MPC Lambda Payloader Build, Part 3, Cutting OutThe Fins

Oh the horror -

No die-cut or laser cut fins!

At the time, Estes would have you cut out a cardstock template, pencil trace and cut out the fins.

These fin cut lines were silk-screened on the 3/32" thick balsa. Centuri kits also had printed balsa. 

Notice how the fins were printed on the sheet.

Six of the cut lines line up!

Fewer cuts and straighter fins -

All four fins cut out.

There is still some cut line ink around the edges.

TIP: This should be sanded off or the ink could bleed through your finsl paint!

These four fins did need to be stacked and gang sanded.

Standard practice in the 1960s!

Knife Blade Thickness? TIP

Kit instructions sometimes tell you to simply use a straight edge when cutting out fins or card stock. Simply setting a the strait edge along the cut line doesn't account for the thickness of the knife blade.


Here I'll be cutting a strait line between two marks in card stock. (You can certainly use this tip on balsa.)

Don't set the strait edge down yet.
First, set your knife blade right on the cut line. You can punch the tip into the card stock.

Leave the knife in the card stock line. Then slide the strait edge up to and against the knife blade.
Here you have made a slight space allowance for the thickness of the knife blade.

Look at the space between the strait edge and line on the right side.
Adjust the strait edge position on the left until it matches the spacing on the right.
Now you can cut the entire line starting from the left and going to the right. You are guaranteed your cut is exactly on the cut line.

Cutting A Straight Line? TIP

Here's a different way to make straight cuts.
This method is also used for cutting balsa. Here I'm cutting some Odd'l Rockets kit headers.

Most modelers set a straightedge first, next to the line to be cut.
Next time - 
Set your knife blade tip onto the marked line BEFORE placing the straightedge.

Leave the knife tip stuck on the line you are cutting.
Now slide the straightedge up against the side of the blade.
This is an easier way to compensate for the thickness of your knife blade. The straightedge is properly set back so you cut right down the line.

Look at the space between the straightedge and the lower cut line and blade.
Look above and visually match up the space between the straightedge and cut mark.
Now you have consistent spacing between the top and bottom.
You can actually cut exactly down and on the line.

All finished, about 100 card stock headers for Odd'l Rockets orders.
And no, I don't have them made up at a print shop. All are printed, cut and folded by hand.