My level three build

[loopy]

Well, I have officially started my level three build. Woohoo! I got a Skinwalker kit (number 46) from Wildman on Black Friday, and finally got around b to starting the build after getting my plan signed off by my TAP members.

Started off with assembling the lower coupler (e.g. epoxying the stiffy into the coupler tube), then attaching the y harness to the upper centering ring with the u bolts. The upper and mid centering rings have been attached to the motor tube and filleted, and the fin slots were extended to allow for assembling the fin can outside of the booster tube.

The fins have been tacked on, and I’ve started applying fillets.

I’m having fun with this one so far!

 

[Hobie1dog]

Can you post your documentation you initially submitted for approval?
There's a thread for L3 documentation
What red harness is in the picture?

 

[loopy]

Can you post your documentation you initially submitted for approval?
There's a thread for L3 documentation
What red harness is in the picture?

Mine is pretty simple, but I'll throw it out there later tonight.

This kit comes with a Y harness for the recovery system. the two lower loops attach to the U bolts in the forward CR, and then the booster shock cord attaches to the top loop of the harness.

 

[loopy]

A little bit more progress on the Skinwalker - internal fillets and fiberglass reinforcement in place.

 

[loopy]

Coming along slowly but surely as life allows. Booster tube installed over the motor mount. Aft centering ring installed, external fillets applied. A little bit of fiberglass reinforcement for added instance on landings, and installed adhesive nuts in the coupler of the booster tube so the upper tube of the booster is removable for transport/storage. Just need to get the rail buttons and motor retainer attached, and the booster is ready for sanding/primer.

 

[86mustang408w]

Thats awesome. I'm only going for my L1 finally, lol. Good luck! I've been looking at many builds to get future knowledge. Ill keep watching!

 

[Williamhimka]

Looking good! Haven’t looked too deep into this thread, so excuse me if i ask an already answered question. What kind of epoxy are you using?

Looks like West Systems but not sure.

 

[loopy]

Looking good! Haven’t looked too deep into this thread, so excuse me if i ask an already answered question. What kind of epoxy are you using?

Looks like West Systems but not sure.

I'm using US Composites medium 3:1 epoxy. Long cure times and it's basically water on it's own, but it's very strong. I'm using cabosil/aerosil to thicken it so I can do fillets and what not.

 

[loopy]

Finally making more progress…rail buttons attached, altimeter bay built, bulkheads finished, altimeters mounted to the sled, primer almost done. Just need to mount the switches, drill holes for the zip ties that will hold the batteries, drill holes for switch access/av bay venting, holes for the rivets to hold the payload tube to the altimeter bay, finish painting, and motor retainer. Starting to feel very real…

 

[86mustang408w]

Finally making more progress…rail buttons attached, altimeter bay built, bulkheads finished, altimeters mounted to the sled, primer almost done. Just need to mount the switches, drill holes for the zip ties that will hold the batteries, drill holes for switch access/av bay venting, holes for the rivets to hold the payload tube to the altimeter bay, finish painting, and motor retainer. Starting to feel very real…

Oh very nice! I've since gotten my L1, working towards L2 this winter. But love this build can't wait to see it fly, thanks again for sharing.

 

[loopy]

Making more progress and getting really close. Retainer installed, switches mounted, wiring completed, paint and vinyl applied. Still a few small details to finish up (like some reflective chrome trim on the fins, ordering some nomex odds and ends…)

 

[86mustang408w]

Awesome. I like those type of motor retainers too, its going to fly beautifully.

 

[loopy]

Awesome. I like those type of motor retainers too, its going to fly beautifully.

Thanks. I hope so. Lol