sopwith tape

[Mark_Miller]

Hi
I was looking through my reference on the sopwith triplane and noticed that on all the repro tripes and pups that there is tape all over the fuse - seemingly where ever wood meets cloth - top stringers and bulkhead and that lattice work section on the sides.

however - I can see no evidence of tape in these areas on any of the original photos.
is it there and I just can't see it?
does anybody have photos where it is evident?

I'd like to tweak my tripe textures and am not sure what to do with this
TIA
Mark

[MikeW]

Mark,

Sopwith Triplane drawing #1894 titled "Detail of Fuselage Covering"

The only tape depicted is across the top where the plywood cockpit decking ends and the top stringers start. The drawing says "1 inch Egyption tape tacked to decking with brass tacks and stuck onto fabric".


I believe the two lines of eyelets on the starboard side are reinforced, however, I don't have the detail drawing for that. It looks as though the linen is doubled over, glued and stitched and then the eyelets banged through - doesn't look like tape.

The Shutleworth Triplane replica manufactured by the Northern Aeroplane Workshop does not appear to have tape everywhere on the fuselage, neither does the original rebuild at the RAF museum.


Mike

[womenfly2]

I believe the tape on the fuselage is just a carry over from builders seeing modern aircraft and building practices. Not authenticity.