EAC Viper XL build

[qquake2k]

That's looking great, Jim! I have used the coupler doubler at the aft end on several rockets and it seems to make quite a difference in durability, especially on a rocket like this, where the fins won't be the first thing to hit the ground. Also, I hadn't thought of putting the baffle elements in the motor tube. I always have put all three elements, the two half moon pieces and the forward, drilled bulkhead in the coupler. I have been wanting to build one of these bigger vipers for a while now. Yours is just about the perfect size. Do you have the markings for it yet? John.

I have vinyl decals for it. I just need to find some magenta spray paint that kind of matches the decals.

 

[jungmann1]

That was the hardest part for me on the original, getting that weird pinkish purple trim color right. Good luck with that and be sure to let us know what you come up with. John.

 

[qquake2k]

That was the hardest part for me on the original, getting that weird pinkish purple trim color right. Good luck with that and be sure to let us know what you come up with. John.

It's been so long, I can't remember what I used, other than it was Testor's bottled paint. I used to brush a lot of paint on back then, because I never had any luck at all with masking tape.

 

[T-Rex]

Was thinking of adding a coupling piece to the bottom of a couple of my models for the same reason. Wasn't sure I was thinking right. Looks like I need to buy some coupler stock to put in the build supplies.

 

[qquake2k]

Was thinking of adding a coupling piece to the bottom of a couple of my models for the same reason. Wasn't sure I was thinking right. Looks like I need to buy some coupler stock to put in the build supplies.

I haven't done it enough to know how much it helps, but it certainly can't hurt.

 

[rocketgeek101]

Your build threads just rock!!

 

[qquake2k]

Your build threads just rock!!

Why yes. Yes they do. LOL

 

[[POW]Eagle159]

Wow, That is one GOOD looking rocket!, I love the fins on it, simple and cool!

 

[qquake2k]

Wow, That is one GOOD looking rocket!, I love the fins on it, simple and cool!

I wish I could take the credit for the design, but it's an old Estes design. I agree, though, very simple and very cool!

 

[qquake2k]

Got the sanding sealer on the fins and sanded them. Also sanded and washed the nose cone.

 

[qquake2k]

I drilled and installed the rail buttons before I started painting. I took them out again, and will reinstall them when it's all done.

 

[qquake2k]

And the primer. So far so good, knock on wood!

 

[qquake2k]

There is a bubble in one of the fillets, and a few defects in the wood I didn't see before. I don't know if they bother me enough to fill them or not.

 

[eggplant]

Don't fall for the temptation! It can only make things worse!

Paint was the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

 

[qquake2k]

Don't fall for the temptation! It can only make things worse!

Alas, I've fallen for the temptation, and fallen hard. :sigh:

 

[o1d_dude]

Got the sanding sealer on the fins and sanded them. Also sanded and washed the nose cone.

Rockets on the stove, nose cones in the kitchen sink...

LOL!

 

[qquake2k]

Rockets on the stove, nose cones in the kitchen sink...

LOL!

Did I mention I'm a bachelor? :tongue:

 

[o1d_dude]

Did I mention I'm a bachelor? :tongue:

Maybe once or twice in passing. You still get the "benefit" of your kids (son, niece, nephew, etc.) I don't get any respect from mine, either. At least yours show up at the launches, tho.

 

[qquake2k]

Maybe once or twice in passing. You still get the "benefit" of your kids (son, niece, nephew, etc.) I don't get any respect from mine, either. At least yours show up at the launches, tho.

Well, my nephew and my friend Hanna go with me a lot more than my son does. Joe has never been into rockets much, even as a kid. He does like the CATOS though! Your daughter has been to at least two launches. You should bring her more often. Doesn't she like rockets?

 

[RocketManDan]

You have done an excellent job so far and I'm sure the paint will be exceptional...looking forward to more pictures.

 

[qquake2k]

You have done an excellent job so far and I'm sure the paint will be exceptional...looking forward to more pictures.

Well, thank you! Building the rockets for me is the easy part. Paint scares me! LOL :y:

 

[RocketManDan]

Well, thank you! Building the rockets for me is the easy part. Paint scares me! LOL :y:

I hear you on that!

 

[qquake2k]

That was the hardest part for me on the original, getting that weird pinkish purple trim color right. Good luck with that and be sure to let us know what you come up with. John.

Well, I went to OSH, Home Depot, and Michael's, and the closest I could come up with is Krylon Raspberry. It's hard to tell with the protective cover on the decal, but it might be close enough. Problem is, I can always repaint the nose cone. But once the decals are on the fins, I won't be able to repaint the stripes. I think I'll look at Testor's spray paint at the hobby shop before I make my final decision.

 

[qquake2k]

What is it with me and paint? I dropped the still wet nose cone in the grass, then a bug got stuck to it. I'll have to sand it off and start over tomorrow. Geez.

 

[o1d_dude]

I don't think the paint was the problem there...

Nice color, tho!

 

[jungmann1]

That color looks pretty darn close. Could do with a bit less texture, though.:rant:

 

[qquake2k]

I don't think the paint was the problem there...

Nice color, tho!

Maybe not, but if it weren't for paint, there wouldn't have been a problem at all. Stupid paint.

 

[qquake2k]

That color looks pretty darn close. Could do with a bit less texture, though.:rant:

The more I look at it, the more I think it's close enough. And yeah, I'm not a fan of the unintentional texture either.

 

[T-Rex]

Looks good! Color is pretty close in the pictures. Maybe peel the corner back off the vinyl & satisfy yourself.
OK, sure, you dropped it in the yard...I occasionally find cat hair and/or bugs in my paint, some things are not within our control.
Sand 'er down a bit and hit it again (maybe hang it with a string till it dries?) It'll be OK...

 

[o1d_dude]

As to the texture, spray a couple of coats of Rusto Crystal Clear Enamel and it will even it out. Enamel is very forgiving and levels out well.

It does add a bit of weight, tho. OTOH, you're Captain Low-N-Slow, right?

As to the color match, pinks, magentas, and such colors are easily assumed to be the same shade for some reason. As long as the decal doesn't reside right on top of the color, you should be okay. The white color will overpower any comparison between the decal and the nose cone or other trim locations.

As my high school drafting teacher often said, "Quit trying to pick the ant excrement out of the pepper!" Well...he didn't exactly say "excrement".

God bless, Mr. Bergstrom where ever you are.