Estes 1969 Saturn V Status

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On the gloss/flat debate, I've taken to using semigloss on my scale kits as a compromise.
 
AC Supply is taking pre-orders...but most of you knew that already, likely got the same email I did.
 
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So... internal launch lugs. I moved the launch lugs inside which means the launch rod has to go through the S-IVB transition wrap. Several choices here, wondering what people think.

  1. Oval hole - easiest, looks worst.
  2. Square flap in wrap - also easy, might wear out, might rub on rod and slow already slow speed off rod.
  3. Square remove before flight - hardest but probably looks best, remember to remove before it falls off when placed on rod.
  4. Wildcard?

Homer
 
Thanks to a post on FB, I got mine ordered. Notifications on my phone aren't working, so I was an hour late seeing the email.
 
I just placed my order with AC Supply. Only getting one Saturn V as I will probably never work up the nerve to fly it. So "Shelf Queen" she will be. Also ordered a Super Big Bertha, Star Orbiter (for kicks) and some other stuff to qualify for the free shipping.
 
I had to order 3 from AC Supply. One stock, one Skylab and one for emergency parts support. I've built several since the mid 80's and lost or sold them.
 
I'm thinking if it would make sense to carve out some styrofoam fairings that you could put inside the vacuform ones to give them a bit more structural integrity w/o adding a ton of weight... or some kind of foam like stuff...
 
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I'm thinking if it would make sense to carve out some styrofoam fairings that you could put inside the vacuform ones to give them a bit more structural integrity w/o adding a ton of weight... or some kind of foam like stuff...
The last one I built got PML foam in the fairings. Between that and the 24/40 RMS it took a bit of nose weight to bring her ack in line.
 
I wonder if a carded form would serve the same function? One vertical and two horizontal...

Homer
 
The last one I built got PML foam in the fairings. Between that and the 24/40 RMS it took a bit of nose weight to bring her ack in line.

I had this can of urethane foam that I used to plug up some wiring holes in the joists in my garage... when it dries it's as light as styrofoam... I'm thinking: drill two small holes in the bottom of the fairing, inject into one until it comes squishing out the other.... as long as it doesn't dissolve the vacu-form stuff. Of course if I snap a fin off, it's not getting replaced easily.
 
I had this can of urethane foam that I used to plug up some wiring holes in the joists in my garage... when it dries it's as light as styrofoam... I'm thinking: drill two small holes in the bottom of the fairing, inject into one until it comes squishing out the other.... as long as it doesn't dissolve the vacu-form stuff. Of course if I snap a fin off, it's not getting replaced easily.

Don't use the spray can foam....
 
Don't use the spray can foam....
+1 on no spray foam. The experiences I've had with it is it continues to expand for years after it's supposedly cured. 10 years after installation of a bunch of screen doors I had to go back and remove frames to trim the foam so the doors would shut. The PML foam and most FX AB foams don't seem to have that problem.
 
So... internal launch lugs....

Oval hole - with a remove before flight plug that conforms to the external contour, made of balsa or some scraps of the plastic. Attach the plug to a length of dowel that easily inserts into the lug, paint the internal part of the dowel bright red so you can find it when it pops out and falls into the grass under the launch pad when you load the rocket on the launch rod and forget to remove it. So that the plug does not fall in, you can make a lip, or a countersink in the panel that flares out. If the skin is not thick enough, glue an extra double layer of scrap on the inside to laminate it before you cut the hole. Does that make sense?
 
Oval hole - with a remove before flight plug that conforms to the external contour, made of balsa or some scraps of the plastic. Attach the plug to a length of dowel that easily inserts into the lug, paint the internal part of the dowel bright red so you can find it when it pops out and falls into the grass under the launch pad when you load the rocket on the launch rod and forget to remove it. So that the plug does not fall in, you can make a lip, or a countersink in the panel that flares out. If the skin is not thick enough, glue an extra double layer of scrap on the inside to laminate it before you cut the hole. Does that make sense?
Yes. That makes sense. I'll mark the hole in the shroud on the wrap and make the hole in the wrap one or two ridges bigger then glue it to a short post.


Homer
 
Don't use the spray can foam....

+1 on no spray foam. The experiences I've had with it is it continues to expand for years after it's supposedly cured. 10 years after installation of a bunch of screen doors I had to go back and remove frames to trim the foam so the doors would shut. The PML foam and most FX AB foams don't seem to have that problem.

That's pretty definite... I guess no canned foam!
 
Anyone have an idea where I can get a plastic transition to fix up an old mangled Saturn v?
 
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