Estes Sasha Build #7271, Part 12, Lugs & Paint Handle

If the launch lugs are stiff and you have a new single edged razor blade, you can cut them without any internal support.
If your blade is dull, slide a dowel into the lug for support and a cleaner cut.





Three launch lugs are glued on the assembled rocket.

Be sure they are in line. I set a bamboo skewer next to them to check the alignment.

Two lugs on the upper stage are meant for single stage launches.

The larger the model, the harder it is to get the paint spray smooth. I sprayed the model in three separate segments - booster, upper stage and nose cone.

Here the booster has some paper towel stuffed into the upper end, the coupler will be glued on after the paint to keep it clean.

I used a BT-50 sized long coupler for a painting wand. A notch was cut to fit the lower bend of the engine hook.