Thanks for the reply.
If this was new construction I would have made the ribs as per the plans. I don't have the plans to this model.
I've used this "tape at each end method" many times over the years for many models.
The Gee Bee Z for example, the kit I bashed had just enough ribs to get by. The ribs I added, for a more scale appearance were oversized, tape prevents the existing ribs from being sanded. Beat the tape up simply replace it. I start out with two layers.
Yes, the "T" bar has sandpaper from end to end and I sand right over the tape area.
A time saver because one can quick cut rip material and stick it in place quickly.
I did the wing to the Stuka this way. The half ribs I added to the Flite Streak 007 I did this way, same with the Mig-3's half ribs. Gotta remember, I'm used to doing this. I'm gifted in all facets of various types of model building.
I will restore the finish as best I can. It's been 4 months since the damage, so heartbroken it took a bit of time for me to get around to the repairs.