No glassine makes a Mega Skeeter weaker!

[g-train]

Was looking at the BT of my Mega Skeeter last night and saw a small corner of the glassine was pulled up a bit. Curiosity got the best of me and I decided to completely remove the waxy stuff to see what I'd get.

What'd I get, you ask? A weak, fuzzy BT is what I got. It was pretty disappointing, as I have no CA to flood the tube..and don't really want to buy the 3 bottles it will probably take. Any tips?? Is my 3 bottle estimate a bit high or is there some cheaper option?

g-train

 

[GregGleason]

Short of a CA soak or fiberglassing, you might take a sheet of printer paper and use the Dr Zooch method for doing wraps. I have never done his method, so others would have to speak to whether it is a good candidate for that method for this situation.

Greg

 

[dward]

+1 on the wrap. I would just use copy paper and rubber cement. Tac down the edges with CA. Finally treat the whole surface in CA. The paper will absorb it readily and it won't take much. Alternatively, you. Old use Bristol paper-the stuff used for making paper transitions. It is a bit thicker and is easily curled-do it just like a ribbon on a gift wrap.

 

[thobin]

+1 to wrap, I use brown packing paper and and watered down Elmers white glue coat both the tube and paper and roll it on a flat surface and let it dry. Cut he excess off with a blade, it makes for some pretty stiff tubes.


TA

 

[kruland]

Try watering down the elmers with alcohol. The alcohol will evaporate faster without introducing lots of water wrinkles.

 

[g-train]

+1 to wrap, I use brown packing paper and and watered down Elmers white glue coat both the tube and paper and roll it on a flat surface and let it dry. Cut he excess off with a blade, it makes for some pretty stiff tubes.


TA

This is what I was thinking of while at work today. Do you think that it's necessary to coat the tube and card stock, or would the Dr. Zooch method of brushing glue onto just the ends and edges would be sufficient?

Try watering down the elmers with alcohol. The alcohol will evaporate faster without introducing lots of water wrinkles.

Thought about this as well but the hesitation I have is whether or not the alcohol would effect the bonding of the glue. Have you tested this?

I plan on trying a couple of different things before deciding. ATM, I have a few pieces of card stock rolled up into a BT-40 to help shape the roll.

g-train

 

[JeromeK99]

I know it might sound scary.. but light weight fiberglass cloth (3/4oz.) and finishing epoxy will give you the strongest and best results.

You are already going to be doing the same amount of work... wrap it with mylar or even wax paper to minimize sanding (but peelply is the best choice).

BTW.. who makes this Mega Skeeter? What is the BT size?


Jerome

 

[g-train]

Jerome - It's the Estes Mega Mosquito. I believe it's a 2.56" BT w/ pre-cut fin slots. Fun kit to build, but I wouldn't have so many issues if I didn't peel the glassine!

TBH, I would love to be able to glass the BT; however, the costs for the supplies are out of my range. It's what happens when your other half is in transition from her summer job to her school year Para job!

I attempted to wrap the BT w/ card stock, but the thin CA I bought wouldn't tack the paper to the BT. Decided to just go ahead and flood the BT and fins and see how that goes.

g-train

 

[kruland]

Try watering down the elmers with alcohol. The alcohol will evaporate faster without introducing lots of water wrinkles.

Thought about this as well but the hesitation I have is whether or not the alcohol would effect the bonding of the glue. Have you tested this?

g-train

The honest truth is I have not. But I have it on very good authority (rocketeer for 40 years) that it is sound. He did some demonstrations at a past NARCON about it. I know he papers fins this way, but don't know if he's ever tried a tube.

 

[Micromeister]

Cover the tube with adhesive backed Monokote or other Sheet Vinyl. It's hold up and strengthen your weakened body tube. If the Seams are planned correctly they will not be seen or a problem.
the model below is covered completely in Marble and Gold leaf Vinyl. It's still flying today.

 

[JeromeK99]

Cover the tube with adhesive backed Monokote or other Sheet Vinyl. It's hold up and strengthen your weakened body tube. If the Seams are planned correctly they will not be seen or a problem.
the model below is covered completely in Marble and Gold leaf Vinyl. It's still flying today.

Well.. I think he's going for a super budget method.. my method would cost around $20 for everything.. yours probably closer to $30 or $40 including iron & heat gun... I suppose the cheapest way to remedy the problem if his glue method doesnt work is to just get a new tube.....


Jerome

 

[g-train]

... I suppose the cheapest way to remedy the problem if his glue method doesnt work is to just get a new tube.....

Ah, but then I'd have to pay shipping!! Lol. I actually splurged on some thin CA from Hobby Lobby. With the 40% off coupon I only paid a whole $3.20!

g-train

 

[JeromeK99]

Ah, but then I'd have to pay shipping!! Lol. I actually splurged on some thin CA from Hobby Lobby. With the 40% off coupon I only paid a whole $3.20!

g-train

Lol... Then shipping would probably be more than the tube!


Jerome

 

[rstaff3]

I think Micro meant the self-adhesive Monokote which more resembles vinyl decals (since his example shows a vinyl covered model). No heat iron required. Plus, the surface will be shinier and smoother than we normal mortals can make.