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  #1  
Old 12-03-2020, 01:26 AM
DavidQ DavidQ is offline
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Default Interceptors and siblings: Interrogator by Sirius Rocketry

I've been intrigued by Sirius Rocketry's offerings. Since they have models that fall within the Interceptor siblings, or at least the Interceptor cousins, I jumped in with their rockets.

The Interrogator is the smallest of their Interrogator models. There is the one with an 18mm engine, one with 24mm engines, and the Interrogator G, which takes 29mm engines. This build is for the 18mm one.

It starts with a parts photo. Isn't that an obligatory shot for a good model build, sort of like how "It was a dark and stormy night" is an obligatory start for a good novel.

I'll capture some of the interesting techniques they have included with the kit.

For instance, papering the fins isn't an afterthought. It's integral to the plans. The fins are originally 1/16" thick which keeps the design lean, and the papering really adds strength without increasing the fin thickness much at all. And, it makes for a nice finish to paint.

I decided to add the adhesive paper to the fins and cut them with my laser. I scanned the fin patterns, and drew up a cutting guide for the laser.

As is suggested in the instructions, I sealed all of the non-root edges with cyanoacrylate.
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  #2  
Old 12-03-2020, 06:58 AM
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tbzep tbzep is offline
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I'm starting to think you kinda like the Estes Interceptor concept.
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  #3  
Old 12-03-2020, 11:01 PM
DavidQ DavidQ is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tbzep
I'm starting to think you kinda like the Estes Interceptor concept.

Well, yeah.

The Interrogators have a larger tube around the main body tube which they call the intake tube. It's got a cool bevel to it for a neat look. On the 18mm Interrogator, they give a pattern to trace, and then cut the bevel by hand. It comes out pretty good, if instructions are followed, of course.

Finishing the cut edge with CA makes it easy to sand and finish.

For a slick look, the vertical stabilizers attach to the tops of the wings, instead of the body tube. The skids in fact, attach to the larger intake tube. I think its giving the rocket a nice compact look, that's very angular - ooh, futuristic looking.

The wings attach to the top of the intake tube sloping down. Instead of trying to bevel the root edge of the wings for a smooth fit, a long dowel is glued down first, and the wings are glued against the dowel. It's the first rocket I've built with that technique. With a little red goop, that dowel will make a smooth transition between the wings.
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  #4  
Old 12-08-2020, 11:46 PM
DavidQ DavidQ is offline
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On the underside of the rocket are some nice enhancements. There are a couple of short tubes and dowels. These take on the appearance of some booster engines and some additional armaments.

But, I think that their real purpose is to reinforce the connection between the wings and the body. I think it looks way better than thick fillets.
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  #5  
Old 12-08-2020, 11:54 PM
DavidQ DavidQ is offline
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I took no photos of the red putty, the primer, or the paint. There was very little red putty - just along the joint between the wings. The primer was white, which would look just like the painted rocket. The painted rocket was white, and would look better with the decals applied. So, the next photos are of the rocket with the decals applied.

I liked the styling on these decals. They are clearly inspired by the Interceptor. They even have some of the same design elements. But, these decals have more detail. They have light gray highlights showing the outline of panes on the wings. They added decals on the wing strakes, which are really under-decorated on the Interceptors. I think they also make good use of color combinations.

I've added several photos of the rocket with the decals applied. There's even a close up of the top of the wings to show the details in the decals.
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  #6  
Old 12-08-2020, 11:55 PM
DavidQ DavidQ is offline
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And finally, the family photo.
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  #7  
Old 12-09-2020, 08:46 AM
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Great job David!

We've loved Dave, Evie and Sirius for years! Their kits and customer service are second to none and as you pointed out, a lot of thought and experience have gone into their detailed designs; the parts are top quality and clean. Dave's instructions read like a book. It always shows when people take pride in what they do.

I hope you'll post some launch photos of your Interceptor soon.

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  #8  
Old 12-09-2020, 09:47 AM
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Dave, that is one sweet looking Interrogator. I also bought and build one some moons ago. Right now is in storage with my fleet. May not see it until 2024...

Fun to build and to fly!
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  #9  
Old 12-09-2020, 11:06 AM
NOLA_BAR NOLA_BAR is offline
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Nice work on both models. That is the first I have seen the two styles next to each other. I have been considering the 24mm and G Interrogators kits for a bit now, guess I will have to just get all three.
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  #10  
Old 12-10-2020, 11:36 AM
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I absolutely love the Interrogator design and have built the 18, 24, and 29mm versions Sirius offers.

In fact, I love it SO much that I made an MMX variant, and am working on a 54mm upscale (an Interrogator-K).

Here's a pic of my Interrogator-MMX next to its 18mm kit cousin.
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