X-Ray Upscale Build

qquake2k · Mar 12, 2015

Time to paint a single fin black. That means lots of masking. I used a combination of Frog delicate surface tape, Tamiya tape, and two garbage bags. I think I got it all covered.

qquake2k · Mar 12, 2015

And sprayed the fin with my usual Rustoleum 2X.

qquake2k · Mar 12, 2015

No runs, no drips, no bugs. I'm very happy with how this turned out. I even saved the bags.

qquake2k · Mar 12, 2015

Yes, there are visible imperfections. But I like it! I like it a lot! It looks like an X-Ray!

o1d_dude · Mar 12, 2015

Looks great, Jim!

hornet driver · Mar 12, 2015

I like it !! Nice classic lines.Just beautiful---GREAT JOB !!

Cl(VII) · Mar 13, 2015

I like it too. Well done, Captain.

qquake2k · Mar 16, 2015

Time for retention. Looking at the bum, I realized I didn't leave much room for my usual retention clips.

qquake2k · Mar 16, 2015

I regularly use 1/8" x 1/2" aluminum bar for my retention clips, and they have worked very well for me. But in this case, I didn't know if they'd fit. As it turns out, I was able to make a pair that fit. Only problem I ran into, is the screw heads are too big. I need to get some socket head screws for it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbrand...et-Cap-Head-Cap-Screws-2-Pack-71058/202209958

qquake2k · Mar 17, 2015

I got socket head screws, but they were still a little tight. So I used the Dremel with a 1/2" sanding drum, and ground away a little of the inside of the clips.

qquake2k · Mar 17, 2015

That seemed to help. I was able to get the clips screwed down tight, although the heads of the screws still rub. I need to put the clips in the vise and grind them some more.

qquake2k · Mar 20, 2015

Time to work on recovery. I had attached a short length of Kevlar to the eyebolt inside, so I pulled it through the back of the motor tube to tie the long Kevlar to it. I decided to try the Nerf dart trick to reduce the chance for a zipper. I sewed one stitch through the dart and Kevlar to hold it in position.

qquake2k · Mar 20, 2015

The smallest Nomex blanket I have is 12x12, which may be too big. If I have to, I can cut it smaller. But even with the big blanket, the Kevlar and 48" thin mil chute fit in the 2.2" body tube.

qquake2k · Mar 20, 2015

I noticed that the threads of the bolt didn't go all the way through the threads in the eyenut. So I drilled the hole in the transition a little deeper with a Forstner bit. Perfect. I put some Loctite 242 on the threads, and tightened the bolt.

o1d_dude · Mar 21, 2015

I recently spotted JB Weld brand blue and red thread locker. Using the blue and it looks pretty good.

Looking forward to seeing the X-Ray boost.

DuaneW · Mar 21, 2015

For retention clips of that length I use 18 ga stainless sheet. ( Cut to length for forming and 3/8" to 1/2" wide) It's a lot easier to work with than that size aluminum stock. The only difference is that I bend the end that goes on the motor in to a "U" channel so that the aft closure is trapped. I know 18.ga doesn't sound like much but I've had it hold up to K700s with no deformation of the clips. (x2) I've even held J350s in with one with no problems. The "U" is the secret since it doesn't allow the clip to wiggle loose or kick to the side.

qquake2k · Mar 21, 2015

o1d_dude said:
I recently spotted JB Weld brand blue and red thread locker. Using the blue and it looks pretty good.

Looking forward to seeing the X-Ray boost.

I didn't know JB weld made thread lock. I ordered an H180W from BAR for the flight on the 4th.

qquake2k · Mar 21, 2015

DuaneW said:
For retention clips of that length I use 18 ga stainless sheet. ( Cut to length for forming and 3/8" to 1/2" wide) It's a lot easier to work with than that size aluminum stock. The only difference is that I bend the end that goes on the motor in to a "U" channel so that the aft closure is trapped. I know 18.ga doesn't sound like much but I've had it hold up to K700s with no deformation of the clips. (x2) I've even held J350s in with one with no problems. The "U" is the secret since it doesn't allow the clip to wiggle loose or kick to the side.

I used to use 3/32" x 3/8" brass. I'm not sure why I switched to the bigger aluminum.

qquake2k · Mar 24, 2015

X-Ray has a passenger!

DuaneW · Mar 24, 2015

That's funny. I used to think about abducting my sister's mini-troll dolls back in the late 60's to do that very thing with.

Take care,

Duane

qquake2k · Mar 24, 2015

I got Commander Juliette locked in her capsule.

o1d_dude · Mar 25, 2015

Even Barbie doesn't have a rocket.

Well done, sir!

qquake2k · Mar 25, 2015

o1d_dude said:
Even Barbie doesn't have a rocket.

Well done, sir!

She could have, if she wasn't so danged tall.

Scotty Dog · Mar 25, 2015

o1d_dude said:
Even Barbie doesn't have a rocket.

Well done, sir!

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?13829-Project-Astronaut-Barbie&highlight=Barbie+doll

qquake2k said:
She could have, if she wasn't so danged tall.

Nice job Norm..I see you and paint seem to be getting along now????

qquake2k · Mar 25, 2015

Scotty Dog said:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?13829-Project-Astronaut-Barbie&highlight=Barbie+doll

Nice job Norm..I see you and paint seem to be getting along now????

Yeah, paint and I have an uneasy truce going. Knock on wood...

I looked at Astronaut Barbie, but she's too tall. I actually like Juliette better.

o1d_dude · Mar 26, 2015

Well Barbie may not have a rocket but she sports a mean space suit.

qquake2k · Mar 26, 2015

o1d_dude said:
Well Barbie may not have a rocket but she sports a mean space suit.

That is a sexy space suit. I bet she'd be good in Freefall.

cjp · Mar 26, 2015

That's a very cool looking upscale Jim,really came out just like the oop model.

accpool · Mar 26, 2015

qquake2k said:
X-Ray has a passenger!

Please post pictures post launch, I want to see the effect on her hair LOL.

qquake2k · Mar 26, 2015

accpool said:
Please post pictures post launch, I want to see the effect on her hair LOL.

:lol:

X-Ray Upscale Build

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