The finished look is good.
If I were to make another, I'd be tempted to add a clear coat to the decals before transfer onto the model to get them a little thicker and maybe prevent stretching.
The engines are the most difficult part of the build. These show what is possible with laser cutting.
Here's the nose cone showing the black square decals in place.
The back end view.
What can I say, looks great once again good job. Also have you noticed when the balsa grain on these new Estes kits is filled, it will rise when you shoot a coat of primer? Or is it just me?
ReplyDeleteHi Scigs,
DeleteI've noticed that on some balsa. It usually is on one side (or face) of the fins. I don't remember seeing that when I was in my teens.
A few years back, somebody mentioned that Estes had switched over to Tung wood. I posted that on the blog. I asked Bill Stine, he said they were still using balsa. Makes me wonder if the current kit balsa is grown in a different part of South America? It is certainly stiffer than the wood I saw in the 1970s.
Looks great Chris, as always. The one thing I really don't like is the motor retainer. It looks totally out of place. The adt end of a sleek rocket like that should also be sleek ans aerodynamic. If I ever build one of these, I would save it for another build.
ReplyDeleteHi Metal,
DeleteThe retainer look didn't bother me too much. I can see why they went with this. The rear shroud is long and narrow, trying to notch the card stock and put an engine hook would be difficult.
The threaded “ring nut” part can have the knurled ridges sanded smooth - there’s plenty of “meat” on it - which would clean up the look of the retainer. And if you’re not inclined to sand it down some red detail paint on the ridges might give it an interesting look too.
DeleteI suppose one modification is to use the exterior tape masking tape wrap for motor retention as used on some minimum-diameter rocket rather than the screw-on retainer. Basically the motor would be position such that the back projects beyond the end of the motor mount tube. and a wrap of masking tape goes over both the motor and the motor mount tube -- the tape keeps the motor from being spat out when the ejection charge goes off.
DeleteMagnificent work, Chris. I'm sure a lot of people (myself included) are thinking that with a Trajector/Cosmic Interceptor nose cone this would make a nice upscale.
ReplyDelete