Showing posts with label Parachutes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parachutes. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

I Wish Manufacturers Wouldn't Do This, Part 3 . . .


PAPER REINFORCEMENT RINGS?

Paper tears and doesn't really offer any reinforcement to a hard shroud line pull at ejection.

Right out of the kit bag, the ring was already tearing from a rough punch tearing into the plastic chute.

I often replace the paper rings with Avery Plastic Reinforcement Rings, #5720.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Estes LTV Scout, Build, Part 14, Parachutes & New Decals



The finished build is just over 36" tall and recovers on a single 18" parachute. 
Those fin tips can break off on a hard landing.
Suggested by Ken C. in a comment, I'll recover the lower body on the 18" chute and add a 12" chute for the upper body assembly.





Note the position of the shroud line hole. It is punched towards the outside of the reinforcement ring. This puts shroud line tension against the plastic ring preventing the start of a tear.

I replaced the paper tape disks with plastic Avery Reinforcement Rings, #5271.
Paper rings tear.




Old kit decals are iffy and on this kit, difficult to apply.

I ordered some replacement decals from CMR Products. 

CMR has taken over decal production of Tango Papa Decals. CLICK HERE to see their catalog.

Prices are reasonable (as things go today) and free shipping.