Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 12 Finished and Comparison

On the left is the four antenna finned Satellite with the decals over the chrome Monokote Trim.
On the right is the three antenna finned Satellite with the paper trim pieces glued on.

 

Here's the two models close together for comparison.

This time the paper print three fin model is on the top, the chrome version on the bottom.

Nobody would ever notice the difference on the launcher, both are acceptable.

But, side by side the chrome version is shiner and looks much better.

Lessons learned:

Do a little more research to find out the correct antenna length. It was only after both were glued together that I noticed how short the antennas were.

It seems the original kit had 8" long dowels. Later on the dowels were shortened to 4".

This 4" dowel version almost fits into my launch box. The 8" antenna model would have a very wide "footprint".

It was stable when recently flown with a 1/2A3-4t engine.

TIP: This "decal over chrome trim" technique could work very well when trying to duplicate some of the chromed kits like the A-20 Demon. I was surprised how well it turned out. The chrome shines right through the clear areas on the decal.

If you don't have access to an Alps printer, this is a good alternative.

TRIVIA: On the decals and wraps are the recommended Centuri engines, their old 2 1/4" long Mini Engines. The instructions say the 13mm B4-7 engine altitude would be 1,650' !!! (Good luck finding that one!)

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 11 Decals Over Monokote Trim

A few chances were taken on this build, not knowing how it would turn out.
I wanted a chromed look but don't have an Alps printer that would print the chrome metallic ink.
It was worth trying a decal (with clear background) right over the chrome Trim Monokote already in place on the four fin version. The three fin version got the paper prints.

Here's how the decal overlay sheet turned out.
It includes the patterns for the chrome Monokote Trim and overlay decals.

Patreon members: If you'd like a copy, ask for the Satellite 62SL PDF decal at:
oddlrocket@bellsouth.net

I'll send the PDF right out.

After four coats of clear acrylic the decals were ready for soaking.

The decals only took 30 seconds in the water before easily sliding off the backing paper.

Here's how the decal wraps over the dowel and fin joint.
If the chrome trim was cut out correctly, you can match up the edges and be assured it'll line up on the other side.

And on the upper end, the body wrap applied directly over the chrome trim.

I was surprised how shiny the chrome stayed even with a clear decal over the top.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 10 Engine Blocks

On this build, the engine block will be glued in from the top of the rocket. You can do this on short models. The nose cone has not been glued in yet.

Mark a 13mm T engine casing 1/4" from the end and slide it into the body tube up to the pencil line.




Slide the engine block in from the top (no glue yet) until it rests on top of the engine casing.

Check the 1/4" pencil mark on the bottom end of the casing before using glue in the next step. Adjust if needed.

From the top, apply a line of glue around the top of the engine block and body tube joint.

Use a Q-Tip to apply a drop of glue and spread it around the joint.
The Q-Tip will evenly spread the glue and pick up excess glue in the process.

Before gluing the nose cone in place, coat the bottom of the balsa shoulder with glue to protect it from the ejection charge.

After this glue coat dries,
Apply glue inside the body tube and slide the nose cone in place.

Don't apply glue to the nose cone shoulder! When the nose cone is slid in you'll end up with excess glue all over the outside top of the model.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 9 Monokote Chrome Trim

If you decide to use the Monokote trim -

Use the printed sheet to cut the Monokote Chrome trim pieces to size.
Tape the chrome sheet down and then tape the print on top.

You'll be cutting through the print and the chrome layer of the Monokote trim.
Use a straightedge and new razor blade for the cuts.

I found it easiest to set the fin pieces over one side doing my best to center the chrome.

Roll the trim piece over the leading edge and over onto the other side.

This is where you wanted the underlying surface clean and smooth.
Everything - every bump and speck of dirt will show through the outside of the Monokote trim.

Start the antenna end pieces with the edge going straight down the dowel length.

It rolls on pretty easy once you get a straight start.

Here's the completed chrome trim on the four antenna version.
Black print decals will go over the chrome trim later.

The nose cone hasn't been glued in place yet, I still have to glue in the engine block.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 8 Applying Paper Trim

The main body wrap is cut to size using a razor blade and straightedge.

You could use spray adhesive on the back, but lately I've been using a glue stick with good results.

The bottom edge of the wrap sits right on the leading edge joint of the fins.
The top should line up with the top of the body tube.

Use a toothpick to hold the fin overlay pieces down while you apply the glue stick over the back.

When using a glue stick, the glued back is a bit slippery and allows the piece to be slid around for best positioning.




The fin tip pieces are wound around the ends of the antenna fins.

It's hard to get the first edge to adhere. Use the flat side of a razor blade to hold it down until the overlay wrap is on top.

Once you get the first full turn, the rest of the wrap goes around easily.

I had a little overlap at the top of the body tube.

Simply sand over the top and the excess overhang will roll off.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 7 Antenna Gluing

Small strips of masking tape covered the gluing notches on the triangle fins.
This kept the black paint off the gluing areas.

Here I'm peeling off the tape, exposing the raw mat board edge.

The guy at the local hobby store said that CA would hold the carbon fibre rods just fine. It didn't! I'd have to use epoxy.



A toothpick was used to transfer the epoxy from the mixing are to the model.

It shouldn't take too much epoxy, I don't want any excess to ooze out and onto the black finish.

15 minute epoxy was used.

