Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 3, Engine Mount Bands

The engine mount uses a reinforcement band under the top bend of the engine hook. It's a card stock wrap that strengthens the typically weak BT-20 tube.

The band goes around the tube. I used a shorter piece that will fit between the two surrounding fin roots.

The instructions also suggest masking tape over the engine hook. This textured tape wrap would be visible on the finished model.

I ended up using a card stock wrap instead of masking tape.
It'll be smoother and look better on the finished model.

The inset shows the wrap seam which was set down to be hidden under a fin root edge. Fins aren't glued on yet - this was just to show how the fin root line will sit over the wrap seam.

You can see the second coupler glued into the top of the engine mount tube.