The removable fin was slipped on to align the rivot decal lines with the other fins.
I used a dry strip to check the angles so they were consistent with the other fins and straight out from the lines on the body tube.
In a June 15 comment, Scott Johnson asked for pictures of the detachable fin off and on the body.
Here's the hook fin by itself, it was masked off to allow the gloss finish to remain. The smoother paint makes it easier to slide on the fin.
The bottom in place. Decals and a dull coat applied.
I took an 18" parachute from one of the Estes clearance kits I bought a year ago. These newer parachutes have a vintage look.
This model might be entered in the NARAM Classics event. Even though the original kit had a 1980s print chute, I wanted the parachute to look more traditional.
Now that I see the removable fin both on and off... why is it removable in the first place? Is it actually needed or just traditional to this model.
ReplyDeleteHi Scott,
DeleteWho knows, without talking to the original designer. I read where it was removable to allow the model to lay horizontally on a shelf. The instructions do say (for stability) to launch only with the extra fin in place.