Winter build project: Wolfgang Matt’s ATLAS

Chris, I believe the sock is to stop the iron scratching the covering (The shiny side )

Only time I use a sock is when covering film on film, you need to press down on it to make sure you don't trap any air.

For normal covering, just make sure you keep the face of the iron clean and it shouldn't scratch. It is easier to control the temperature and see what you are doing without it.

Use a low heat to tack the edges down then turn it up to shrink but use a cloth in the other hand to smooth down only using the iron to heat. Alternatively shrink with a heat gun but be very careful to only apply enough heat to shrink.

My iron was getting a little rough and scratching the covering, so I bought a sock. Used it for one model and found it a lot harder to cover. Have not used it again and accept that the iron might leave a few scratches.

Thanks, looks like I'll be having fun tomorrow morning, it should only take a couple of hours to cover the model :whistle:

Is your Mythos not ready for a maiden tomorrow Chris ??

Alas not Jon, one day, when I get the servos back

JonTappin wrote: Looks great Chris, you're on to my favourite bit now, covering! !

I see, you were being funny how could anyone enjoy covering?

Three hours represented here:

Three wonderful engrossing hours, the middle bit was done three times, 1st attempt I forgot to remove the backing paper, on the 2nd attempt I manage to create tracks in the very soft balsa with the edge of the iron, not once, but three times! The third attempt just shows up all the imperfections I swear were not there when I started.

How could you possibly enjoy this process

Okay rant over. Time for more coffee

Looks nice and smooth and shiny blue from here. I think you probably started on the right bit first as a trial. Covering wings is simple except for the wing tips ( a bit of stretching and ironing) but fuselages I think are a bit fiddly to say the least.

Don't drink too much coffee! All that caffeine will make you jittery.....

It looks fine...and it is underneath where no one can see it!

PhilF51 wrote: I think you probably started on the right bit first as a trial

The reality is that it is the wrong bit, but necessary. Apart from the fin/fuselage/elevator intersection, the under-wing fairing is the most difficult bit to do. But if you do the little fiddly bits first you can then really make progress without ruining the easy bits.