ground markings

airdoc · 03-07-2004, 05:27 PM

I am about to start making the ground markings on my model. I've already made lines for concrete on the apron, and I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out (used a 0.3 mm archival marker).

Although I have seen posts on this subject in the past, I really could use some advice on what people are using (and maybe some close up photos of results) for ground markings.

I managed to buy some 1/32 inch yellow tape, but my local model shop only had about 25 feet of it, and it's not going to be enough.

How are people making the rounded lines for corners on taxiways? Does the tape bunch up?

Do paint markers give better results? Do these markers leave too much paint at the end of lines?

Is there some other medium I should consider?

Also, for the runway markings, any suggestions?

Thanks a lot in advance.

aviatorisu · 03-07-2004, 09:05 PM

I went to my local hobby shop and bought some of this trim tape made by Pactra. I got a variety of colors, mostly red, white, and yellow, but they don't stock very many canisters at a time, so I usually have to wait about a week for them to get more in. Usually gives me enough time to use the current stock up. As far as performance, it adheres very well, and as long as I lay it out in advance, curves well too. I pick them up for about $4 a canister and you get like 6 different widths in each one...BONUS!
(sorry for the blurry photos)

~Z~

aviatorisu · 03-07-2004, 09:06 PM

Works very well for taxiway markings AND runway markings!

(layoff my hairy leg!!

)

~Z~

sqpax · 03-09-2004, 06:08 AM

I've tried the Pactra product. Excellent adhesion. However, I find it's bloody expensive.......pay over $7 CAD per roll and it's only six feet long. Yes, you get six different widths, but usually end up buying the roll for just one width, two at the most.

I find 1/16" wide tape is fine for taxiway and apron markings. I've been buying the old style automotive "double pinstripe" rolls. The narrow line is 1/16" and the wider one is 1/8" which I can also use in some areas. Best part is that there are 36 feet to a roll and it costs just over $4 CAD per roll.

If you don't stretch it too much and go nice and slow, you can make the corners relatively smooth. If it bunches up in a corner, try taking a dish towel and laying it over the taped area then on a low heat, use your iron on the cloth over the wrinkled surface and it should be fine. Alternately, try a hair dryer!

aviatorisu · 03-09-2004, 01:06 PM

Dang Pax! I pick it up for $4 a roll here! Want me to mail you some?

You are right though. More often than not, I do use only one or two of the strips. However, when it comes to Runways and all of the markings that go with, I can't beat that white Pactra roll. I use almost every one!
~Z~

sqpax · 03-09-2004, 01:44 PM

Thanx aviatorisu but I think that $4.00 USD is about $500.00 Canadian these days!

aviatorisu · 03-09-2004, 02:07 PM

LMAO

ramprat · 03-16-2004, 06:11 PM

you can get Pactra Trim Tape in assorted colors at Tower Hobbies

http://www.towerhobbies.com/

03-07-2004, 05:27 PM	#1
airdoc Junior Collector Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas Age: 32 Posts: 11	ground markings I am about to start making the ground markings on my model. I've already made lines for concrete on the apron, and I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out (used a 0.3 mm archival marker). Although I have seen posts on this subject in the past, I really could use some advice on what people are using (and maybe some close up photos of results) for ground markings. I managed to buy some 1/32 inch yellow tape, but my local model shop only had about 25 feet of it, and it's not going to be enough. How are people making the rounded lines for corners on taxiways? Does the tape bunch up? Do paint markers give better results? Do these markers leave too much paint at the end of lines? Is there some other medium I should consider? Also, for the runway markings, any suggestions? Thanks a lot in advance.

03-07-2004, 09:05 PM	#2
aviatorisu Cunning Linguist Join Date: Sep 2003 Age: 31 Posts: 1,300	I went to my local hobby shop and bought some of this trim tape made by Pactra. I got a variety of colors, mostly red, white, and yellow, but they don't stock very many canisters at a time, so I usually have to wait about a week for them to get more in. Usually gives me enough time to use the current stock up. As far as performance, it adheres very well, and as long as I lay it out in advance, curves well too. I pick them up for about $4 a canister and you get like 6 different widths in each one...BONUS! (sorry for the blurry photos) ~Z~ __________________ Aeroclassics = GreenBox = Pan Am Models = Andrew Klein

03-07-2004, 09:06 PM	#3
aviatorisu Cunning Linguist Join Date: Sep 2003 Age: 31 Posts: 1,300	Works very well for taxiway markings AND runway markings! (layoff my hairy leg!! ) ~Z~ __________________ Aeroclassics = GreenBox = Pan Am Models = Andrew Klein

03-09-2004, 01:06 PM	#5
aviatorisu Cunning Linguist Join Date: Sep 2003 Age: 31 Posts: 1,300	Dang Pax! I pick it up for $4 a roll here! Want me to mail you some? You are right though. More often than not, I do use only one or two of the strips. However, when it comes to Runways and all of the markings that go with, I can't beat that white Pactra roll. I use almost every one! ~Z~ __________________ Aeroclassics = GreenBox = Pan Am Models = Andrew Klein

03-09-2004, 02:07 PM	#7
aviatorisu Cunning Linguist Join Date: Sep 2003 Age: 31 Posts: 1,300	LMAO __________________ Aeroclassics = GreenBox = Pan Am Models = Andrew Klein

03-09-2004, 06:08 AM	#4
sqpax Senior Collector Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 275	I've tried the Pactra product. Excellent adhesion. However, I find it's bloody expensive.......pay over $7 CAD per roll and it's only six feet long. Yes, you get six different widths, but usually end up buying the roll for just one width, two at the most. I find 1/16" wide tape is fine for taxiway and apron markings. I've been buying the old style automotive "double pinstripe" rolls. The narrow line is 1/16" and the wider one is 1/8" which I can also use in some areas. Best part is that there are 36 feet to a roll and it costs just over $4 CAD per roll. If you don't stretch it too much and go nice and slow, you can make the corners relatively smooth. If it bunches up in a corner, try taking a dish towel and laying it over the taped area then on a low heat, use your iron on the cloth over the wrinkled surface and it should be fine. Alternately, try a hair dryer!

03-09-2004, 01:44 PM	#6
sqpax Senior Collector Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 275	Thanx aviatorisu but I think that $4.00 USD is about $500.00 Canadian these days!

03-16-2004, 06:11 PM	#8
ramprat Junior Collector Join Date: May 2003 Location: portland Age: 24 Posts: 25	pactra you can get Pactra Trim Tape in assorted colors at Tower Hobbies http://www.towerhobbies.com/ __________________ looking for Evergrenn International 747 or any others ups and fedex models any gse or airport peices

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