Mini Wanderer

[Tmcfarland]

I’ve ordered a mini wanderer and really like the look in the web pictures of the black airframe (see photo) i was wondering if you used any particular type of paint or process on the balsa and if it has any affect on the covering and adhesion. Thanks for any info. Look forward to the build and the new power combo.
Tom

 

[Wayne]

First step is to sand the assemblies before painting.

We used whatever can of spray paint we had in the paint collection. We only painted the tail and wing. The trick is several VERY light coats. I think it would be better to use an airbrush so you can control the amount of paint being applied.

Try not to put too much paint on the parts, it is just dead weight. If you used spray paint, better let it cure a good 24 hours or more before covering. Spray paints don't cure very fast.

The paint had no effect on the film.

If you are really patient you could also use a large felt tip pen, but think that would take a long time, and probably still need some paint for the tight corners.

Painting the wood and then covering over with film gives a great look, but it can also give a bad look if you have a lot of sheeted areas that need to be covered. Basically you will be able to see every spot that the film adhered and did not adhere. Not a great look. Probably some good techniques that I do not know that would give a better result. Anyone have some tips for this??

 

[Tmcfarland]

Thank you.

 

[tomleach]

I wonder if a dark walnut water based stain would be lighter than paint? I wouldn’t use oil based stain since I don’t think the covering would ever stick to it.

 

[Tmcfarland]

Working on the mini wanderer today and noticed someone took the time to put Z bends on one end of the pushrods. Nice touch…thanks. That is one tiny motor!!! Great kit and fantastic instructions. I always do this but I am already wondering about a second set of wings with less dihedral and ailerons. Hmmm

 

[Wayne]

Rafael kit bashed his for ailerons with flatter wings. I personally think it is a little ugly. I could make up a flat aileron wing for it pretty quick, then we could have a Mini Katie II:

Katie II was basically a rotomolded Wanderer fuselage. Personally I'd stay with the stock Wanderer Tail.

This could be an easy project for us.