Estes Python 4 Build, Part 9, Conduit Prep & Glue

Under the long middle fins sit the flat conduits.
These are die-cut on thin, glossy card stock.



The fit couldn't be very good over the curve of the body tube.

Before gluing the conduits were pressed over a dowel to put some round onto the gluing surface.

Glue sticks are the best for this kind of adhesion.

Set down a piece of paper for a clean gluing surface.
Rub a light cover of glue on the back of the conduit.
The back is the side with the raised edges from the die cutting process.
Be sure to get glue on the sides of the conduit. The sides may want to raise up if not glued down.

Use a clean dowel to roll over the conduit.

Smooth from the center line and out to the edges.
Pick up any glue that might squeeze out the edges before it dries.

A glued conduit is ready for the long middle fin to be attached.

SkyTec Rockets - from Argentina

Here's a manufacturer I hadn't heard of until I caught up reading at:
Dick Stafford's ROCKET DUNGEON - HERE

From Argentina is SKYTEC - HERE



As Dick Stafford describes it:
"They offer several kits from simple 3/4FNC to far more interesting ones, such as the Shadow. Even more interesting is that the seem to have (or at least trying to start) a line of rocket motors, including a C8, D15, and  F18. The info on their website is sketchy and I haven't found the motor diameters, but they appear to be around 18mm, 24mm and 29mm, respectively. I 'liked' their page and will be watching (not that said motors will ever be available here)."

The ALFA 07 looks a little like the Estes QCC Explorer.
The RAPTOR 2 reminds me of the Shrox LexxJet.

We'll see if the kits and engines make it North of the border!

Estes Memorial Day Clearance Sale

Another Estes sale is going on for Memorial Day - HERE
I already have the kits I'm interested in from previous sales.

Order quickly - you never know when these sales might end! 

Estes Python 4 Build, Part 8 Fin Fitting and Fillets

Before spraying on any filler/primer:
This strips of masking tape were pushed into the fin slots and against the root edge gluing areas.
I didn't want to get any primer where the fin root edge would glue.

The primer filler was sanded down first with 220 grit.
The side of you thumb acts like a cushion and fits the round tube well.
The 220 grit removes most of the gray primer. Sanded just until you start to see the white tube.
Then switch over to 400 grit to smooth it all out.

The first fin fit wasn't good.
The root edge needed a narrow notch for the Mylar engine hook ring underneath.

Fit each fin in it's own slot.
Mark the first fin and it's slot with a "1".
All the fins will fit differently so keep track of their positions as you adjust the root edges for the best fit.

The opened tail cone slots were wider than the 3/32" thick fins.
Titebond M&TG was used to fill the open slots on either sides of the fins.
The Molding and Trim Glue worked well and didn't show any bubbles after it dried.

Peak Of Flight PIG!

The Odd'l Rockets PIGASUS is featured in the current issue of the online newsletter, the Apogee Peak Of Flight #365 HERE
The Pigasus kits sold out quickly, more litters are on the way.

You gotta' love free advertising!

Estes Python 4 Build, Part 6, Balsa and Lug Prep

There's a tight corner on the upper fins, right where the breaks happened earlier.
I dropped a little more CWF in the tight corner than normal. It might end up a little rounded after sanding.

Sandpaper was folded and most of the CWF was taken off.
Sand carefully, you don't want to break these.

Here's all the fins taped down on cardboard for a shot of primer/filler.

Notice I've taped the fins down with all the root edges facing away.
When sprayed from this angle, this will help keep the primer off the root edges. Less sanding and a better glue joint.

The launch lug is cut in two.
After filling with CWF and sanding, set the lug over a dowel for cutting.
If you try to cut a lug without support inside, chances are it'll be crushed.

SCORE! Rustoleum Metallic Apple Red

I had such great luck with the Black and Silver Rustoleum Metallic paints.
The coverage was even, dried very fast and fingerprints don't show on the silver.
The easiest paint I'd ever used.
Home Depot carries the Black, Silver and Blue. I wanted the Red and Orange.

Next door to my dentist is an Ace Hardware Store.
They always seem to carry the things Home Depot and Lowe's doesn't.

The Amazon price was too high for me!
$17.10 for a single can before shipping? I'll wait.

The Ace Hardware price? Only $7.99 plus tax.

Rustoleum makes many different labeled metallic paints! Getting the right one can be confusing.
Check the picture above and look for the word "Metallic" in the wide, silver gray shield.
Or copy down the bar code number to be sure -

7256830 Metallic Apple Red

If this paint is as good as the Metallic Black and Metallic Silver, there'll be more metallic red on my sport models.