I like idea of the wrap but it doesn't look like it covers too well? I'm not sure if that was the intended design of the wrap and it looks difficult to install / apply. IDK am I wrong? I have a hard time putting decals on let alone wrapping something. I tell you what wish I had an interceptor E. Nice kit. Wish Estes would bring it back.
It adds an interesting dimension to the build, especially different as, if you go by the instructions as I for the most part have, you skin the tube before you attach the 6 total fins ( 2 wings, 2 dorsal rudders, and 2 ventral fins.). Then you have to try to avoid getting glue on the wrap you put on the tube while you glue on said fins (and apply fillets, then you wrap the fins.
I am glad I clear coated the wraps as instructed, I think the one layer was enough, although I would have preferred two, I was more concerned that I would mess them up. (Had a very bad experience building an Estes SR-71 I am sure I have mentioned before, where I clear coated AFTER decals and got total orange peel, destroying not only my smooth black coat but ALL the decals.)
I just got a Cosmic Interceptor off E Bay to go with a Skin I bought as a package deal with this one. I think I will go with two layers of clear coat on the wraps, and be more liberal with the blue tape before laying down the fillets (sort of like some people use tape “dams.”). I will then use a blade to cut the “edge” of the fillet by the tape, so I can lift the tape clean even it the fillet crosses it. In the instruction John says using the extra overlap of the fin skins requires “master builder” skills, I am FAR from a Master builder but I didn’t find it that difficult at all. While cutting an “edge” with a knife might make a mark or spoil the paint, it will be cleanly covered the the overlapping skin.
Of course the dark color is pretty forgiving, the Cosmic Interceptor has the light chameleon skin, and while the “chameleon” look (basically a bunch of small scattered rectangles of varying shades and sizes) probably helps, is suspect ANY edges are going to be more obvious on a lighter background,
I have an Estes Outlander in my build pile that, assuming I go Stock on paint job will require repainting of parts and masking of attachment sites.