Estes Saturn V Build Part 12 Shrouds

I scanned the two large shrouds and printed off two extra copies of each.

Print the extra shrouds on 110 lb. cardstock.
The cardstock I buy has a smooth side and the backside that is slightly rougher. I print on the rough side so when the shroud is formed, the ink lines are on the rough inside. The smooth side faces out. It takes more paint to cover printed lines and wordage on a provided kit shroud.

I usually make three shrouds and test fit all of them.
The best fitting shroud out of the three will be used on the model.
A slight bit of difference in cutting and gluing can make a big difference in how well a shroud fits.

The shrouds were cut just to the outside of the black lines. Not through the middle of the black border line, but to the outside. Between the black ink and the white paper.
Cut the straight sides of the shroud with a razor blade and straightedge.
Cut the curved sides of the shroud with sharp scissors.

TIP: You can sharpen your scissors by cutting up scrap pieces of sandpaper. Make about 10 cuts through 220 and then 10 cuts through 400 grit.

I've never used the palm of my hand to form a shroud this big. It worked just fine.

Press a larger diameter dowel back and forth over the shroud until the cone forms smoothly.

To hold the shroud closed while gluing, a strip of tape is set on the outside.
Cut it shorter than the height of the shroud so you can match up the ends without tape covering them.



The gluing tab was cut wider than the outside border lines. It just seemed too narrow.

Notice I'm also forming a curve in the tab with the dowel.

This will make it fit better, give a larger gluing area and help keep the curvature flow at the seam.


Time spent on build: :45 printing, cutting and forming shrouds
Total time on build so far: 10:30