The service module wrap was dry fitted around the straight, flat side of the nose cone. After marking it took a bit of trimming to get the right fit.
The service module wrap was pre-formed in the palm of my hand by rolling over it with a dowel.
It then got a thin coat of white glue on the back.
After it was in position and the seam lined up, a clean dowel was rolled over the seam.
The fit was good and after pressing and molding with the dowel the seam was almost invisible.
All the small conical shrouds had their ends sanded flat.This does two things.
1. It gets rid of any bumps making the gluing edges flat and even.
2. It also shapes the shroud edges for a better gluing surface on the edges.
If the edges are slightly thinned on the outside, like a "wedge", it's okay.
That'll make it easier to mold to the top of the adjoining shroud when the edge it wet with glue and pliable.
Chris, I'm really glad you covered this repair because as model rocketeers, we not only build rockets but eventually have to repair them. Even if you don't fly them they can still get damaged at home.
ReplyDeleteYou bet Lonnie!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder if it's worth it - trying to get a model back into flying shape. But I like a challenge and it can sharpen your skills for the next build.