This was one of the first models I built after getting back into the hobby around 2005.
This was supposed to be an "All-In-One" BT-60 based rocket. It has a 24mm mount for D engines and an added 18/24mm adapter mount.
Looking back on it now, I would have made it differently.
The balsa grain was well filled, the body tube and lug seams weren't. The fin edges are square.
The elastic shock cord is only 1/8" wide and way too short.
The 12" mylar parachute is probably small, but has a Nomex protector threaded through the shock cord.
Two different lugs, a 1/8" and 3/16".
The name and trim stripes were cut from vinyl at the Sea World sign shop.
I would have set the type differently. To me it looks like "Barf"-ly, not Bar Fly.
It was probably painted with the old formula Krylon.
This one has never been flown.
Chirs,
ReplyDeleteNice looking rocket, the grain does look nice for only using balsa sealer.
Good job.
David
Hi David,
DeleteThanks! I'd probably be using sanding sealer now if it wasn't for the high price and fumes!
These fins were balsa. The Tung wood used in Estes kits now doesn't fill as easily.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI also build model airplanes so I love the fresh smell of dope in the morning :)
I have tried all methods of filling grain, and some work great and some not so great, but I miss Aero Gloss Sealer and always come back to it. Something about bringing me back to good positive building memories.
I wonder if AeroGloss sealer and the like (stuff with smelly and potentially toxic fumes) might work better on Tung wood than the more modern product of choice like Elmer's Fill-n-Finish?
ReplyDeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteI don't know. Just about the time I think I've figured out how to fill balsa, Estes changes to Tung wood.
I tend to fill body tube seams, fins and nose cones indoors. If it's not 100 degrees out, I'll sand outside. Sanding sealer is too expensive and hard to come by anymore.
On a side note... I haven't checked for "stick-and-tissue" type model aeroplanes if Future (aka Johnson's Klear floor polish) works as a potential substitute for dope -- mainly as I've noticed that it's been getting harder to get model aeroplane dope even in hobby stores. Probably due to increased use of stuff like Monokote on built-up stuff, as well as greater popularity of ARF/RTF.
ReplyDeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteI don't know if future could be used for adhering tissue to a balsa wood frame. I understand some builders use white glue now but that just doesn't seem right. I remember using thinned down clear dope.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteDid you ever try Aero Gloss Balsa filler back in the day? If so how did it compare to the sealer?
Hi David,
DeleteBack in the day, Estes recommended sanding sealer, Centuri recommended balsa filler coat.
My local hobby store sold sanding sealer and not filler coat.
I have used filler coat later on but I seem to remember it being harder to sand. It could have been a different brand, who knows?
I recall on the instructions for kits from Custom Rocket Company, they suggest using gesso.
DeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteGesso? Boy, that's a new one on me! I've never heard of using it as a filler. My mother used it on her art canvas.