Top Flite Elder 40 electric conversion

[Michael]

WARNING to all TEMAC members:

That strange noise you hear is not dangerous; it's just Robert's eye's rolling back.



You see, I've decided to cover my Top Flite Elder in cream-coloured monokote, to replicate the high-gloss finish that was on the full scale prototype back in 1918. The full size Elder was an experimental monoplane used in the early 20th century by the BSAA (British Secret Agent Agency, which was the forerunner to the British Secret Service), which actually had a hand-lacquered high gloss finish (the plane; not the agency). The purpose of this experimental finish was to reflect glare into the eyes of enemy pilots. It is generally unknown, but the prototype was actually piloted by none other than George Bond, paternal grandfather to the famous spy, James Bond, who has been immortalized in all those motion pictures.

Anyway, Robert wanted me to use a fabric finish which would give a matte appearance, but that just wouldn't have been right.

Now you know why Robert is rolling his eyes so passionately.

[gordonbw]

I heard that George was one of the last British pilots shot down in the war. He came out second best in an apocalyptic dogfight with Graf Erik Von Schwarzenegger (JA, Ah-nold's grandpapa) who was flying an experimental Fokker Siebendecker powered by a top secret 17 cylinder Benz BZ VI engine fuelled by fermented sauerkraut. Only slightly wounded in the crash, George escaped and hid in a hay wagon behind enemy lines until Armistice Day.

[piker]

 

[Michael]

Wow, I thought nobody else knew about all this stuff, but obviously Gordon is well aware!

(Then again, Robert said I could spray dull-coat on the finished model, but then I couldn't keep telling the story.  )

[gordonbw]

Actually, Michael, your decision to use a gloss finsh has historical precedent.  Take a look at this photo of an unrestored Fokker DVII with original covering (in the Brome Lake Historical Musem in Knowlton, Quebec).

[Papa]

I heard that George was one of the last British pilots shot down in the war. He came out second best in an apocalyptic dogfight with Graf Erik Von Schwarzenegger (JA, Ah-nold's grandpapa) who was flying an experimental Fokker Siebendecker powered by a top secret 17 cylinder Benz BZ VI engine fuelled by fermented sauerkraut. Only slightly wounded in the crash, George escaped and hid in a hay wagon behind enemy lines until Armistice Day.

Gordon you forgot that while rolling in the hay George met a milk maid named Frau Fleming. The result of the union was .. you guessed it ...Ian.

Jack.

[Michael]

Actually, Michael, your decision to use a gloss finsh has historical precedent.  Take a look at this photo of an unrestored Fokker DVII with original covering (in the Brome Lake Historical Musem in Knowlton, Quebec).

I was discussing this with Robert, and we agreed that many full scale prototypes actually had glossy finishes, but somehow, the look doesn't translate well to smaller models.

Anyway, I've started the covering and the rich and opaque cream colour actually looks pretty good. After several long days of work, I'm looking forward to this weekend to spending a few more hours on this project.

If the finished product is too glossy, I'll spray it with dull-coat.

[sihinch]

I have an old coat that Lesley says makes me look dull, if you want to borrow it? 

[piker]

My humble opinion is that there is a huge difference between the "glossy" real planes and the plastic covered models.  The high gloss finish on full sise planes like the WWI biplanes and Piper Cubs is painted (brush painted in the old days I'm sure) over a relatively rough, doped, linen surface.  Sure, the finish is/was glossy, but not smooth and therefore doesn't reflect light like a smooth gloss finish as seen on polished composite airfraft or cars.  Even metal airfraft have a relatively rough surface compared to a gloss plastic surface so don't have the same look.  And I'm pretty sure they didn't polish them up during WWII to look like show models every day.  Add to that, the difussion effect of distance through air, which dulls the look of everything from a distance, and the shinny full size look deminishes even more.  for example, if you look at a 1/6 scale model from 10 feet its like looking at the full size at 60 feet.  You don't see the same glossy finish as clearly from that distance.

I know Solartex maybe takes us a bit too far to the non-glossy side of the spectrum, but I think it's a lot closer to "scale looking" than glossy plastic.  Add the fact that war planes were generally dirty and you get even closer with the flat option.

I think plastic covering should only be used to represent composite aircraft... if your objective is to acheive a true scale look.

However, with that said, film covering is fairly easy to apply, light, easy to clean and repair, and generally looks nice.  The VAST majority of my planes have been film covered and I like it, so go with what works for you and what you enjoy.   

Robert

[Andy Hoffer]

I like film for the reasons Rob has pointed out.  And the gloss only lasts about a day at TEMAC.  A few flights on a wet field and the spatters dull it down really nicely.  You should see the Yak54 I just bought from Frank.  You could probably grow stuff on it!

Andy

[Michael]

All structures are now covered.

Next is gluing in hinges, details, motor and radio installation.

[Andy Hoffer]

Yum!  Nice ARF!!

Andy

[Gregor77]

Wow. Looks amazing.  Why is it shiny?  Did I miss something.  Lol.

[Michael]

More progress.

Tail glued on and 'flappy' parts hinged on. 

'Combing' installed on cockpit area (black co-axial wire insulation slit down one side).

Motor installed.

[sihinch]

I'm glad to see it's looking good, because when I dropped of some Nooner's at Michaels, I nearly knocked this model on the floor!