A question I get asked all the time is “Where do I apply stitches and pinked tape?” After some research and investigation, I have come to the point that this can vary to some degree.
Stitches. Stitches on the tail surfaces, and inboard wing ribs (inside the slipstream) should be spaced from 2 to 2 1/2 inches apart. Outside of the inboard ribs can be spaced as much as 3 to 4 inches apart. It is very common for one to stitch the whole plane in 2to 2 1/2 inches spacing. Although I have yet to try to reproduce it on a scale model, every stitch needs a knot. There are a couple basic knots that were used, but the most common know is half hitch. Look at the above drawing, where you see yellow that is where stitches go. In the drawing you will notice a sold area on the leading edge. On the old Cub this was a strip of metal, and this area was not stitched. I started my stitching on the wing just past the sheeting on the leading edge.
Pinked tape. Pinked tape is also called reinforcement tape as it helped to reinforce areas in the covering. As with stitches, the Pinked tape can vary big time on a Cub. First there should be tape over any area that is stitched. Tape was also applied where the fabric covering was joined together or made a sharp bend. Tape can also be found in areas where the fabric may rub the structure under the fabric. Looking back at the above drawing I used 1/2-inch-wide tape over all stitches and anywhere you see yellow or green. I used 1-inch tape on the leading edge where it is dark blue. For where the 1-inchtape goes to the 1/2 (wing tips) I tapered the tape down to size and re cut the pinks with a hobby knife. I did not do it on my cub but in the drawing where you see all the crossbars on the side and bottom of the fuselage, there was tape applied over this area. On the front I trimmed the pinks off one side of the tape and applied this behind the boot on the front of the fuselage. Then when I glassed the boot area I let the finish cure come up flush to the flat edge of the tape. I hope this has cleared up some questions out there.
