Semroc Sam 3 Build, Part 10, Kit Differences and Decals

The old Centuri instructions have you glue the upper (3 piece) fin assembly with the rear edge 1/4" from the end of the ST-7 tube.









The Semroc instructions have you glue the 3 piece upper fin assemblies 1/8" above the exposed end of the upper tube.

That throws things off when you go to redraw some decals.
There is a black scalloped wrap decal that should fit in that 1/4" space.

There are some white decals, I'll only be able to print up some black accent pieces.

I drew the scalloped wrap much thinner, but will probably still have to trim it to fit.

Estes Photon Probe #3026 Build, Part 7, Fin Placement Differences

I don't understand why there are inconsistencies in a reissue kit. It's not a big deal, it's just curious.

The older kit has squared fin edges, shown in the upper part of the picture.
The reissue kit has rounded leading edges.




The forward "dorsal" fin positions aren't consistent. In the original kit (above) they are spaced at 3/4" and 2 1/2" up from the end of the strip.
On the reissue kit they are placed 5/8" and 2 3/8" from the back.

EDIT: Phil pointed out in a comment that in the older kit the measurements are taken from the back end of the strip. In the re-issue kit the measurements are made from the top of the taper! If the bevels are consistent, the measurements marks are actually in the same place in both kits. How did I miss that?




Here's the fins from one kit.
All parts got a coat of CWF and smooth sanding.