May 17, 2010
Should I wrap my RC Airplane with Packing Tape?
Hi All
I recently bought a radio controlled plane, a Super Cub LP. I am new to the hobby. I saw a comment from a Customer on Amazon saying the following:
"Bullet-proof your SC by wrapping the wings, fuselage and cowl completely with clear packing tape (yes, every surface). Make sure to keep the cowl-holes free for keeping the motor cool. "
In one way I think this would be good idea, as I'm sure I'll have crashes while I'm learning to fly. In another way I wonder would it weigh down the plane or maybe make it unbalanced in flight.
So what do you think, is it a good idea to wrap a model airplane in clear packing tape?
I'll bet this will make the plane stronger, but it sounds better in writing than it does when you're actually looking at it. I'm not trying to force you out of doing it, but I think the results would be ugly.
If the airplane at the link below is the same model as yours, it is constructed using Z-foam. This foam is forgivable and easily repairable. I started off with a similar plane without the crash avoidance system, and it took quite a beating while staying together.
http://www.redrockethobbies.com/Hobby_Zone_Super_Cub_LP_RTF_p/hbz7300.htm
When you're ready to buy more planes and/or parts, take a look at my new site:
http://www.rcairparts.ivpshost.com
Filed under RC Model Airplane by Lee
Comments on Should I wrap my RC Airplane with Packing Tape? »
It will change the flight characteristics - so I hope you can apply the tape evenly and smoothly. It will add weight and profile.
It's probably OK to do this to a RC plane, but it is dangerous to alter the fuselage on a real airplane unless you know what you are doing.
References :
Not a good idea. It will add weight which will make plane less pleasant to fly and probably upset the balance by adding extra weight aft of the centre of gravity. You will then have to add weight to the nose which will make it even heavier . In the event of a big crash you will end up with a packing tape bag full of bits of wood.Small accidents can be repaired by patching original covering. There is no way to make an RC plane of this sort "bulletproof". Crashes do happen, minimize them by learning to fly with a club using dual control.
References :
RC modeller since 1982
I'll bet this will make the plane stronger, but it sounds better in writing than it does when you're actually looking at it. I'm not trying to force you out of doing it, but I think the results would be ugly.
If the airplane at the link below is the same model as yours, it is constructed using Z-foam. This foam is forgivable and easily repairable. I started off with a similar plane without the crash avoidance system, and it took quite a beating while staying together.
http://www.redrockethobbies.com/Hobby_Zone_Super_Cub_LP_RTF_p/hbz7300.htm
When you're ready to buy more planes and/or parts, take a look at my new site:
http://www.rcairparts.ivpshost.com
References :
Years of Experience