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Thursday, December 16, 2021

Estes Skylab #001973, Build, Part 5, Third Stage Adapter

NOTE: Save the centers from the centering ring for Step 5 of the instructions.
Notice the ring in the right picture. The ring is set inside the edge of the 1 3/8" long tube.
 
GOTCHA: The instructions say cut a 5" length of shroud line. In order to double and tie it easily - cut a length of at least 10".

I used #10 embroidery thread which is much stronger than the current shroud lines supplied in the kit.
Use tweezers to make the knot tie easier.

Here's the fit of the adapter of the in the top of the tube.
I did have to sand the adapter for a better slip fit.

The tube seams were first filled with CWF and sanded to surface.

The picture on the right is a fairly thick coat of Duplicolor Filler/Primer in the second step of the seam fill.

This shows the saved ring center glued in place.

I also treat the low adapter corners (at the top here) with some CA glue applied with a Q-Tip.
After that glue dries, round off the edges with some light sanding.
This makes it easier to slide in the upper section later on. 
If the adapter edge is smooth and rounded it won't wear or peel the inside layers in the lower body tube.
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3 comments:

  1. Joe CuhajMay 26, 2024 at 1:06 PM

    Great thread on the Skylab build. Thanks, Chris. BUT, I did have a question. I'm building the kit right now and made the silly (stupid?) error of not test fitting the third stage coupler into the main body tube before assembling the third stage. The coupler doesn't even come close to sliding into the main body tube. You mentioned you had to sand it for a fit. Seems like a lot of sanding with what I have now. Any other suggestions or just get sanding? Thanks!

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  2. Chris MichielssenMay 27, 2024 at 12:12 AM

    Hi Joe,
    It's hard for me to judge without seeing your build and testing the coupler fit. I do remember having to sand the sides of the coupler for a slip fit. Try rounding the corners first and see if that gets it into the outside tube any easier.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 27, 2024 at 1:35 AM

    Thanks for reply, Chris. I should have added a pic. The adapter was more than a snug fit. It would not even go into the main BT. I did a little .ore digging (ok, a lot of digging) and I found a video by Tim Milligen with Apogee with an idea I had never heard of - peel the first layer of paper off the coupler then sand it like you mention to get it to slide in. I did that and it worked. His next step was to take coat the coupler with CA. It saturates into the carboard and when dries, stiffens it again. It worked like a champ. but I really appreciate your reply!! Here's that video link: https://youtu.be/hNl1vPFVfr8?feature=shared

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