You can't have one without the...other! With Top Gun stickers on, let's keep the party going and stick some stuff onto the Esoteric! The 5.54" upper stuff was previously completed, so the progress was all on the 7.67" sections.
First off, the inspiration for the trim scheme was from one of, if not the original Esoteric. It's not an exact recreation, nor is it intended to be. Here's the inspiration...Note: not my photo, found on the web!
With the payload stickers previously complete, the red/black roll pattern was up first. The areas included were painted Rusto 2X Apple Red; the black are 3.0625" x ~12" slabs of black Trim Monokote. Nothing too exciting here, just keep them parallel with the length of the airframe and make sure the edges match up. No photos of the process, but after the fact....all put together this monster runs nearly the length of the basement rocket room!
Then for some letters. I like
Arial Bold Italic block letters on rockets; by default if I'm making the stickers, that's what you'll see on the side of my rockets. The Esoteric is no exception. 3.25" height letters fit the available space well, the WTP reflective silver decal material makes a nice contrast on a black background. Much like the Top Gun, full size patterns printed out, letters cut from the sticker stock, and we're ready for application.
First up, trim the edges of the letters to find true centers. Mark centerlines. Because of the length of "ESOTERIC" on 11x17 paper, ESOT and ERIC had to be spliced together after careful alignment.
Tape ESOT and ERIC together, trim it in half, mark the halfway point between fins (word centerline), and center ESOTERIC pattern between chromy bands. Tape in place.
Remove top part of backing and align with printed pattern.
All decals partly stuck in place. Remove the pattern, sticker backing, and fully seat the stickers.
Can't stand this monster up in the shop. Too late and dark outside; not much of a glamour shot, but the best I can do for now. All decals in place (except for one applied after photo)!
I'll pull this one outside for a better shot asap as well. Time for some internal work on this beast.....