I have been given an old Bi Plane that has been partly covered by what appears to be a yellow silk material. there is still some left in the box. I am just wondering what the material is and how does it adhere to the frame.
OR am I just better to start all over again?

Regards Hal

Hal - it could be silk or nylon, in which case it is typically fixed on with "cellulose dope" - a paint-on liquid that can adhere to cloth and wood, and is then brushed or sprayed on (thinned down) in several coats to shrink it tight. It could also be one of many heatshrink products with a cloth weave, but it sounds like the former. People still use nylon and silk - very strong and hardwearing and can be lovely in skilled hands, but can be very heavy and saggy in beginners hands.

You can get heatshrink films with a texture if you want. These are easy to work with and often quicker. Depends what you want to achieve. I haven't used nylon/silk for 30 years, but then I'm not the most dedicated of craftsmen!

Clive