graylensman
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2009
- Messages
- 949
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I am currently building the Semroc MMX Cherokee and Blue Bird Zero. Some observations about the builds so far:
The fin jigs. At first I was skeptical, but quickly realized the value. The hardest part has been sliding the fins into place; the jig slots are loose on the body tube but really tight on the fins. For the small forward fins on the Blue Bird Zero, I set all three in place on the mark with one jig, then slid the second jig into place, to line up the front ends of the fins. I'm using white glue, so I had some leeway before the glue set. Naturally, I figured this technique out last; I wish I thought of it at the beginning of assembly. One last point: it's helpful to have at least three jigs to work with - two for fin placement and a third to hold up the far end of the body tube.
The centering rings. These are made of layers of paper, but not in the way larger Estes-type rings are made. I had to sand them down in order to fit into the body tubes, and one ring came apart, requiring an application of glue to restore it. This has been the only disappointment in these kits.
Shock cord attachment. This made zero sense to me, not in a philosophical way but from an assembly standpoint. I just couldn't figure it out. I opted to attach them in the Fliskits fashion.
The fin jigs. At first I was skeptical, but quickly realized the value. The hardest part has been sliding the fins into place; the jig slots are loose on the body tube but really tight on the fins. For the small forward fins on the Blue Bird Zero, I set all three in place on the mark with one jig, then slid the second jig into place, to line up the front ends of the fins. I'm using white glue, so I had some leeway before the glue set. Naturally, I figured this technique out last; I wish I thought of it at the beginning of assembly. One last point: it's helpful to have at least three jigs to work with - two for fin placement and a third to hold up the far end of the body tube.
The centering rings. These are made of layers of paper, but not in the way larger Estes-type rings are made. I had to sand them down in order to fit into the body tubes, and one ring came apart, requiring an application of glue to restore it. This has been the only disappointment in these kits.
Shock cord attachment. This made zero sense to me, not in a philosophical way but from an assembly standpoint. I just couldn't figure it out. I opted to attach them in the Fliskits fashion.