I had to let it set up until it got really tacky for the rods to stay on.

Small strips of masking tape were set over the tops to hold the rod antennas in place.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 6 Antenna Cutting

Note: The picture shown of the Satellite 62SL at www.oldrocketplans.com shows all the parts next to a ruler.
I used this drawing for measurment of the antenna dowels. In this picture the four dowels are 4" long.
But, the instruction drawings show the dowels to be longer. I asked on on YORF and Earl wrote back that the dowels in his unopened kit were 8" long! 
I cut my dowels at the 4" length before I noticed the difference in length.
The model should still be stable with the shorter dowels - I hope!

For two reasons, I chose 1/16" diameter carbon fiber rods for the antennas.
I couldn't find 1/16" diameter dowels and the carbon fiber rods wouldn't need any sealing, sanding or painting.

I tried cutting the rods with a razor blade, but no luck.
A razor saw and a mitre box were used.

Seven rods were cut. I'm building both the 3 and 4 antenna versions.

You'll have to sand down the cut ends, there is a light flare at the cuts.

The ends will have to be the same diameter as the rest of the rod so get rid of the flared end. Chrome Mylar or printed paper overlays will fit better if the dowels are smooth.

Here's the seven rods ready for gluing
But what glue?

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 5 Paint

The body and nose cone are painted separately to make an easy color separation when the nose cone is glued in place.

This picture shows the body and nose cone after sanding down the primer.

I haven't installed the engine block yet so I was able to slide the 13mm casing (on the painting stick) all the way to the front. This keeps the paint out of the inside of the body tube.

The nose cone was masked at the shoulder. The rolled paper behind the tape mask gave me something to hold onto when spraying.

Finally, the sprayed parts.

Both got two coats of color, sanding between coats with 400 grit.

This shows the build after the last heavy, wet coat.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 4 Antenna Mount Gluing

You can use three or four fins on the Satellite.
Use four dowel fins and the helicopter or apinning featherweight recovery is more pronounced. Only three fins should get you a higher altitude.

TRIVIA: For a short while, Centuri made a 13mm B3-7 engine.
The instructions say the B3-7m engine got the Satellite SL62 to 1,650 feet!

I used the FinTool base plate to align the fins.
The mat board is thinner than 1/16" so the slots couldn't be used without shims. But, I did use the alignment lines with good results.
The central dowel of the FinTool fits the BT-5 tube.

With the two short fin luglets in place, the model is ready for grey priner.
The antenna fins will be glued on after priming the model shown at the left.
It's easier to sand down the antenna mount mat board pieces without the fins glued on.

Note the nose cone is not glued in place yet.
It will be shot with primer and sanded.
The nose cone color is red. The nose cone is painted off the model then glued on making a clean color separation without masking.

Below the nose cone everything is sprayed gloss black.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 3 Antenna Mounts

To keep the mat board from de-laminating, run a glue bead around the exposed edges.

I only had to apply a glue bead to the leading edge (up to the dowel notch) and the trailing edges.

Sand down the dried glue bead a bit with 400 grit between the first and second coat of glue.

Roll over the leading and trailing edges with a hard round dowel.
I used the back end of a fine line Sharpie pen.

This rounds over the edges of any card stock or mat board fin.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 2 Antenna Mounts

I used a glue stick to adhere the Antenna Mounts to the thick mat board.

You can get mat board scraps at most framing stores. Sometime they will give it to you for free. The mat board also makes great centering rings.

I used the black print to cut the mat board to size.
With a new knife it cut pretty easily, just keep your blade at a 90 degree angle, straight up!

It's hard to keep the knife blade perpendicular.
Keep it straight now or you'll have to square it up the edges later.

Here I'm sanding one edge square with 220 grit on a block.

Centuri Satellite 62SL Build Part 1 Parts

This is one I drew up on the last cruise.
Not much to it, the chrome print decals are what set it apart:
BT-5, 2 1/2" long
BC-505 Nose Cone from Semroc
     equivalent to the Centuri plastic cone used in the kit
3 or 4 dowel fins, your choice, all 1/16"  x  8"
   The picture shows 1/8" dowels, I used 1/16" carbon fiber dowels
   You can use wood dowels, a 1/16" diameter fits the fin notch best.
NOTE: The antennas in the Centuri instruction drawings look to be longer.
   I found out too late the dowels were 8" long! 
   I went by the parts picture and ruler and cut mine to the 4" length shown at www.oldrocketplans.com  
Two 1/8" X 3/8" fin Luglets
13mm engine block (not shown in picture)
Thick Mat Board or Triple thickness cereal box cardboard (for antenna mount triangle fins)

The older 13mm Centuri Mini Engines were 2 1/4" long, this model will use the Estes 13mm engines at 1 3/4" long.
The engine block is glued 1 1/2" inside the rear end of the BT-5 tube.
This will allow the engine to extend 1/4" out the back.

You can use the "simulated chrome" body wrap, shown at the upper right of the instruction sheet.
Or, use the black and white wrap below that and print on colored stock.
24 lb. paper is recommended for the the body wraps and overlay pieces.

The lower half of the available PDF is the decal art to be printed on a clear decal sheet.
You can apply chrome Monokote Trim to the body, then apply the black water slide decals over the Monokote.
This gives the printed chrome look of the original kit.

Patreon members can email me at: oddlrockets@bellsouth.net
Request for the Satellite 62SL PDF