FINISHED D Region Tomahawk and V2

[ArthurSull]

Here we are! After many months and learning and trying to fit in rocketry to a hectic schedule I've finally finished my first two rockets.

An Estes D Region Tomahawk and an Estes V2.

My Tomahawk carries a DIY half moon baffle system in the coupler, with kevlar and a snap swivel attachment to an upgraded 24inch chute, and my V2 is mostly stock but again with a kevlar shock cord and snap swivel chute attachment.

I found the building of these two very easy, considering they are my first builds. Balsa was a bit of a learning curve in the V2, and wasn't aware of coating or filling techniques till it was too late. Therefore I have some weak fins and you can see the grain through the paint, but a lesson learned.

I found painting the hardest, with the Tomahawk my first Guinea pig. Poor thing, not enough patience and some cold conditions cracked the paint, and I only used Tamiya masking tape on the edges instead of all over so the paint seaped through the cheap masking tape I was using for bigger areas. This left me having to do this black and red scheme as to hide the ruined white surface underneath. Nevermind!


My fillets leave a lot to be desired on the V2, and I tripped over one day and snapped a fin but managed to repair it okay. I'm sure my fillets will be better next time. What is best to use for fillets?

My oh my was that black and white test patter hard to paint, but for my second ever try it came out surprisingly well! The masking gave me a headache but the Tamiya tape gave me neat clean lines, and I only mucked up a few times, barely noticeable from this distance.

Now I finally get to launch them the weekend after next! Thanks everyone for the help they put in to me starting out in rocketry, I'm now ordering a Mini HoJo to continue my scale collection!

 

[jaymeister99]

Nice work!

Those are some pretty advanced rockets, especially for your first two rockets.

To answer the questions about fillets, different strokes for different people. I've used elmers wood glue, then use elmers wood filler over that to make it a bit nicer looking.

Another way Ive done it is use medium viscosity CA glue, then the wood filler.

Also used marine "paste" epoxy. Its strong and goes on really thick, so you can have strength and shape it in one shot. But IMO its a bit tough to sand it.

I've heard of using CA glue then Bondo spot putty. This will be on my next rocket.

 

[foamy]

Try Titebond Molding and Trim glue for your fillets. It operates just like wood glue, only it's a good bit thicker, viscosity-wise and won't run or pool. I do it two or three times (depending on the rocket) and it works great. No muss, no fuss and a good looking fillet. As easy as it can possibly be.

Oh, and nice work on those rockets!

 

[JStarStar]

Looks sharp! Those are nice looking models.

Getting those fin fillet joints right on a V-2 is always a challenge.

 

[JPVegh]

Very pretty, I like them very much.

 

[jaymeister99]

Try Titebond Molding and Trim glue for your fillets. It operates just like wood glue, only it's a good bit thicker, viscosity-wise and won't run or pool. I do it two or three times (depending on the rocket) and it works great. No muss, no fuss and a good looking fillet. As easy as it can possibly be.

Oh, and nice work on those rockets!

Any pics of any of this? I hadn't heard of this for fillets until now.

 

[JAL3]

Here we are! After many months and learning and trying to fit in rocketry to a hectic schedule I've finally finished my first two rockets.

An Estes D Region Tomahawk and an Estes V2.

My Tomahawk carries a DIY half moon baffle system in the coupler, with kevlar and a snap swivel attachment to an upgraded 24inch chute, and my V2 is mostly stock but again with a kevlar shock cord and snap swivel chute attachment.

I found the building of these two very easy, considering they are my first builds. Balsa was a bit of a learning curve in the V2, and wasn't aware of coating or filling techniques till it was too late. Therefore I have some weak fins and you can see the grain through the paint, but a lesson learned.

I found painting the hardest, with the Tomahawk my first Guinea pig. Poor thing, not enough patience and some cold conditions cracked the paint, and I only used Tamiya masking tape on the edges instead of all over so the paint seaped through the cheap masking tape I was using for bigger areas. This left me having to do this black and red scheme as to hide the ruined white surface underneath. Nevermind!


My fillets leave a lot to be desired on the V2, and I tripped over one day and snapped a fin but managed to repair it okay. I'm sure my fillets will be better next time. What is best to use for fillets?

My oh my was that black and white test patter hard to paint, but for my second ever try it came out surprisingly well! The masking gave me a headache but the Tamiya tape gave me neat clean lines, and I only mucked up a few times, barely noticeable from this distance.

Now I finally get to launch them the weekend after next! Thanks everyone for the help they put in to me starting out in rocketry, I'm now ordering a Mini HoJo to continue my scale collection!

View attachment 130079

May I copy these to the gallery?

 

[samb]

Those two came out really nice Arthur. That V2 scheme is not easy. I'm going to try some lightweight drywall patch to form the fairings at the end of the fins.



This stuff is super light and very fragile in this application; I'll need to soak it with CA after I get the shape right. Here is the goal:



jaymeister99,
the Titebond Molding and Trim has disappeared from the shelves of the big box home improvement stores around here. Not a big enough seller I guess.

View attachment 130139

You might have better luck finding some Aleene's at Walmart or Michaels or HL.

 

[Marc_G]

The molding and trim glue is still sold at most ACE stores, at least near me. If anyone is looking for the product, check an ACE Hardware.

 

[marwady]

Very nice!!!

Beautiful paint.

 

[AfterBurners]

Great job and beautiful paint scheme on both rockets!!

 

[ArthurSull]

May I copy these to the gallery?

Yes, please go ahead!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement, and the fillet tips.

I took my time about everything and researched plenty before building first. I think it's paid off and hopefully the flights will be successful.

 

[ArthurSull]

Oh, one thing.

I've not had a chance to study or analyse descent rates yet. On the V-2 I've got a choice of a 24inch Estes stock cute or a nice nylon 18 inch chute. I know the nylon choice would be stronger and more reliable but would it bring this down too fast? I guess it's something that changes to terrain, wind and just personal choice really.