The instructions show tube type plastic cement. I used brush-on liquid cement.
The fin can halves were pressed together dry.
The internal joints were brushed with the liquid cement while holding the joints closed and tight. Just the internal joints and at the top and bottom of the fin can got brushed on glue.
The fins slide into the bottom of the slot and are pressed up, locking them in place.
TIP: You really don't have to glue these fins in place. With the fins off you could easily fit this rocket in your range box. Slide in and lock the fins in place with the retaining ring at the flying field
On the left, the black ring isn't screwed all the way up yet. Notice the little bit of the slot still showing.
On the right, with the ring tight the fins are locked in place! They can't move up or down.
You could glue the fins in place but why? If a fin were to break, you've got a much easier fix.
I agree, I don't glue the fins on any estes kit where the retainer Locks them in, so they can be replaced if damaged, and I have had no issues.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteLooking at it from a viewpoint of an experienced builder, why would the instructions say to glue in the fins?
It's a great question! It may be it is because they just always glue fins. in test flights at Estes in Colorado, maybe unglued fin roots have more damage in landing on hard surfaces. Gluing also provides a gas seal should the retainer not be screwed down tightly. However since my retainers are holding the fins, they get screwed on tightly.
DeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteI'd rather not glue in the fins and let them "flex" on a hard landing. A glued (stiffer) fin might be more apt to crack.
The fin can is separated from the upper, open tube by a molded centering ring so there is little chance of any ejection gas pressure loss.
I agree 100%. I recently had a cato in a Phantom Blue (4$ clearance at hobby lobby), that melted a hole in the fin can, but I was able to remove two of the fins and use them on the replacement, saving me having to apply the stickers.
ReplyDelete