#1
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Build thread: Estes Little Joe I #7255
AHHHHH!
I've tried but I can no longer resist the Siren song of this kit! Even though I have several other builds I need to finish, I can't help but get started on this. 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 |
#2
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I’ll be along for the ride. I have resisted ordering this kit. I have Estes 1/100 “Apollo” projects I’ve made a commitment to finish prior the the Apollo 11 50th anniversary — a built but unpainted Saturn 1B, a recently started Saturn V, and a Little Joe II.
Maybe after those are done! Let’s get started!
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#3
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I've also held off on ordering this kit until AC Supply gets 'em in. But I'll be following this build with interest.
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#4
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I'll be home all this week because I'm doing a job in Chicago this week. I should be able to get a lot done on it over the next few days (if I live.)
Good night. TBC
__________________
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 |
#5
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Here's hoping you decide to flog the result on eBay!
I'll watch the thread with interest. Looks like a fun kit! |
#6
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Quote:
Flog?
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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 |
#7
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And awaaaaay we go!
First the engine mount. I didn't realize until JUST now that this model is 18mm powered. The engine mount CR's are very similar to the design of the CR's for engine mount of the Apollo LJII, except the top CR assembly is (2) different diameters--to allow the inner BT of the booster to register and center to the engine mount. JEEN-YUS! After gluing the top (2) CR's together I use a small die of my leather punch to bore a hole into the top CR assembly for a 100# Kevlar shock cord leader. It's paramount that the top and bottom and bottom CR's are perfectly square to the engine mount tube--as will be evidenced later. I then ditch the kit's rubber shock cord and replace it with a 1/4" wide x 48" long braided elastic shock cord. I've used epoxy to assemble the engine mount, but I don't use any at all on the bottom surface of the bottom CR. The reason will be evidenced later. TBC
__________________
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 |
#8
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Flog, as in to market or sell with vigor.
Interesting motor mount! |
#9
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Now to shape the reducer ring.
First I make a copy of the laser-cut cardstock piece--just in case I have a boo boo with it. I then release the strip from it's sheet and using a smooth handle of a paintbrush against my Herculean thigh I curl the strip. Using Aleene's Tack Glue (because it won't pucker cardstock) I butt the ends of the strip together and join them with the cardstock union. Now for some technique: I (2) small pieces of VERY soft balsa and place the pieces on either side of the glue joint and I then use (2) clothespins as clamps to keep it flat as the glue sets. TBC
__________________
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 |
#10
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Now to cut the details into the outer booster BT and insert the engine mount.
I cut out and lay and register the cutting pattern onto the outer BT. Using a fresh #11 blade I cut out the marked portions from the BT. This is similar in technique to detailing the bottom of the BT60 of the Estes Russian Scud B. I then remove the pattern. First I insert the engine mount partway into the cut end of the BT and then apply small amounts of epoxy to where the bottom CR will rest. This is why the squaring of the CR's was so critical. I then insert the engine mount, rotate it to the correct orientation, make the bottom CR flush with the tops of the large cuts, and then hold the assembly upright and allow the epoxy to seep into the joint. After that epoxy has set I use a bamboo grilling skewer and SPARINGLY apply epoxy to the top CR to BT joint by reaching down from the top of the outer booster BT. No epoxy can be allowed to get on the smaller ring of the upper engine mount assembly CR because the inner BT will register to it later. Time for some Scotch. Good night. TBC
__________________
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 |
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