Estes Nike Apache Build Part 7, Fin and Lugs Gluing

The engine mount was glued in with the BT-20 tube even with the end of the BT-55 main airframe.

A fillet was applied around the lower centering ring with a Q-tip.

The Apache fins were glued on the upper BT-5 tube.

The die cut may have been a bit off.
I sanded the trailing edges flat with the end of the body rube.

Looking at Alway's ROTW the Nike fins go above the wrap by about 3/32". If the fin trailing edges went to the end the wrap marks they would barely sit above the top of the wrap.
I raised the fins so the tops would overhang a bit more.

After the first fin was tacked in place a wrap of masking tape wrapped around the tube and against the top of the leading edge.
This gives me a height reference for the other three fins.

The FinTool was slid in place and the other fins were glued on.
These fins don't trail below the body tube so the "tuning fork" shaped extension pieces were used.

You can also check the alignment of the fins by looking through the rear slot with the FinTool in place.

The two lug segments were glued onto the already filled and sealed balsa standoffs.

My practice now is to glue the lugs on the same side as the engine hook.

This is for good reason -
When on the launcher, it keeps the micro clips away from the rod and engine hook.