1/4 scale Ka-3

[Alan_Perse]

That's Nice   . Great job. What paint do you use.

[joe]

very nice Fred.lookin great.first flight next weekend? before retroplane

[Fred]

Thanks Guys !  

For Alan, the paint is from Crown. Gloss, 1 coat. The color is "Scooter red". That's the brand I've used on the Grunau, and the paint is still looking good. And the paint resist to the tape aswell... So, not bad.

Joe, hopefully, I'll be able to fly it during the week, this Week End will be the last possible moment to fly it. otherwise, I'll do the maiden the Thursday / friday before retroplane if the weather is not good enough here.

The Ka3 will be completely finish tonight !    Just some paint touches to do, but ready to fly !

Fred

[Alan_Perse]

Is that Crown Exterier or Interier Paint. I didn't think that paint would be suitable for models. Does it stick well to the covering film? Do you varnish the model after you paint it?
By the way, if I forget later on, have a good time guys at Retroplane.

[Fred]

Hi Alan,
I've used both (exterior / interior).
But I use this paint on solartex (fabric texture).
No varnish at all for gliders. And the covering is great ! A bit heavy, but that's more than acceptable !

But if you use that paint on oracover, you must unpolish the oracover (fine sanding using 1200 grain) and use varnish (polyurethane one) on planes because of the fuel.

And thanks for Retroplane ! Leaving Ireland next week for France  

Fred

[Alan_Perse]

So would Solartex would be the best film for painting on, even for scale models of Glass Gliders? I persume its iron on?

[Fred]

Hi Alan,

Solartex is the best to paint on... because you don't need much preparation before painting !    So, that's great for lazy guys like myself !  :lol:

In fact, that depend of the effect you want to obtain.
Solartex, you have fabric texture, so, that will suit vintage models (planes and gliders).
For fiber glass type gliders, the best is to use Oracover. And you will have the plastic finish. Your B4 have certainly oracover on the wings.
The other method on foam wings, is to use epoxy and fiberglass. A it of filler and sanding and that's ready to paint, still with a smooth plastic finish.

Now, if you want to paint on oracover, you must prepare the surface by sanding the oracover (use water 1200 grain). Some use primer, but that's expensive. The sanding cost less... May be not for your harm ok..
Otherwise, your paint will not stay long on the model.
Then, you can varnish if you want, but that's not necessary on a glider.

Let me know if you have any questions, or if I'm not clear enough ! It's still early in the morning...

Need my coffee now !  

Fred

[Fred]

Forgot..

All iron of course !


Fred

[Fred]

Here is the Ka3 as it was yesterday evening !  :



and




All servos fitted and so on... Ready to fly !
Just the paint need to be finished (not a lot to do..).

Hope to do a launch on sunday, or monday evening at last.

I will complete the test flight in France before Retroplane.

Fred

[Alan_Perse]

WOW  :shock: . That nice. The paint job looks great. Will you be selling the plans for the Ka3. I wouldn't mind getting a copy.

[Fred]

Thanks Alan,

Yes, plans are on the way (first bunch tomorrow !   ... )

Short kit will be available too for this glider. But have to wait for me to come back from France.

And I don't forget your B25 plan you won !!  

Fred

[Alan_Perse]

   

[Fred]

That's it !

The Ka3 has made is maiden flight yesterday between the showers !  

Short flight, and very close to us (Thanks Joe for the launch !), but now, I know she flys, and pretty well !

So, a proper test flight need to be done now, but I'm confident now and can go to France tomorrow with peace of mind !

Fred

[Alan_Perse]

Have a good time

[Fred]

Hop, here are some pictures of the Ka3 in flight :

http://www.gliderireland.net/ka3flight.htm

Enjoy !

Fred