"DOPE" What is it? (no pun inteneded)

Hi Mark,
I have just started on a couple Guillows stick and tissue models myself.
Aero Gloss is the right stuff to get. It is now put out by midwest products.
I cannot find it in my local hobby store. Check out there web site at:
http://www.midwestproducts.com/

Dope for stick/string/paper models is a clear lacquer which acts as a glue to hold the tissue covering, and reinforces the tissue if it is to be painted, though most cheap rubber band propelled models won't fly if they are painted because of weight.

Mark,

I have some experience with dope. I have built 3 Guillows kits in recent years. I built them for display, did not fly them.

I used Aero Gloss dope. Also used the stuff some as a kid building control line models for .049 gas engines.

Looking at a bottle, the main label just says Midwest Aero Gloss, but to the right of it the text says "The original hot fuel proof dope system...". They make 3 types of finishing products I believe, dope being one of them. I think you might still find bottles that say Pactra on them. I think Midwest bought the products from Pactra, or there is some relationship between the two of some kind.

Your kit probably came with a little instruction book about how to finish the frame with the tissue and dope it. I found that helpful.

Use in a well ventallated area! This stuff is very volatile. For my last project I even bought a charcol filtered respirator. It really helped. Those paper mask type things will not be good enough.

I don't know that there is any help in using the products there, but here is Midwest Products web site: http://www.midwestproducts.com/

Here is the last Guillow kit I did. It is their kit # 405
http://www.safeplace.net/darienk/p40_02.jpg

Oh, and just for fun too if you don't know, here is the Guillow web site: http://www.guillow.com/

Feel free to ask me any questions. Not to say I am an expert, but might be able to help.

On fabric covered airplanes, clear dope was applied to the fabric. It woud shrink and stretch out wrinkles in the fabric as it dried. Silver dope was also often used as a color undercoat - it served as an ultaviolet shield for the fabric. Colored dope was then used for the final finish. Just as with models, I believe that dope has been pretty much replaced by new finishing technologies.

here's some info on this site: http://www.modelairplanenews.com/how_to/tissue_cover.asp

I think dope falls somewhere between a glue and a laquer, it smells terrible.

Generally its used to strengthen and waterproof fragile frame coverings like the paper on your model.

From what I understand, its fairly old methodology by today's radio control standards so even if you go to a specialist store you may end up needing to special order it.

All I know is dope is a type of glue, if I am not mistaken. Try a hobbyshop that deals with radio control aircraft. Good luck.
lee