.
The covering material for the fin is then overlapped 1/4" onto the turtledeck fabric. This does leave a seam, but it can be
mostly hidden by applying a few extra coats of dope in this area and sanding lightly. This method was used on the photo
model and the seam is hardly noticeable.
A perfectly smooth fin fillet can be achieved by covering the fuselage with three
pieces of material; one for the bottom and another two, each covering one
fuselage side, half the turtledeck, and one side of the fin. This method is a little
trickier, but it does produce fewer seams. Don't shrink the fabric until all of the
pieces have been firmly attached to the framework. No matter which way you
cover the fuselage, the fabric on the fin should attach to the first 3/8" sq. balsa rib
up from the bottom.
Paint Schemes
The eye-catching "spike" paint scheme
used on both Jesse Anglin's red and
black prototype and Maxey Hester's
yellow and red Spacewalker will take
some extra time to duplicate, but is well
worth the effort. Both of these full-scale
aircraft were painted with Blue River
Aircraft Finish.
Paint Formulas to Match N516MH and N516HS
AIR TRACTOR YELLOW
COLORADO RED
2 PARTS SIG LEMON YELLOW
1 PART SIG CUB YELLOW
1 PART SIG WHITE
5 PARTS SIG LIGHT RED
2 PARTS SIG ORANGE
We found that Sig Light Red and Jet Black are nearly perfect matches for the colors on Jesse's airplane. Maxey's colors
can be duplicated using Sig Supercoat Dope in the formulas to the right.
Of course, Sig Cub Yellow and Sig Light Red can be substituted if you aren't interested in a perfect color match. We've
found that a light coat or two of Sig White dope provides an even base for the colored dope and actually reduces the total
amount of paint necessary. It is generally better to apply light colors first, followed by darker trim colors.
The paint scheme patterns given on the plans can be used for either aircraft. The only difference between the two is the
bottom of the wing (see "Fuselage Paint Scheme", Plate 3). The patterns can be cut (or traced) from the plans and
positioned directly on the airplane. Draw around the pattern lightly with a soft lead pencil, remove the pattern, and mask off
the surface using the lines as your guide. We use "low-tack" drafting tape to mask off paint schemes on our models. Seal
the edge of the tape with a coat of clear dope before applying the trim color. If you have used Sig Supercoat Dope
throughout, a final coat of clear over the color paint will add a nice gloss to the finish. Do not try to mix different brands of
paint. Use Sig products from the start and follow the instructions that come with them carefully for best results.
The pin stripes on both airplanes really help to set off the colors. Jesse used 1/16" wide white tape on his airplane, so
finding striping tape for the model in 1/3 scale is impossible. We used 1/16" wide tape on the model and it looked just fine
even though it wasn't scale. Maxey Hester solved this problem for the modelers by applying 3/16" wide black tape on his
full-scale Spacewalker, so 1/16" tape is perfect for the model.
Other homebuilt Spacewalkers should be appearing shortly all around the country with other paint schemes. If you are not
particularly interested in scale competition, you will probably want to come up with your own design. The possibilities are
endless!
Painting the Fiberglass Parts
To fill any cracks, small voids, or seams, use a fiberglass filler compound or make a putty by mixing talcum powder with
fiberglass resin. The mixture should be about the consistency of soft margarine. Add hardener based on the original
amount of resin used. Smooth into the imperfection and allow it to set up. When partially hardened, it can be easily
trimmed with a knife. When completely set up, sand smooth. Sand all of the fiberglass parts enough to remove the glossy
outer finish.
Dope will not stick to unprimed fiberglass. We recommend using a filler coat of K&B Epoxy Primer or Hobby Poxy Fast Fill.
Dope will adhere to this fairly well, but take somecare when applying and removing masking tape. Of course, enamels and
epoxy paints may also be used over the primed surfaces.
Summary of Contents for SIGRC61
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