposed so that I can wick the CA hinges from both sides. I also prefer to cover the control surface after it is hinged, that way I can seal the seams on both sides as well. There are other ways to achieve essentially the same results, though this is my personal preference. What it really boils down to, is what works best for you! And your personal preference.
Kevin

PaulSwany

My Feedback: (45)

I use a hybrid aproach I adopted from the master coverer, Gator. I cover the fuse then install the wing. Then I cover the wing. Cover the tail feathers and install.

You get a nice wing joint that way and it's much easier to cover the fuse with out the wing in the way.....

Goinstraightup

My Feedback: (26)

I agree with wgeffon and the rest of the covering first people. I covered my Sudokhoi first then assembled. The result will soon be my avitar.

shill

My Feedback: (22)

I cover the entire airplane before assembly but first I put the wing on and stab on and mark the fuse location on each. Then when covering I leave the covering about 3/32 to 1/8 of an inch short of the line and do the same on the fuse at wing and stab openings then install and ca the wing and stab in place. Then put a fillet around the wing and stab using epoxy and micro balloons or west systems light filler. You put tape about 1/16 of an inch from the edge of the covering so the fillet will be over the covering. This provides a nice good connection to the fuse and also fills any gaps you might have at the fuse and wing joint. you can use a popcycle stick to form the fillet just cut it down and round the end to get the size fillet you desire. If you like when done you can buy some fuel proof dope paint or monokote paint that matches or use black just as long as the paint is fuel proof and paint the fillet. Not only Makes it look better but helps provide some strength also and if you do it small enough weight gain is minimal. Also seal the hinge gaps after the airplane is done and hinged.

Steve Hill

jmulder

My Feedback: (6)

I cover last. It looks alot better not to see the glue joints........John

Balsageek

It's definitely easier to cover first. But the results have the potential to look bad.

I prefer the hard way. Assemble everything except the control surfaces, then cover. I use my handy dandy GP stripe machine and cut 1/4" strips to seal all inside corners first. (where the stab and fin come together, and where the wing meets the fuse) This Then I cover all curved places. Last I put on the main top coat that hopefully covers up all the seams. I like to save the control surfaces till last so I can cover them separate from the model. I don't think the hinge wicking matters covering or not. You just have to watch your drips!!

Have fun covering (It's the part I hate most )

Matt

jmulder

My Feedback: (6)

I do exactly like Matt does..............John