I built and launched many Centuri kits but never owned this one. The build to follow is the Semroc reissue kit I bought six or seven years ago.
To see the old Centuri instructions: CLICK HERE
This is going to be an involved paint scheme, lots of preplanning before gluing it all together.
The catalog description says: "You can fly this interstellar craft from the planet of Taurus at your next launch. If you are unfamiliar with the extra-terrestrial civilization of the Taurians, you'll learn about them in the kit's illustrated Science Fiction story sheet."
Many Centuri Sci-Fi kits, like the Vulcan and Vector-5, had background story sheets included with the instructions.
Here's the Taurus story sheets, courtesy of Jim Z's. Enlarge to read -
The pods at back will catch the shock cord at ejection. You may want to take that into account.
ReplyDeleteThanks Smitpa,
DeleteI will keep that in mind - if I ever launch it!
I never quite had as much interest in the Taurus as I did the Quasar and Sky Lab but looking forward to seeing how you prep and mask this one - lots going on as far as paint goes with the Taurus.
ReplyDeleteHi Openroad,
DeleteIn the 1970s I did build and launch a Quasar but never ordered the Skylab.
The Taurus took some pre-planning for the paint, the instructions bring this up. I did the more complex "Admiralty" colors and it turned out very well. it's a colorful, impressive rocket.
This model really needs the plastic transitions of the original
ReplyDeleteto duct the ejection charge to the front section of body tube. One of the few places where plastic is better than balsa.
Hi Smitpa,
DeleteYeah, on a clone kit it's a close as we'll get for now. Those Centuri plastic molds are long gone!
Perhaps this is one of those situations where 3D printing could come to the rescue?
DeleteAt first thought one might think of drilling a hole through the balsa transitions (such a task could be called boring), but you're apt to run into a problem where the upper tube section might not have much room (considering the space taken up by the shoulders on the transition section and nosecone).
DeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteThat would work but I don't have a 3D printer! They certainly have their place, but I'm waiting for an affordable one that makes things with smooth sides.
Naoto,
DeleteThere wouldn't be enough room in the upper section (between the nose cone and adapter) for a parachute. You could probably cram wadding and a chute in there but it would be tight.