James Duffy
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CRITICAL UPDATE: after this thread was begun it has emerged that adhesive selection on a number of parts is extremely important, so this "read first" note has been attached here. The vacuform body wrap, injection molded fin halves, and injection molded nozzle halves appear to have been molded using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. This particular plastic is somewhat resistant to many traditional solvent cements suggested for plastic model parts, which have traditionally been molded from high impact polystyrene (HIPS). It is critical to select an appropriate solvent cement for certain steps in the build sequence that involve ABS and ABS-to-HIPS bonds, such as the following:
* fin half assembly
* nozzle half assembly
* attaching the launch lugs to the vacuform wrap
Plastruct Plastic Weld has been confirmed to work well on these joints, and can be purchased from most major hobby vendors. Using other solvent cements may result in the failure of these joints, especially the critical lug-to-wrap bond.
https://www.hobbylinc.com/plastruct-plastiweld-1-plastic-model-cement-00002
The capsule, escape tower, and RCS quads all appear to be molded from HIPS, and respond well to traditional model assembly solvent adhesives.
_______________________________
So, the Estes 1/45 scale Little Joe II has generated a degree of interest perhaps not seen before for a model rocket kit, and many of us have started builds. Let's use this thread to share any wisdom gleaned during the process so that everyone can be successful with their kits.
The new LJII kit seems to have a quality not previously seen in a production scale model rocket kit: it combines complexity and accuracy, yet has been engineered for simple assembly and success. So, if you develop any insight that might help others in building their kit, please share it here!
I'll start with the first tip in just a few moments...
James
* fin half assembly
* nozzle half assembly
* attaching the launch lugs to the vacuform wrap
Plastruct Plastic Weld has been confirmed to work well on these joints, and can be purchased from most major hobby vendors. Using other solvent cements may result in the failure of these joints, especially the critical lug-to-wrap bond.
https://www.hobbylinc.com/plastruct-plastiweld-1-plastic-model-cement-00002
The capsule, escape tower, and RCS quads all appear to be molded from HIPS, and respond well to traditional model assembly solvent adhesives.
_______________________________
So, the Estes 1/45 scale Little Joe II has generated a degree of interest perhaps not seen before for a model rocket kit, and many of us have started builds. Let's use this thread to share any wisdom gleaned during the process so that everyone can be successful with their kits.
The new LJII kit seems to have a quality not previously seen in a production scale model rocket kit: it combines complexity and accuracy, yet has been engineered for simple assembly and success. So, if you develop any insight that might help others in building their kit, please share it here!
I'll start with the first tip in just a few moments...
James
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