Radio Control: Pylon Racing

HIBERNATING winter months good time rebuild fleet Py ion Racers Dont forget take proper care radio gear Dont just throw corner Now would good time check wiring connectors etc Yes take radio out go through completely needs servicing cant send back dealer whomever use service Dont wait till springtime everyone else sends radios too will get faster service mightdue fact service people wont rushedjust get better job Oh yeah Dont neglect batteries Al ways charge up least once month have battery cyclers use Ive seen share people come out spring new planes crash due bad batteries build fiberglass helpful article model glass fuselage finishing techniques written good friend Art Arro Just about Pylon Racer except maybe Quickie fliers employs molded fiberglass parts fuselages cowls wheel pants Pinholes surface bane finish ing parts some evident best glass work Over years Ive tried procedures get rid pinholes am finally satisfied following technique Credit due Bob Violett now fan-jet jockey formerly Pylon Racer am merely dissem inating technique first step thoroughly wash mold ed fiberglass parts warm water good dishwashing detergent remove traces mold-release agent may cause poor paint adhesion later Wipe parts clean hang up dry theyre dry inspect parts pinholes resin-dry areas seam imperfections Circle soft lead pencil resin-dry areas filled wet mix ture microballoons compatible resin patch completely cured block-sand areas blend surrounding area Try support inside fuselage possible during process However im perative limit sanding affected ar eas use masking tape shield areas already acceptable done prevent scratches further raising pinholes due excessive sanding Use similar treatment seam imperfec tions Masking tape really works well youre satisfied flaws rectified rub down entire part medium-grade scuff pad pads made 3-M available automotive-finish and/ hardware stores modern-day re placement steel wool Note must sand scuff entire fuselage before installing firewall holddowns etc prevent parts showing through Go ahead complete entire model until ready primer paint Check res drips and/or fingerprints remove scraping and/or careful sanding eliminate pinholes apply Bob Violetts Pinhole Filler using clean paper towel product made specifically filling pinholes apply like shoe polish shoes Use circular motion completely fill pinholes Allow dry haze hour two wipe off remaining filler clean paper towel Next spray heavy coat K&B Super poxy primer mixed primer catalyst spect result voids defects Fill mix microballoons Prather Miracletype Superpoxy primer dabbed small brush stick Note filler applied primer still curing stage Allow fiberglass parts cure overnight longer before sanding Use 220-grit sandpaper bonded block try remove much primer possible Wear dust mask youre dry-sanding appropriate clothing wet-sanding messy job finished fuselage molded part should have overall light haze primer solid white areas filling low spots minimum weight build up Now mix up blend K&B primer white paint 50/50 add appropriate catalyst Spray mix foundation base coat sand with 320-grit its cured Clean parts alcohol methanol youre ready apply color Ive tried technique finishing Prather QM Toni very pleased results pinhole filler available Bob Vio lett Models 1373 Citrus Road Winter Springs FL 32708 price $495 jar should enough handle several QM and/or Formula 1/FAI molded glass parts Give try know youll satisfied Once again thanks Art Arro sharing us have some helpful hints send Ill pass See next month 48 Model Aviation Radio Conoi Pylon Racing Bill Hager 706 Glen Haven Dr Conro TX 77302 Red Cranfill holds Shoestring Racer Clark Wade 1987 San Antonio TX races Clark came way Chicago Note both using ear plugs Ed Rankin gets ready fire up Polecat Dave Layman holds Ed won Gainesville 87