Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Estes Scout Ship Nova Build #1392, Build, Part 2, Engine Mount




The BT-20 engine mount tube needs a slit cut for the upper bend of the engine hook.
TIP: For more support when cutting, I slipped the engine block into the top of the tube.


These engine mount parts came from the Starship Nova kit. The old Nova Scout Ship didn't use a split centering ring.
To allow movement of the engine hook (there is very little hook movement on a 20/50 mount) the ring positions were moved.





The glue on the split ring dried while slipped into the BT-50H body tube.
The 150 lb. Kevlar was tied around the upper bend of the engine hook.
TIP: Cut the loose end of the Kevlar cleaner by using wire cutters instead of scissors. Kevlar is like wire anyway, why not?




Here's the finished mount, a combination of old and new.

3 comments:

  1. Pair of Harbor Freight's finest spring loaded wire cutters are my go-to's for Kevlar - much cleaner cut than scissors or a hobby knife.

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  2. Chris and Openroad,
    I'll have to try your suggestion of using wirecutters to cut Kevlar. I found that you can get a clean cut with scissors, but you have to keep the Kevlar under tension (i.e. pulled tight) during the cut. Or cut a cord dried with a spot of wood glue, as mentioned here by Chris. Same thing with punching holes in mylar for parachutes. If you pull the mylar tight when punching the hole you can avoid the crinkling and bunching up that sometimes happens. Laters.

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    Replies
    1. Hi BAR,
      Put a scrap piece of cardstock (or cereal box cardboard) under the plastic parachute. It makes the rotary punch holes quick and clean without needing to stretch the plastic sheet.
      You'll have to try the wire cutters for Kevlar. After you've used them once you won't go back to scissor or a knife. Kevlar can really dull a knife blade.

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