The next conversation: Monokote

[CivilWarTalk]

Monokote is a new material for me, last time I built a balsa model airplane I used the tissue paper and dope method to skin it. I wonder if that would work on a PWD car, probably too heavy.

I'm curious about the self adhesive version of Monokote, does it stretch? If so wouldn't it warp a thin frame body of a pinewood car?

Also, can you / should you heat the self adhesive version to shrink it?

 

[Mister B Racing]

Monokote is a new material for me, last time I built a balsa model airplane I used the tissue paper and dope method to skin it. I wonder if that would work on a PWD car, probably too heavy.

I'm curious about the self adhesive version of Monokote, does it stretch? If so wouldn't it warp a thin frame body of a pinewood car?

Also, can you / should you heat the self adhesive version to shrink it?

I have a SS car called Igor that is a ladder body car that I covered in tissue and dope. The body and tissue covering weighed about the same as one covered in Monokote. The tissue and dope was a lot of work and I had to clamp the body down to a flat surface to keep it from warping and twisting as it dried. It is much easier to just use the self stick Monokote trim sheets.

Steve - Mister B

 

[BlewBYu]

The monokote can be ironed to tighten the covering. But you need to get the iron that goes with the econokote from your local hobby store.

 

[bracketracer]

I used the iron-on Monocote with a clothes iron by using a hand towel in between. Took a little practice to get it right. I prefer to use the self-stick trim sheets though. Lots easier and still lightweight.

The self-stick stuff is great for scout cars too since it's usually wintertime and there's no fumes and no dry time with the trim sheets.

 

[GravityX]

Just an observation with the iron-on monokote, I've never used it before. But! I think you would have to be careful when using this on a ladder style body. If the iron "tightens" the monokote, then there is the possibility of tweaking or twisting the body. Or does it not pull it that tight to create tension, in the body, once applied?

 

[Kinser Racing]

Just use the Monokote Trim Sheet. It's easy it doesn't stretch much at all and you don't have to heat it. I wouldn't anyway. Lol

 

[Bullet]

Agree with Kinser. It's like a sticker, just put it on in minutes and forget it.

 

[Vitamin K]

How does the price/difficulty of monokote compare with using something like brake lens repair tape?

 

[Kinser Racing]

You can get a 6x24inch piece of Trim sheet for around $3.

 

[aircooled]

It makes live a lot easier and can save a bunch of time.

 

[561 racing]

Just go with vinyl and don't look back.