Dumb question

[nmroberto]

Having never built a WWI aircraft before I'm more than a little clueless about some things.

Could you tell me what rib tapes were for?

[Des]

No such thing as a dumb question, we have all asked these type of questions at some point in time.

Rib tapes are/were used to strengthen the fabric where it is attached to the ribs. The tapes reinforce the area where the fabric is in contact with the ribs, (or any other skeletal part of the framework) they were either placed onto the ribs before the fabric covering was added or after the fabric covering was fitted.

Des.

[nmroberto]

Thanks.

Were the tapes made of the same fabric that covered the wings?

[ALBATROS1234]

yes same type fabric. the actual wing fabric was stitched directly on to the rib cap which was a fabric covered strip nailed to the rib,called a rib cap or cap strip, then they took a strip of fabric or "rib tape"and stuck it on top sticking it down with "dope" which was a type of coating that made the fabric more stiff when applied to a fabric covered structure. in this case the dope was the  glue that held the rib tape in place.

[Des]

Thanks Scott for answering the question, the only thing I can add is that the rib tapes were not always the same colour as the fabric used on the aircraft.

Des.

[Ernie]

Roberto, I'm glad Des and Scott answered your question. 
Don't worry about dumb questions...there are none, except
maybe going into a toilet stall and asking "what's that for"?
Everyone starts at the beginning, so you aren't alone in this.
Enjoy your modelling, my friend.

Cheers,
Ernie