Monday, July 27, 2015

Estes Mercury Redstone #1921 Build Part 24, Fin Masking

Masking a Mercury Redstone is a bit deceiving.
It looks like a such simple pattern. One hour into masking you think you are close to being done, then realize there is more tape to be set down!

I did my typical Scotch tape masks at the color separation lines then brown masking tape outside that.
The Scotch tape was set set on a glass patio door and a permanent marker line ran down the middle.
The marker center line was cut in two with a knife and straightedge.
That's the black on the tape line you see in the second picture.




The masking tape strips were set down on my pant leg and pulled up three or four times. This reduces the stickiness of the tape and makes for an easier removal.
TIP: The tape on the rudder piece has a lift tab on it. Just fold the tape over on itself the last 1/4" or so.




Here's the finished fin mask.
I know, it looks pretty messy. My main concern is the Scotch tape masks, those edges are well sealed and clean.
The masking tape is what makes the mask look clumsy. There are some extra small pieces covering up any areas I thought might still be open.

The horizontal color separation line height I picked was 15/16" from the bottom of the tube.

2 comments:

  1. I am about to paint this one, and that tidbit of info, color separation line at 15/16" from the tube bottom is very helpful. The old instructions just says midpoint of fin, not much detail on exactly where to start the black border on the fins.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Glen,
      It's a great kit except the instructions are vague, especially on the tower!

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