MPC USS Enterprise Build, Part 3, Tube Connector

The lower end of the tube connector isn't long enough for a mid-break model. It will be replaced with a sized BT-60 coupler.
The lower end of the connector was cut off with a razor saw below the shoulder edge.
Sand the cut edge smooth.
The "X" struts are on the top side after cutting.
(In the original design, the ejection charge passes through the plastic "X" struts. I'd be concerned of possible melting.)

The BT-60 coupler was slit and sanded until a slip fit was obtained.


The inset shows it turned over with the top "X" struts in correct position.
The coupler diameter was traced onto heavy card stock for a top plug.

Here's how the card stock disk fits against the X struts.

Two holes were punched to tie on the shock cord.

The white area above the tube print are wraps of cardstock.
The wraps brought the BT-60 coupler to the right inside thickness for a slip fit into the lower body tube.
This coupler slides right up to the raised blue plastic in the middle.