Covering WW1 airplanes
 

Hi,
I recently got a Proctor Nieuport 28 all build except for covering, radio and motor. I would like to get suggestions for covering material.

Here is my wish list:
Applies similarly to "Monokote"
Available in different colors
Do not required to be painted
Looks like (old) fabric

I am not trying to build a show model. I want a good looking plane that I could fly without fear. I will be using a small gas engine.

Fabric
 

Hello,

I would try the Coverite brand of materials myself. You would not be happy with any plastic on the market. You may want Super Coverite in white original and paint the flat olive colors?

Cassat

I've used the Coverite prefinished fabric before. It worked well on parts of my trainer that were stiff without the covering. The problem I had ( I think I installed it correctly) was the wing. The wing relys heavily on the covering for strength, and the weave of the fabric did not keep the wings true in flight.

Looking at your pictures, it seems your plane will be pretty stiff as it is. If it is, I'd use the Coverite Fabric. It's basically the same techniqueus as with monokote. If the wing is pretty flimsy without covering, and you won't be flying this around at high speeds, then it should still work fine.

Good Luck

Mike

Another vote for Coverrite, specifically "Supershrink". :TU:

Try Solartex. Check www.balsausa.com for the source. It's lighter than 21st century fabric and works well.

Thanks guys for the info.
I have another question. The wheels of WW1 airplanes often have covers. I always tough they were made of metal but I just found a website talking about fabric covers. How was it done on the full size ? What would be a good way of doing it on the 1/4 scale plane ?
Thanks

Xavier

Coverin g WW1 planes
 

Hi Xavier, Re; the wheels . Think you already have them right ? There are 2 ways to go . I have some steel wheels also , i got them from dave Reids models & they come with some thin plastic covers that simulate the canvas you mention . These plastic covers are glued to the rims & look good . So if you madea mold you could form some yourself .
The other way is that you get the rubber tyre off , think in a pot of hot water will remove it . when its off , then you get coverite , fit it over the wheel & glue it on the inside of rim where the tyre goes ,Shrink the covering, then reheat the tyre to replace , Works good .

Thanks for the info on the wheels.
Xavier

Hello There:

This is a Great Airplane ,Flies with the Best . You should try and give
it a proper job, the results are worth wild. Coverite and Dope.

My Nieuport 28 flew last week for the first time.
I used Solartex and latex paint with good success.
The motor is an electric AXI of approx 1000W for now. I may go for more cells to have more power later. It flies like giant park flyer and handle the wind better than I expected.
The weight is 15.5lbs but some more details need to go on like a dummy engine, a sound system, wheel covers (larger wheels), maybe a smoke system, and another roundel on the lh wing, etc.
It doesn't recreates an actual aircraft but it's an interpretation of what could have been my grand father airplane if he had been a pilot unstead of a motorcycle courier.
It looks great in the air and on the ground.
I have some videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz25u...e=user&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li1Im...e=user&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgn1L...e=user&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1qLlc6bu2...e=user&search=
And many pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/xavier.mouraux/Nieuport28

Xavier