Battle Star Galactica Viper MK2 - The new series

[Tolppisouth]

I've decided to go on a quest to build an improbably flight worthy rocket build. First I found some good pictures of the Viper MK 2. Notice the lack of round cardboard tube opportunity. Here's where I got the images.

http://www.bsr16.com/15th%20fleet/pa...r_m2_index.htm

[GrossApproximator]

Awesome. Sci-Fi rules.

[Tolppisouth]

Here is some picture joy of what I got so far. As you see I've followed the images and pieced together the front end with 1/8th in balsa. The idea is to have the model driven with 3 A8-3 motors. Naturally after weighting the front end, weighing the rocket to see if the motors can lift it, and some swing testing. The recovery will be rear ejection with parachutes in the area between the centering rings of the motor mounts. I just realized I didn't put in the motor rentention like I planned. I better fix it before the glue sets.

[Tolppisouth]

Successfully added the motor hooks and engine blocks. I really didn't want to break the centering rings since I hand cut them out of 1/8" balsa. I really just want to cut the six I did. No more, no less.

[rosko_racer]

... now where have I seen this before?

... A yes! I remember now... On TRF! Here, here, and here!!! Follow the build threads. There are a few PDF files available which may be of your interest, specially the one with the fin patterns and the cockpit pattern... well close. BTW I will be following this one! Post plenty of pictures.

[Tolppisouth]

A items this evening. I realized the canopy was bollixed up and needed to be fixed. Here is the original.

[IMG][/IMG]

I saw I put the front windshield on backwards and built from there. Here is the body with the canopy removed.

[IMG][/IMG]

To build, I rely on the double glue joint method. I wet one joining part's edge with glue and touch it to the place I want to put it and then leave the parts set separately until the glue dries some but not totally. By the way, I'll comment on what little technique I have. Veteran builders can comment how I can do it better and if I help a newbie...that would be cool. Here's some parts setting before joining. I recycled some of the pieces, thus the rough edges.

[IMG][/IMG]

Here is the finished canopy. It looks like a better match to the pictures.

[IMG][/IMG]


I then started to assemble the motor mounts/ rear ejection system. Here's one of the mounts. BT20 (18 mm) with hand cut centering rings and the nearly missed engine hook.

[IMG][/IMG]

The mount slips into a BT50 tube of which I've blocked one end and lined with foil (not in that order though).

[IMG][/IMG]

Here the parts are being put together.

[IMG][/IMG]

And in final place.

[IMG][/IMG]

That's it for tonight.

[Tolppisouth]

Tonight's progress involves the "nacelles" or motor mount pods. Here is the top engine prepped with balsa.



Here it is in 110# cardstock. I use masking tape to hold it in place until the glue sets. I'll put on a second layer later.



Here is one of the side pods. I'll judge if its acceptable once it's dry.


Diferent view. Looks crooked but it's the shroud not behaving. I'll paper the other side and use small strips at the seams. and apply another layer.


That's it for tonight.

[Tolppisouth]

Here's an update. While watching Dr. Who on Netflix, I finished the cardstock work. Here is the top pod.



The side pods.



Here is what I call the pod cradle installed.



The side pods had to be custom fit as they went in but with some jiggery pokery here they be.

[hornet driver]

Looks GREAT ! But I must admit, You are a braver man than I. That's a tough build !!

[Tolppisouth]

A few pictures of fin work. I used 1/4" balsa. Top fin was easy to set up a template.



The side fins were tricker since the source images didn't have an image perpendicular to the wing surface. It was always at angle. The length wise dimensions are correct. It was dimensions perpendicular to the fuselage that were tough. I could have used some trigonometry. Or I could stretch the dimensions by calculating ratios. Instead, I took an image and unchecked the "keep aspect ratio" button and multiplied the "as perceived" dimension perpendicular to the fuselage by the desired wing span and dividing by the wing span on the "slanted" view and a wing pattern is produced. Attached is my pattern.

[Tolppisouth]

Wings are on.



Added some detailing.



Putty work started.

[[POW]Eagle159]

Dang, that is awesome!, I like the size too, quite big!

[hornet driver]

I like the looks of that and that IS a challenging build . I'll be following this build. Very guttsy,keep it up. nice,nice,nice

[Tolppisouth]

Thanks for the nice comments. I'm beginning to see differences from one side or the other... so I ain't an awesome builder. More like one of them Balsa Butchers. I used some diluted Fill N Finish. I appear to have the stuff with the wood fibers. I'll have to get the right stuff next time. I plan to sand and sand. A process I refer to as the discipline of sand. To sand until sick of sanding, continue some more until I think I can't do anymore, and then sand some more. Here's an update pic.



Here's a picture of a cannon. It's 1/8" dowel set in a hand carved balsa shank and the "marshmallows" are card stock strips wrapped around the dowel.



Here's a rear view of the rocket.



Here is some of the stuff lined up to make sure it flies.



I am also butchering balsa for a repair on my best known only to very few people who may or may not be related to me in a very casual off-hand way. Here's the progress on that.



Have a good night all!

[dlazarus6660]

Have you looked at Rosko Racers build thread?

[Tolppisouth]

Yes I did and he's a much better builder than I am. I have kind of stuck to the sculpting approach to try some ideas.

I try to make up for my lack of finesse with carrying out odd ideas. The cross above is from my Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch rocket for example. That rocket is misshaped and flies like a lead brick but it's mine and it works when not flown on a D12-3 with a dud ejection charge.

[WOOSHPREZ]

Cool build John,
I like the mysterious replacement part as well.
http://youtu.be/Qw-x8EFSOdA