CLICK HERE
It usually takes a while for new kit instructions to be posted. For all those waiting for their kit, this could be some good "pre-build" reading.
Step 2 has you remove a 1/16" section from a short length of tube. The third illustration shows it is glued on the outside of the tube. The ring will support the raised band at the rear of the wrap. (Thanks to Rick Randol for the correction!)
The double thickness centering rings (Part E) have cut-outs to keep the weight down in the back end.
Six pats of clay nose weight are included. Some goes in the upper escape rocket, more is pressed into the top of the capsule.
The rubber shock cord is tied to a notch in the upper centering ring of the engine mount.
There are LOTS of plastic detail pieces (Parts L, M, N, O and P) shown on page 3.
The parts illustration doesn't show the water slide decal sheet.
Painting direction is vague. From all I've read, chrome paint is difficult to use. The instructions don't say if the corrugated section is painted silver or chrome.
The do say a clear coat can be applied. A clear coat could dull the metallic finish.
A single 24" parachute is used. I would probably go with the 24" chute on the body and a 15" on the capsule, tied so it lands with the tower pointing up.
Check out page 10 and 11 of the old Centuri instructions for how to rig the Command Module parachute: CLICK HERE
Referring to the more detailed Centuri instructions might answer any questions regarding the CM and tower assembly. (The CM and tower are from the old Centuri molds.)
15 to 16 squares of wadding? The body tube is 3.4" diameter.
Yeah, I know, I'm being picky. I don't even have the kit in my hands.
Looking at the instructions, these are some points that might help out those first builds.
Ya know...
ReplyDeleteThose "G" centering rings look like a good candidate for a 6/18mm + 1/24mm cluster...
Just sayin' ;^)
Chris, go back and check the step with the ring that you remove 1/16" of. I'm pretty sure it does glue on the outside of the main body. I think it supports a raised section of the vac formed body wrap. Also, if it went inside the tube it would block the engine centering rings. That's just the way it looks to me.
ReplyDeleteRick Randol
Hi Rick,
DeleteYou are right! I thought if you are cutting out a segment of the short ring, you might be fitting it inside the main body tube. In the wrap illustration you can almost see the low band is raised and would need the support. Thanks! Correction made in the post.
Hope you are following the New Way Demon build. Great kit!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/auq8s5gdpJo
ReplyDeletehope this is ok to post
Hi Metalhead,
DeleteSure it's okay!
That is the Mercury test vehicle. I would think Estes would be coming out with a Mercury Little Joe kit now that the capsule is being produced again.
I've always wanted to build a scale Mercury Little Joe model but after seeing James Duffy's work, I'll probably wait for the kit!
Those closing credits are a "Whos-Who" of scale modeling.