True Modeler's Rocket Kits NASA Scout Build, Part 4, Nozzle Forming

I like using a glue stick on shrouds. It's not as wet as liquid glue and can make for a cleaner joint.

I don't apply glue to the glue tab. Instead I apply glue to the shroud edge and press the tab into the shroud.







Applying glue to the shroud (and not the tab) leaves the exposed tab clean for the next step





More glue stick was wiped onto the inside of the shroud end and the glue tab pressed into the glue.
I use two clean dowels to press and seat the seam. Set a larger dowel under the joint and roll another dowel over the top. This is much quicker than holding the tab until the glue dries.

After a test fit down the BT-20 engine mount tube I found the small end to be too tight.
To widen the small end it was sanded on a block. The second nozzle shroud was set inside the shroud to be sanded for support.
Sand a little and check the fit. Repeat until you get a good friction fit over the tube.

True Modeler's Rocket Kits NASA Scout Build, Part 3, Nozzle Forming

The shroud and rear nozzle are printed on manila file folder card stock. Its a great material for shrouds.

The straight lines are cut first with a new blade and strait edge. After the straight lines are cut use scissors for the curved arc lines.

TIP: Before forming the nozzle check to find the smooth side of the card stock. Sometimes one side of the card stock that is smoother than the other side. Form the curve with the smoother side out.

Enlarge the picture and you can see the bottom image shows the smoother side. That side should end up on the outside of the shroud.

Form the shroud by rolling a clean dowel with the card stock in the soft heel of your palm. This method works better than dragging the card stock over the edge of a table top.
You'll just have to try it once to see how smooth the curve can be. No creases and no wrinkles.






Also form the inside glue tab over a dowel. This puts a small curve into the tab so it will be less visible under the shroud ends.

True Modeler's Rocket Kits NASA Scout Build, Part 2, More Parts

More parts of interest:
You are supplied with two sheets of shrouds. EVERY KIT SHOULD SUPPLY YOU WITH AN EXTRA SHROUD. You can make two of each, two nozzles and two 5/50 transitions.
Two lead fishing weights, two different sizes.
Shroud lines, pre-cut.
A 16" black nylon parachute with metal grommets
A peel and stick roll pattern



The fins are pre-cut from basswood.
Notice the root edge is marked with pencil.





Here's a closeup of the 5/50 centering rings. You can see how one is glued inside the other.

On the right is the same ring after being sanded flat.

True Modeler's Rocket Kits NASA Scout Build, Part 1, Parts

I don't know a lot about True Modeler's Rocket Kits, I picked this kit up on Ebay.
The website is still online, the last update was in 2009. I've emailed them to find out if the kits are still being produced but haven't received a response.

This kit is a scale model of the NASA Scout, # TMRK9801.
The model is 30.25" tall and flys with A8-3, B6-4 and C6-5 engines.
The lowest tube is a BT-60, the upper sections are BT-50 and a BT-5.

Some parts of interest:
The conical BT-5 sized nose cone.
Two thick 5/50 centering rings, made up from 5/20 rings glued into 20/50 rings.
1/8' wide elastic shock cord, a little short at 16" long.
A small tri-fold shock cord mount printed on thin paper.
Three pre-cut fins, cut from 3/32" thick basswood
20/50 centering rings die-cut from thin cards stock.