Estes Cosmic Interceptor Build, Part 24, Fitting The "T" Brace

The T pieces fit into a notch in the vertical S pieces. They sit high on the body tube and have to be sanded to fit. The T pieces should end up flat, parallel to the face of the large wing. 

The upper picture shows the start of the sand, a small bit has been sanded away. 

The bottom picture shows the angle sanded down so the T piece sits flat.

You can get a better fit against the body tube.

I wrapped some 220 grit around a dowel to make the flat root edge curved.

On the left, the curve has been sanded.

The right side picture shows the new root edge fit against the body tube.

You might have noticed the pre-painting of the areas inside and under and T pieces. If glued together it would be hard to get white paint under the covered surfaces.

Estes Cosmic Interceptor Build, Part 23, Wing Gluing

These large wing fins were difficult to glue on!

They remind me of the large Orbital Transport or even the Gyroc fins. You think they are tacked on then the weight of the fin pulls it off the body tube.

Looking from the rear - 

Make sure the fins are perpendicular before the glue sets up.

This fin required some tweaking.

On the left is an example of wood glue placed down the root edge.

TIP: Even out the glue line before placing on the body tube.

In the left side picture, notice the "V" formed by the thumb and index finger. Hold the V and run your fingers down the glue.

You should end up with an even glue line as shown on the right side. When pressed on the body tube fin line, there will be a cleaner joint with less glue squeezed out. 
 

New Odd'l Rocket?

Which head (nose cone) do you prefer? Please comment below.

The newer head (on the left) is a bit like the Lost In Space robot, clear with details inside. 

The original design resembles a robot toy from early sci-fi.

They are different! If I can get prototypes built, then comes flight testing.

If a kit is produced, they will be more colorful.

Estes Cosmic Interceptor Build, Part 22, Root Edge Fit

The supplied fin marking guide fit!

The root edge contact positions (two on each of the main wing fins) had the filler/primer scraped off for better adhesion. 

A dry fit of the wings showed the lower root edge not making complete contact. The upper root edge was good.

The root edge was sanded with 320 grit on a block until the fin made full contact down the fin / body tube joint.

Estes Cosmic Interceptor Build, Part 21, Side Fins

The "R" braces are glued down the centerline of the larger side fins.

You might be tempted to glue the brace as pictured on the left, Glue the sharper end forward as shown on the right.  

I glued the R brace tip a hair over the top of the side fin.

This will end up even after some sanding.

After the glue dried, the overhanging tip was sanded even with the side fin top.

Some CWF filled the joint seam remaining then sanded after it dried.

Boy Scouts & Rocketry, Paying It Forward

A few days back I walked to the grocery store. Outside, a group of Scouts was selling popcorn. Girl Scouts still sell cookies, Boy Scouts now sell popcorn. I looked closer and noticed model rockets on the kettle corn bag. 

The Scoutmaster asked if I was a Boy Scout. I said: "Yes. Scouting and rocketry got me through my teens." Two Scouts asked me about the rockets.

I don't always carry cash, that day only a debit card for groceries. I picked up a few things and returned home.

I immediately went upstairs to the rocket room and pulled two starter rockets from the kit stash. I grabbed some money for a donation. Returning to the store the kits were presented to the two interested Scouts. 

Estes Cosmic Interceptor Build, Part 20, Nose Cone Fix

There was a recess divot in front of the canopy.

It looks like the kit assembler cut off a mold line. 

I'll fill it with medium Super Glue. Set a drop of glue in the recess. Let dry horizontally, the glue drop can run.   

After the glue dries,

Sand to follow the round curve of the cone. 

The recessed lines are lightly filed using a triangular diamond file. Don't go too deep!

The recess lines are back, not perfect but better than not having them at all.

A shot of filler primer showed areas that needed touchup.

The second photo shows another mold line to fill towards the tip.