brewster_rockit
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- Joined
- Nov 22, 2014
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Grr, I pranged my Mega Mosquito this weekend after many painstaking hours of filling, sanding and priming. I'd like to rebuild the rocket, but the body tube is thoroughly crunched. I had a few ideas in mind for rebuilding the Mosquito, but wanted to get the opinions of a few people who have rebuilt after prangs before I proceed.
Options:
1) Remove fins, motor mount and launch lugs to be reused with a new piece of BT-80. I could use a heat gun to soften the wood glue I used to assemble the rocket, but I suspect the paint will bubble before I get the desired effect. Tearing the tube away from the parts I'm trying to save might be an option, since the tube appears to be a total loss.
2) Cut the tube above the upper launch lug. Use a tube coupler in the lower tube to push out the dents (not as bad in the lower tube as in the removed section) and soak the dents with thin superglue. Then replace the removed upper tube section with a fresh piece of BT-80 and short coupler. Or use one long coupler that will strengthen the damaged lower tube and support the fresh upper tube.
Of the two options, #2 seems like the better route to go. Not sure if I should leave the coupler inside after applying super glue to the dents, or remove it to avoid the weight penalty.
Apologies for the low quality of the photo!