Sopwith Baby Project

[Joe Perkel]

Originally Posted by Maxim08

The Memorial Flight team in France used an Akzo Nobel product as a top coat on their D VII which left a gloss finish which doesn't appeal to me.

Does anyone have expertise regarding clear UV protectors specifically for aircraft fabric use?

Regards,
John

John,

Good Question. Although many years from this stage, I will be keeping a close eye out for this issue as I go. The LeRhone Pup posted by Baldeagle, is a reminder to me of what not to strive for.

Joe

The only way that Jenny looks like that, is because it has no UV potection whatsoever. Thats OK, providing you dont mind having to recover it every 5 years.

Dogtail,

I suppose one then could set a 5 year timetable for a sort of "D Check" for one of these replicas, a scheduled teardown, Perhaps not a bad thing to consider.

In the case of the Baby, CDL is on the vertical stab, and the undersides of the wings. Judging by what I've seen done with paint, I don't see any other method of replicating this nicely,...and the Jenny sure is nice, it really makes the plane doesn't it?


John F,.... I hear you!

[brinesharks]

Joe,

I just had the pleasure or looking over a whole lot of wooden boat projects and restorations today. It got me thinking about how often people rebuild/refinish wooden boats.

In Florida especially, I would have thought you would have a float plane inspection regime that took the covering off anyway. Not necessarily because of UV damage but because of moisture.

I'm concerned about the other end of the spectrum - 42+ deg C days at 8% (!!!) humidity.

[baldeagle]

Originally Posted by Joe Perkel

The LeRhone Pup posted by Baldeagle, is a reminder to me of what not to strive for.

Why not, it's an actual finished flying airplane.....




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[Joe Perkel]

Originally Posted by baldeagle

Why not, it's an actual finished flying airplane.....




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I was referring to the glossy finish.

Will strive to be a bit more "concrete" in the future.

[ulpilot]

Originally Posted by Joe Perkel

I was referring to the glossy finish.

Will strive to be a bit more "concrete" in the future.

Just got my hands on an Albatross factory film that shows final assembly. The planes have a very glossy finish. I have seen this in other pictures too from WWI, so gloss is correct unless your trying to duplicate a war weary ship.

[Nick]

Hi Joe,
Great picture of the Jenny. Flying such a magnificent aeroplane over beautiful countryside on a sunny day. What could be better?

The Snipe also has clear doped fabric on the undersides of the wings only. I’ve been learning a little about fabric covering recently helping a friend cover his Volksplane using the Stits poly fiber which is attractive in it’s simplicity, however much as I’d like to, don’t think I’ll be able to get the right look using it. Don’t know anything about it yet but plan on using linen at this stage (still a long way off though). Only getting 5 years sound a bit of a worry. Would it not last a bit longer being hangared and also under the wing? (Wishful thinking probably!)

Have just bought a book from John Gaertner (Blue Swallow Aircraft) that he put together. It’s basically a collection of articles and extracts from various handbooks on fabric covering. Looks like I’ve got a bit of reading to do.

Cheers, Nick

[NostalgAire]

For the record: that Jenny in flight is at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River Oregon. It is covered with Irish linen with clear Nitrate dope. The wood airframe is mostly original and the flying wires are original.

Scott

[Joe Perkel]

Originally Posted by Nick

Hi Joe,
Great picture of the Jenny. Flying such a magnificent aeroplane over beautiful countryside on a sunny day. What could be better?

The Snipe also has clear doped fabric on the undersides of the wings only. I’ve been learning a little about fabric covering recently helping a friend cover his Volksplane using the Stits poly fiber which is attractive in it’s simplicity, however much as I’d like to, don’t think I’ll be able to get the right look using it. Don’t know anything about it yet but plan on using linen at this stage (still a long way off though). Only getting 5 years sound a bit of a worry. Would it not last a bit longer being hangared and also under the wing? (Wishful thinking probably!)

Have just bought a book from John Gaertner (Blue Swallow Aircraft) that he put together. It’s basically a collection of articles and extracts from various handbooks on fabric covering. Looks like I’ve got a bit of reading to do.

Cheers, Nick

Nick,

Aside from UV, linen is subject to Biological deterioration, (ie mold). As Bryan points out, humidity is the enemy. Particularly here in Florida, I have to control the storage environment. I must be out of my mind, but if I wanted an actual "finished flying airplane", I'd place a deposit for immediate delivery.

Add to your reading the "Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction"

I read this text years ago, and the extensive analysis / testing of various woods and composites stands out in my mind. Many other issues applicable to us are included in this text. I see now there is a 5th edition, I may order one myself.

As for a gloss finish, It may be correct as pointed out by UlPilot, but the initial impression that I and others apparently share, is that it just doesnt quite "fit." Perhaps a bit or a weary look would in fact be more convincing.

[lake flyer]

I have done some boat rebuilding and can vouch for the WEST system .

It would certainly prevent water damage of any kind to the wood , but it would add significant weight .

As with everthing one would have to weigh the benefit against the penalty .

Nothing comes for free !

[Joe Perkel]

Originally Posted by lake flyer

I have done some boat rebuilding and can vouch for the WEST system .

It would certainly prevent water damage of any kind to the wood , but it would add significant weight .

As with everthing one would have to weigh the benefit against the penalty .

Nothing comes for free !

I am concerned about excessive weight gain in the floats. Intend to do experimentation with the tail float sometime next year. Also have to review the Gougeon text for thier results regarding penetration /absorption of epoxy vs varnish.

Anecdotaly, I suspect that epoxy saturated fuselage members, would be so heavy as to make steel the more attractive option. Will experiment with this when able.