I started my Estes Asteroid Hunter just 2 days ago and it's almost ready for finishing.

Skill level 5? Nah. Any hobbiest that's ever built a balsa and tissue airplane kit will find this rocket a cinch.

Anyway, as for mounting the faux "engine plumbing" onto the sides of the airframe, I believe I've found a way to simplify it greatly:

The instructions state to glue the plastic details onto the sides of the airframe using the cutout template as a guide. This would be fine if the plastic plumbing was going to end up the same color as the rest of the model--but it's not.

I've mounted all (4) of the "engine plumbing" pieces flat down onto pieces of ordinary card stock and then welded them to the paper with Tenax7.

Next, I'll ask Mary to cut away the card stock from the perimeter of the pieces (it will be my special Mother's Day gift to her)--leaving the pieces with a paper backing. She'll then paint the plastic pieces in chrome silver trim enamel.

After the model is sanded, sealed, and painted, I'll then use the paper template to guide where to remove areas of paint to mount the paper-backed pieces to the sides of the airframe--probably using Aleen's Super Tacky glue. TBC

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Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Nice job dude. I have one of those kits hanging on the wall. Looks cool will have to build mine.

Thanks, chief. It's really fun! Just make sure you have an absolutely flat surface for doing the alignments.

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Looks good, can't wait to get one.

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If it flies, I can crash it!

As always, a nice looking build. I haven't touched my Astrobee D in over a month. I started the engine mount but I didn't get very far. Just too much going on with kids, my training, etc. Once my event in June is complete and I can cut back the training hopefully I can get back to it and finish the Astrobee D and also paint my WAC Corporal and my Quest Astra. Plus I still have a QCC Explorer and a Saturn V to look forward to.

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SAM #0354

Jeff thanks for the advice. Also when I get ready to build the Saturn V, I will probably be P.M.'ing you a lot

Without getting too far off-topic, which SV are you building: #2157 or #2001? The #2157 is the latest one. The #2001 is from the 1980's and is IMO the best one--with it's embossed paper wraps and balsa fins.

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

JJ, my SV is the 2157 variety. It was one of those re-issues from the 90's I think I bought it in 98 or 99.

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SAM #0354

Most likely '99 when they reissued the Sat V for the 30th anniversary of the 1st moon landing.

__________________
If it flies, I can crash it!

^^^ Bingo! That's what it was.

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SAM #0354