Estes Payloader II #3022 Build, Part 3, Long Nose Block and Engine Mount

The newer Estes kits have nose blocks that are 2" long.
The old 50 tube nose blocks were 1" long. Even back then it felt a bit short with only 1/2" on either side.
I'll compromise and cut this block to 1 1/2" for 3/4" exposed to join up the tubes.

1/2" inch was cut off the 2" long nose block with a razor saw leaving a short 1/2" block.
I'm building two kits so I have two short pieces. These will be glued together and thrown into the spare parts box.

The thin BT-20 blue engine mount tubes will be replaced with Centuri style ST-7 tubes. They are thicker, stronger and like the original kit.
The green adapter ring will need some inside peeling to fit the wider ST-7 tube.
A channel strip was also cut from the inside to clear the engine hook.

This is a dry fit to check the fit of the long adapter channel fit over the engine hook.
Cutting the channel takes away friction and compressing of the adapter and engine tube.





Here's the finished engine mount.
The Kevlar line was tied under the top bend of the engine hook, Semroc style.

Note the tied loop is long enough so the knot ends up over the top of the tube.
There is very little room between the tube diameters and the knot might get into the way when the mount is glued in.
The tail end was pushed back through the loop to hold it down against the engine mount tube.