Looking for LVG edge tape advice.

[elarson]

To those who have gone before me,

I am about half way through applying the rib tapes on my Wingnut LVG and am starting to plan on how to do the edge tapes.

I know that on the real thing they are made from strips of the upper lozenge material but replicating them with the decals is causing me some consternation, especially when it comes to the curved edges at the wing tips, ailerons tips, tail plane, etc.

For the straight sections, such as the wing leading edge, I figure just wrapping a length of decal strip over the edge will work, but what is the best way to handle those curved areas? Would it be best to cut a separate curved piece of decal for the upper and lower surfaces, using the part as a pattern? Also, for the trailing wing edges, which are gently scallopped, is it preferable to do an upper and lower strip or also just fold a single strip over the edge and use decal solvent to get it to shrink into the scallops?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. This is my first attempt at anything like this!

Cheers,
Eric

[davecww1]

Hi Eric,
I just tried this for the first time 2 days ago on a 1/48 scale Fokker D.VII. I am using Americal Gryphon decals, so depending on which brand you use results may not be the same. For the trailing edge I cut a strip slightly wider than the normal rib tapes (just to account for the thickness of the trailing edge, not that it is the correct 1/1 scale practice). I placed it on the upper wing and pushed it so about half the decal was visible from the bottom, then slathered Micro sol decal solution all over it. after a little while I used the paintbrush to fold it over the bottom edge, and a little more sol caused it to dry looking fairly good to me. Stand it up on the leading edge of the wing between two paint bottles to allow it to dry correctly and it seems to shrink around the scallops perfectly. Forgot to say I use a coat of clear acrylic Future Shine over the first layer of lozenge decals to protect them in case something screws up with the outline tapes. This may or may not work with your lozenge decals, depends on the manufacturer since Roden decals are very brittle and don't fold over & shrink correctly for this purpose. Not sure about the Wing Nuts ones since I never had one of their kits.
Hope this helps.
Dave

[elarson]

Thanks Dave,

The Wingnut decals are an absolute delight to work with. Sturdy, yet thin and flexible, and respond well to Micro Sol. Your technique regarding the trailing edges should work with them so I'll give it a try.

Did you have to deal with any curved edges like on the corners of the wing tips and tail?

Eric

[otis goodin]

There is no "easy" way to do this. It just takes a lot of patience and trial and error. I always apply Micro Set to the surface first. It helps the tapes stick but also lets them be moved into position. I let them set up in position for a few minutes or longer. You will have to watch them as they tend to move around on their own. Once the Micro Set drys a little they become more stable. Once they are stable then hit them with the Micro Sol. On curved surfaces it is helpful to cut the strips into smaller lengths (just cut them into straight strips. no need to curve them). This makes them easier to apply and control. I've done this in 1/48th scale for some time so it should be much easier in 1/32. Check out some of my models at the WWI Modeling Page to see the results.

Otis Goodin : Central Powers aircraft

Otis Goodin

[elarson]

Thank you Otis,

I appreciate the advice and tips. I'm feeling a little more confident regarding the task ahead of me! Micro Set and Sol are old friends of mine.

I checked out your models on the link you gave. VERY nice work!

Thanks again,
Eric

[jamo]

Originally Posted by elarson

To those who have gone before me,

I am about half way through applying the rib tapes on my Wingnut LVG and am starting to plan on how to do the edge tapes.

I know that on the real thing they are made from strips of the upper lozenge material but replicating them with the decals is causing me some consternation, especially when it comes to the curved edges at the wing tips, ailerons tips, tail plane, etc.

For the straight sections, such as the wing leading edge, I figure just wrapping a length of decal strip over the edge will work, but what is the best way to handle those curved areas? Would it be best to cut a separate curved piece of decal for the upper and lower surfaces, using the part as a pattern? Also, for the trailing wing edges, which are gently scallopped, is it preferable to do an upper and lower strip or also just fold a single strip over the edge and use decal solvent to get it to shrink into the scallops?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. This is my first attempt at anything like this!

Cheers,
Eric

Hi Eric
Like you said the curved surfaces are the trickiest. I cut curved sections of lozenge decal using the kit pieces as patterns, seperate pieces for upper and lower surfaces as the compound curves are too difficult for softening and stretching the decals without unsightly seams and creases. I would try to keep the edge tapes as thin as you can manage, which has added advantage that you'll use less decal (if that is an issue for you).
Happy Modelling
James

[davecww1]

On the D.VII there are really no sharp curves, I used all straight pieces, one on leading edge, seperate one on each side of the wing from leading edge to aileron, one piece in curved center section and two more pieces from center to aileron on each side. The D.VII and Albatros D.V did not have rib tapes on the tail or ailerons, not sure if the 2 seaters had them on the tail or not? I'll try to post a photo of the underside trailing edge tapes later this week as soon as I have time...
Dave

[jamo]

These plans were drawn by Maurice Brett who was heavily involved with the restoration of the Shuttleworth LVG CVI. I believe he also inspected the Belgian survivor as well.



Here is a pic of the elevator on the Shuttleworth LVG showing the edge tapes



Regards
James

[Beto]

I found an interesting article about the restoration of the Shuttleworth collection LVG at the Flight magazine archives, dated 1973. Here's the link:

1973 | 2327 | Flight Archive

[jamo]

A very interesting read.
Happy Modelling
James