Model Minutes XLFR-7 (Tintin's moon rocket)

[kuririn]

Not a build thread, but I was inspired by Lakeroadster's build, so I pulled this out of my pile. Foamboard fins, cardstock body. Got this from a veteran modeler a few months ago.

Fin pods:

Fins and skins:

Fuselage segments:

I was aware that instructions could be sketchy and there might be fitment issues. Sure enough, the 24mm tube turned out to be more like 27mm. I really hate it when you do the assembly correctly according to the instructions but the part doesn't fit. Replaced it with a BT-50 tube.

I chose the 24mm motor mount option. Replaced the copper wire engine retainer with a standard engine hook. But just as a build exercise, I constructed the 18mm motor mount:

Copper wire over the end of the motor, retained with thread and glue. Cardstock motor tube and cardstock strips glued into centering rings.

Finally, formed the nose cone and added the clay weight. Then rolled the launch lug.
Wrapping things up tomorrow. Cheers.

 

[kuririn]

I must be on a foamboard kick, built this a couple of days ago:

M2F2 Space Camel. Fun build, terrible glider, or so I hear from some people at YORF. We'll see.

Finishing this build:
Glued and filleted the fins.
Finished gluing the fuselage segments.
Glued and filleted the fin pods, glued the launch lug.
Glued foam shock absorbers on the bottom of the fin pods.
Assembled recovery gear.
Just need to do some touch up paint and brush work where the ultrafine Sharpie can't reach, and clear coat.
Done!

She goes up at the next launch. Cheers.

 

[aerostadt]

Is there some reinforcement for all that paper? Can it really hold together on a launch with a 24 mm motor? Let us know how it works?

 

[kuririn]

Is there some reinforcement for all that paper? Can it really hold together on a launch with a 24 mm motor? Let us know how it works?

I had my doubts about paper rockets in general, until I built and flew the Fliskits Midnight Express. That has been through a couple of flights with no damage.
This one is a core BT-50 tube with foamboard TTW fins attached. The rest is window dressing.
Recommended engines are C5 and C6 (18mm) and D12 (24mm). I think I'll maiden her with a C11-3.

Or maybe I'll put this in:


NAH! Laters.

 

[GlenP]

You didn't happen to scan that Tin Tin rocket template before you built it, did you?

 

[kuririn]

Dang, I keep forgetting. I kept the fin template though, if you want it.

 

[BABAR]

Nice.

You may find this review helpful. Mentions some problems with the stock launch lug

 

[kuririn]

Babar, your link is missing but I assume you're referring to Chan Stevens' review at EMRR? It appears that Chan used the plastic straw for the launch lug. The instructions, however say to use the straw to roll a cardstock lug from the pattern sheet. This is then glued to the center fuselage segment ( widest, straightest part).
Also the problems on Chan's second flight seem to be from a crimped cardstock tube. I replaced mine with a standard BT-50 due to fitment problems, so it should be stronger than stock. Fingers crossed.

 

[neil_w]

Hey, is there a paint shortage in your area or something?

 

[kuririn]

Ha! Why do you think I'm building pre printed cardstock models now?
Here's some further along in the queue:


BTW, not a good picture, but you may be interested in this:

13, 18, and 24mm Deuces Wild. So, let's see, need to buy one case of primer.....

 

[BABAR]

hmm, not sure why link didn't work. This is Dick Stafford's build

https://archive.rocketreviews.com/reviews/all/oop_mm_xflr-7.shtml

 

[kuririn]

She flew today in celebration of our country's independence. C11 motor, winds 5-10 mph. No video, but here's some pre and post launch pictures. It arced a bit coming off the rod, maybe rod whip or windcocking. The fins stayed on and no landing damage! Woohoo!