Q592: I’ve heard of a resin that can adhere fiberglass cloth to a balsa structure. The claim is that it is also useful as a finishing resin, and best of all, it can be cleaned up with water. No solvent is necessary. Can you provide any information about this product?
A592: The name of the product is Eze-Kote laminating and finishing resin. It is manufactured by Deluxe Materials, which is based in the United Kingdom. It is distributed in the US by Horizon Hobby. The Deluxe Materials and Horizon Hobby websites can be found in “Sources.”
Eze-Kote is classified as a laminating and finishing resin intended for balsa and foam-constructed models. It is single component, meaning it does not have two separate parts that must be mixed. You use it straight out of the 500ml bottle.
It is practically odorless and is water based, so clean up is easy. You can brush it onto balsa and lightweight glass cloth to create a tough, ding- and fuel-resistant film that can be easily sanded and painted after approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The price of a bottle is $20-$23.
To my surprise, there is much more to the Deluxe Materials product line. Its website indicated such things as glass-fiber laminating fabric (in four different weights), foam-safe glues, covering film adhesive, foam and balsa fillers, Eze-Dope (that shrinks tissue covering), odorless CA cement, glue buster (debonder), and microballoon filler.
Deluxe Materials representatives had a booth at this year’s annual Weak Signals Toledo RC Expo.
TIP 593: In the April 2012 issue of MA, my column contained a detailed reference to a covering material known as Doculam, or Clearfilm. I covered this subject in depth at that time and also provided source information. This covering comes only in clear, but it can easily be painted and is inexpensive.
In that column, I mentioned its source as the Oregon Laminations Company. I indicated that a 500-foot roll of Doculam (1.5 mil thermal roll glossy film) with a 25-inch width was $45, plus shipping.
Reader and AMA member, Ralph Anderson, wrote to tell me that he purchased a 9-inch-wide roll (500 feet long) for $11, plus $5.95 shipping. You can buy single rolls (the website defaults to a two-roll purchase, but you can change that) and shipping takes approximately four days.
The 9-inch roll would work on models with wing chords up to 8 inches—a park flyer-size model. The one roll could last you a lifetime. I’ve had some of this material for more than 20 years and it still adheres and shrinks as well as the day I bought it. Thanks for the information, Ralph!
Q594: Can you tell me more about a new and very popular EPP foam-constructed hovercraft that is available in kit form?
A594: The AirBug Hovercraft is not an airplane, but it can offer much fun at indoor RC flying sessions. Racing these little, electric-powered hovercraft has become a popular diversion from flying aircraft indoors during the winter months.
The supplier is located in the United Kingdom. Individual kits sell for $32.50, plus shipping, but quantity purchases can drastically reduce the kit price.
Power comes from a separately purchased, 3,000 Kv 9-gram brushless motor operating from a two-cell 450 mAh LiPo battery. The supplier, known as FatFlyer, can provide all of the supporting equipment that you will need.
In operation, the air developed by the shrouded propeller is partially deflected downward, causing the AirBug to hover approximately 3mm above the floor. Control is accomplished with twin rudders and motor throttle. I’ve seen videos of several races that looked like a lot of fun. Check out the website in “Sources.”
Follow-up to Q586: In the FAQ that appeared in the February 2014 MA, I mentioned that noted modeler and author, Cal Orr, had successfully converted an old Kraft Systems dual-stick RC transmitter to operate on 2.4 GHz spread spectrum. He did that by modifying the original Kraft synthesized transmitter module.
Cal has since modified a Kraft Signature single-stick transmitter. I’ve included a photo. I also listed Cal’s email address in the “Sources” in case you would like to contact him for detailed information.
