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TOPIC: Templates for Scale Model Jets

Templates for Scale Model Jets 7 years 6 months ago #580

  • rogersimmonds
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Hi Guys,
for some years now Howard Metcalfe, Rob Smith and I have been creating templates using readily available CAD and other programs like Paintshop pro. After printing on light paper or T-shirt transfer material these are then applied to balsa or Depron sheet..

The example below is for a T-38 Talon.


Roger Wathen, of PSST OFF newshett fame asks in a lovely posting:

"I'm interest in squiring templates for the Cutlass design you have. Also, want the templates for the ????? (have to tx it later). I would like them for the L-1, L-2, and for Jetex 50. Are the templates card stock material? I would like the color plate templates for the L-2 Cutlass. If you could send the instructions for making the color templates, method of gluing them and any other info I need, I would appreciate.
I know your price for the color templates is 17f I believe {?]. How do I pay for them by Pay Pal? I looked at your Jetex store but didn't see how to pay for the colored templates. Hope to hear from from you soon. As soon as I can remember the other Jet, I'll send it's name to you"


These may be questions others are asking, so I'll attempt a quick answer.

The Jetex.org part kits are supplied as fully coloured printed parts. I usually make these using dark or light T-shirt iron on transfer material.

I have not (yet) supplied these printed templates separately. For those who want templates I provide a PDF file they can print out on paper (or other) themselves, and apply to balsa as they wish. I have not charged for thos service.

Recently, I have been experimenting with templates printed on light sticky-back plastic. These were made for me by Jon Porter of microaces, whose website I would urge you to visit.

microaces.myshopify.com/

Now the actual material they use and the printing priocess (similar to 3D printing) is high-tech stuff and the price per template naturally reflects this.

The test printings I have tried so far have given good results:




Above: two Talons. The one behind is 'paper over balsa' (stuck on with airplane dope); the one in front is made using the new sticky plastic film.

Applying the film to balsa could not be easier - simply cut around shape, peel off and stick to untreated (but sanded) balsa.

The result is I think quite good - the plastic has a nice 'sheen', adheres well and is as light as my usual 'bond' paper.

The downsides are: (a) the depth of colour is not as good as paper or dark T-shirt transfer; (b) it is not as good as paper or T-shirt stuff at accommodating compound curves and, importantly, (c) we are looking at 3-4 GB pounds per sheet, at least two of which are needed per model.

I'm also not sure that microaces would welcome just printing the odd template for me on demand - it would not be cost effective for them (or me).

So, in answer to Roger W's questions: Computer files are provided free (as long as they are not passe on), but usually I provide a part kit.

I can provide templates on light paper or T-shirt transfer stuff but there is a steep 'learning curve' applying these to balsa. I have a published article how to do this, but I would think your average modeller would need 5-6 attempts before getting it right. T-shirt transfer material is not that cheep either.

Bottom line: at the moment I can provide a 'part kit' for any of my profile and semi-profile models. I can provide printed paper or T-shirt transfer material at say 3.50 GB pounds plus p&p) but until I liaise with microaces I cannot provide the sticky back plastic stuff which is, I think, much the easiest option for producing our little colourful semi scale profile jets. B)

If any folk are interested in these templates (for whichever model) let me know, and if there is enough interest I can negotiate with microaces and get some prices. :)



Above: a genuine Jetex T-38 ready to go. So far, the printed hi-tech sticky-back plastic film has stayed stuck on. The model needed two A3-size sheets of templates .... not as cheep as paper, but, boy, is it easier to apply! :P
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