Semroc USS Andromeda KV-97, Part 8, Gluing The Radiator Rings

The trailing edge tip of the large wing/fin is even with the end of the body tube.
The picture shows how the top ring will fit into the root edge notch in the fin.






With the ring glue on, double check using the fin to be sure the back of the fin is even with the tube end.







Glue a ring, add a narrow fillet on each side, then glue on another ring.
TIP:You'll find it easier to fillet each ring individually as they are close together.
Use the same technique to glue on the second and third ring.

Here's all three rings in place prior to gluing on the two large and two smaller notched fins.

Apogee Fly-Away Rail Guides, Build, Part 3, Finished

Double check the fit around a body tube. I painted my competition models and the fit was a little tight. The rail guides didn't immediately fly off the tube when released.

I wrapped some 220 grit sandpaper around a body tube and sanded the inside diameter slightly larger.

The instructions recommend painting the guides a bright color. Apparently they can fly off and land 10 feet from the launcher. A bright fluorescent color will be easier to find on the ground.

After painting the small rubber bands were pulled into the slots to join the two halves.

Here's how they fit around a BT-20 tube.
Notice the stretched rubber band at the bottom.
At the center top is the "T" shaped halves that slide into the launch rail.

These fly-away rail guides are another great example of what can be made using a laser cutter.

Apogee Fly-Away Rail Guides, Build, Part 2

The hold down tics are small, but the plywood is thick. It took a little work to cut through them and free up the parts.

Here's both sides from one set showing how they back each other up to fit around the boy tube.

The piece on the left hasn't been sanded, the right side has been cleaned up.

It's not necessary to sand off the burnt edges but I did anyway.
I used a combination of 220 grit sandpaper and my diamond files.







The long side brace pieces are glued into the notches.









After the glue dries the sides were cleaned up.

Apogee Fly-Away Rail Guides, Build, Part 1

 It's been written that launch lugs contribute to 20% of the drag on a model rocket.
Along with the pop-lugs, Fly-Away Rail Guides can leave the lugs on or near the launcher while the rocket continues upward.

These Fly-Away Guides are from Apogee. They also require a 1010 Aluminum Extrusion Rail to launch the rocket.

There are two complete guides in each kit. Five small orthodontic rubber bands are also in the bag. Four are needed, one extra is added.

Here's the bottom of the laser cut plywood.
There is some areas where the laser didn't cut all the way through to the bottom. It's understandable, this is 1/8" thick plywood.