Estes Black Brant III, Part 5, Fin Shaping Prep

Sanding accurate scale fin tapers can takes extra time and some preparation.
Some of these techniques were shown in an article I wrote for the Apogee Peak Of Flight newsletter HERE

In addition to the leading and trailing edge taper, the Black Brant III fins were wider at the root edge and tapered thinner towards the outside edge.
The fins on this size model are only 1/16" thick. I won't be tapering the fins from the root edge out.
I'm concentrating on the leading and trailing edge wedge tapers.
You could use 1/16" balsa, but on something this thin I'd recommend basswood.

I'm convinced anyone can do these fin tapers.
You simply have to take more time, sand with a lighter touch and check your work often while shaping.

One problem is you can't see the taper and sanded edge on a small piece of light colored wood.
I mark and pencil the edges for a better visual contrast.

You'll be marking the edges with a wide point permanent marker.
Seal the edges so the ink won't seep in too deep into the wood.
Keep the ink on the outside and it will be removed before any painting. Ink will show through sprayed paint.

Rub some medium CA glue on the leading and trailing edge to be sanded. The CA doesn't allow the marker to soak very deep into the wood. It also strengthens the thin wood edges.

Here's the marked edges.
On the left is leading edge. Start from the middle and make a quick pass to the outside. Start again from the middle and mark the other side.
Go quickly, you don't want a lot of ink soaking into the wood.
The inset shows the ink on the trailing edge.

Mark the high points of the fins with pencil.

For more contrast on the flat surfaces, mark with the side of a pencil and shade towards the center.