Fiddling with Ulysses

[Micromeister]

Fliskit Ulysses is a very nifty looking model right out of the package.
The kit I got had some damage to the Balsa wood provided so I decided I'd sub Basswood in it's place. My initial thought as to reduce the thickness to .032" but thought better of it with the .063" square styrene stringers provided.
That got me thinking about altering the fin profile or surface a bit. then the wheels started rolling and I just went with it.
Grabbed my Styrene parts bag and away we went.
Presently the model is in 1st coats primer waiting for sanding. I'll add build pics as I get them processed.

[Micromeister]

Once the styrene squares were attached.. Wow now this needs some thought. the overage formed extension legs that helped balance out the external tape 1/8" extension made below the fins. We'll see how they hold up under flight conditions.

I kept looking at the laser cut thrust ring and tiny supplied thread shockline. Decided I'd strengthen both a bit by using a 3/16" piece of Spent micro motor casing as the motor block to which I tied a 36" long piece of 90lb kevlar.
Once installed it was time to carefully even up the styrene rod feet on a piece of 320 grit sand paper, Leaving about 1/4" below the model for motor and internal/external tape retaining.

[Micromeister]

Low section more or less taken care of.. what to do with the forward secion??

Grabbing the Plastistruct & Evergreen parts bag found several small sections that looks like they might fit. A razor saw to slice off some super thin pieces of 1/16" round tube and a couple different width half rounds added a bit. Cut a couple cardstock hatches for the transition.

a couple riveted hole surrounds to finish off the additions for now.

give the model a good 240 grit sanding before the first 3coat application of primer.
Thats it for now. Ulysses sits waiting for sanding then some finial bits and rivet addtions before a basecoat color as yet to be determined.

All in all a pretty productive 3 day weekend... Buck shot got built as well.

[Micromeister]

Sanding and spot filling done, I've added the last hatch, rivet, antenna and vent details.
I think we're ready for a Base Metallic Conversion coat before I decide which anodized look finish this one will get. I'm thinking Red and base silver combination might be nice.

Wanting to disconnet the Upper section from the lower body I had to remove the Brass nail and Kevlar Shockline from the small balsa transition. the process proved to be more then the little balsa shoulder could stand, it crumbled up pretty badly during nail removal. Luckly I had a spare transition I could replace it with so it didn't hault the build. Replaced the nail with a 1" 90lb kevlar loop CA & epoxied into a small hole drill in the new shoulder.

A little more primer and a couple cardstock hatches we're back to ready for paint.

[jflis]

Very interesting details on that Ulysses! Can't wait to see her in the air :)

[Micromeister]

I wonder if it will Whistle on the way up?

[Micromeister]

X-Metal Krylon Transparent Anodized Red first time use seems to make a very interesting color over the reflective silver Metallic conversion coat.
The combination turned out pretty will. now we need to decide if any additional decals are needed before giving the model a last Future coat.
I'm torn on this one...I think adding decals may make the model too busy? any thoughts folks?

Edit:
After Due consideration...no additional decals will be added...stick a fork in this one...it's Done:)

[KHamel]

X-Metal Krylon Transparent Anodized Red first time use seems to make a very interesting color over the reflective silver Metallic conversion coat.
The combination turned out pretty will. now we need to decide if any additional decals are needed before giving the model a last Future coat.
I'm torn on this one...I think adding decals may make the model too busy? any thoughts folks?

John, looks great! Not sure it needs any additional decals. Should look great in the air.

[Micromeister]

USS Ulysses is a Fine flying model! In the light 8-10mph breeze of the day Saturday it got a good 35feet on it's approximate 40° weather cocked flight path into the breeze. Man I'll bet this model really weathercocks without all the holes in the fins LOL!!! I like flying this bird.