Covering with Polyspan

For a more comprehensive video, order Dave Platt's Back to Basics DVD

Canopies and Windshields

 TBB
 Dave:
 I just watched the last of the series and appreciated the view of your Bosch Jaguars. The segment on the windscreens elicited a question. The material you used was called Styrene. I've also heard of similar materials called Acetate and Butyrate. Do you know if they have any different properties? I once saw a model (your favourite Red Zephyr) finished in Butyrate dope. The modelLer then attached the butyrate windows with butyrate thinner. It looked as though they had been painted on.  I've also heard of acetate attached with acetone.

Mister Scale
 Styrene, PTEG, acetate, and butyrate are all clear plastics and any can be used for our purpose. Styrene is joined with the special liquid cement, while the others best use balsa cement. None of them take well to CA which crazes and eventually cracks them. 
Dave 

 TBB
 I wonder which of these is the least susceptible to nitromethane. I remember swearing off cabin models because a couple of flights with a cox made them look like they had been airbrushed with CA. As for attaching the stuff, I've had pretty good luck with RC56 or any of the knock offs with 56 in the name. I don't mind waiting. But, recently, my local shop sold me a tube of P.F.M. (pure flipping magic) out of Margate, FL. He said it sets up faster, remains stronger longer and stays flexible, turns invisible and never shrinks. I'm anxious to try it but it smell like anthrax.


 Mister Scale
 Of all the only one definitely fuelproof is PTEG (petg?). And yes, I've had good luck with RC56 etc. too. Dave Platt

Dave Platt Half Tone 3

I just finished this Half Tone. I've been working full time for the past 3 months, which put a crimp in my building. I modified my Spektrum DX5e so that I plug in a cable
where the 5th channel was and use a push button. The escapement works perfectly and I'm sure it will bring back fond memories when in the air.
Dave Acton

Dave Platt Half Tone 2

Continuation of part 1

 Tom,

Tomorrow is the day! Light green silk.

Dave Platt Half Tone 1

Tom,

I got involved in building a Dave Platt designed Half Tone 1/2A job from 1961 ( plans in Sticks and Tissue # 57 ). I'm ready to start
covering  ( silk ) and I hope it will be done for next weekend. Powered by a mini Oliver Tiger .5 cc from Barton Model Products in
the UK.  It has twin ball bearings and really screams. I'm using a 2.4gh. Spektrum RX with a modified servo decoder board driving a Bonner
SN escapement. Single channel naturally. I can't wait. Photos to follow.

Click for Part 2

Bucky's Dave Platt Contender

Hi Guys,

My Christmas present from Joan is completed. I opened the kit box Dec. 27, 2010 and completed the model on Feb.16, 2011. It took a span of 52 days.

Bucky Walter

Pilot for the Dave Platt Contender

Hi Guys,

 

Found this Paint in a craft store.  It covers balsa wood in one coat, if you are careful.  The paint set cost under $3.00

 

The base of the pilot is balsa wood.  The plastic pilot made by Williams Brothers.  

 

Bucky                

Top Flight Gold Edition original Contender

Joan gave me a Top Flight Gold Edition Contender.  The original Contender was designed by Dave Platt in 1969 which I built and flew in the early seventies.  The Gold Edition was re-engineered and drawn by Mark Hampe and the instructions by Jim Sandquist in 1999.  She also got me all the other stuff needed to build and fly the model, servos, receiver, switch hardness, wheels, Monokote, glue,  and etc, and etc.  What A Great Gift by My Loving Wife.

 

I started building on Dec. 27, 2010.  The photos attached were taken 23 days later.

 

I got a lot more to do; but we have a long cold winter here in Sandusky, Ohio

Bucky

 

TOLEDO WEAK SIGNALS 2010- Photos by Bucky Walter

More photos and videos from the 2010 Toledo Show