Thursday, September 17, 2020

Estes Colonial Viper #1310, Part 4, Cutting The Nose Cone Angle & Clay Plug

The original Estes kit had a custom plastic nose cone, the tip cut off at around a 45 degree angle.

I don't have an original nose cone to go by, I'll guess and hopefully get it close. The top of the angle cut will be about 2 1/2" from the shoulder.



The end was cut off with my razor saw.

Slow and steady, let the saw teeth do the work.
There will be almost 1/2 oz of clay weight in the hollow plastic shoulder piece. I didn't want the clay to melt on a hot day. I'll make a plug to prevent the clay from running out the bottom hole. 

Trace around the end of the plug on 110 lb. card stock. Cut out with scissors, trimming smaller until you get a good fit. You'll have to cut small arcs to clear the inside ribs.

3 comments:

  1. Hey Chris, another option to plug the hole would be to place a piece of cellophane tape over the hole, then fill it with a bit of epoxy. When cured, remove the tape. I have done this on many bulkheads when using a U bolt instead of an eye bolt. It is quick and effective. As you say, there are many ways to build a rocket.

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  2. Maybe try epoxy clay for nose weight?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Smitpa,
      You could use epoxy clay, that would solve any concerns about melting. Regular modeling clay was handy and easy to weigh.

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