Estes Reflector Build, Part 7, Fin Gluing and Comparison

The fins were filled with CWF and sanded off the model.
The body tubes, nose cone and adapter got a coat of Primer/filler and sanding.

The lug and standoff were glued together, filled and primed off the model.
Is it necessary to gray prime and sand before gluing on the tube? No.
But, the final finish will be better.
Just be sure to sand off most the gray primer filler for good adhesion.

The provided fin marking guide was too wide when wrapped around the BT-50 tube. This was surprising after the outside diameter of the tube was probably a little bigger after primer spray and sanding.

I made my own marking guide and centered the engine hook between two fin lines.

The root edge was set against the line and the top marked.

The tube was roughed up using 220 grit on a block for better adhesion.
The pencil line was redrawn.

Here's both model variations.
The stock Reflector with kit fins is at the left.
On the right are the Lil' Hustler style fins.

The Reflector style fins stands up easier on the trailing edge tips.
I like the Lil' Hustler fin shape better but it isn't as steady when standing vertical on a table top. It stands on the inside tips of the trailing edge, much closer to the center tube.