Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Estes Bullpup Build Nose Cone Lug Fix

An Email from Orlando R.O.C.K. President J. Brian Coyle:

Knowing you, you've probably already finished and flown the Bullpup a few times... ;)
But today's post about the nose lug flash reminded me of a concern.  The Bullpup requires a bit of nose weight.  I don't like relying that tiny piece of plastic to avoid separations. (Especially true if folks don't replace the too short stock elastic).
It's better to drill a pair of holes into the base and make a Kevlar loop to attach the recovery harness.
Can't wait to see this one!  Especially your new decals.

Thanks Brian - good tip!



Taking the suggestion from Brian's email, here's how I fixed it.
On the left is that lug with the shock cord tied on.
On the right - 
I cut a slot into the nose cone shoulder. 
Only one hole is cut in the angled shoulder, the elastic is fed through the already open base hole. 
Start with a smaller hole drilled with a older X-Acto blade.
This hole was enlarged into the rounded slot using the small diamond files.
No sharp corners on this slot, I don't want the elastic to wear through.
Not shown, The old plastic loop was cut off. 

As Brian suggested, you could use Kevlar instead and make the loop.

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