Vintage Model Co CESSNA 140, Manual, Page: 20 / 36

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COVERING
The tissue in the kit is used to provide a ‘skin’ over
the balsa wood framework. The basic idea is that
the tissue is attached to the framework and then
sprayed with water and then left to dry. As the tissue
dries, it shrinks and tightens. For flying indoors
this can be left ‘as is’, however, sealing the tissue is
advisable if you intend to fly your model outside, as
it makes the tissue more durable and stops it going
‘saggy’ if it is damp or humid. Traditionally, cellulose
dope was used for sealing the tissue (thus the
process is often called ‘doping’). Cellulose dope is
pretty smelly and is now frowned upon for shipping
by post making it hard to obtain unless you have
an old fashioned model shop in your locality. Two
alternatives are available:
Clear lacquer This is available at many DIY stores
in spray cans. The model can be given a single coat
of it once it is built, but before the paper decals are
applied. If you use this method then make sure that
you only apply a light coat. It is very easy to get
carried away with it and add a lot of weight!
Eze Dope This is a modern replacement for
cellulose dope, and being water based it is fine to
be shipped by post. This is thinned (30% Eze-Dope
to 70% water) and then brushed on the tissue
after it has been shrunk. If you choose to use the
Eze-Dope, then you should shrink the tissue with
a 5% solution of it (rather than plain water) and
pin the model parts down each time you apply a
coat, as you do when you shrink them following the
instructions overleaf:
VMC Instruction Booklet - Cessna 140 OCT18.indd 20 23/10/2018 18:22