Going For My Canadian Level 1-3 HPR Certification! - Wildman Shape Shifter Jr...

[nute]

Sebastian, how do you plan to put the decals on your Mini? I'm doing mine now, and I've come across an interesting problem; there isn't enough room on the tube to fit the two checked bands and the words.
or maybe I'm just missing something...

 

[rocketgeek101]

Sebastian, how do you plan to put the decals on your Mini? I'm doing mine now, and I've come across an interesting problem; there isn't enough room on the tube to fit the two checked bands and the words.
or maybe I'm just missing something...

Interesting question. I noticed that issue with the fit as well, but since I'm planning on getting the dual deploy kit for it with my next order (it's only $22.50), I'll hold off on applying the decals (that way even if there was no issue with the fit, the placement would match that of the Jr.).

My suggestion for you would be to use callipers to accurately measure the thickness of each fin and add them together, then cut off the resultant value (that is the value of the sum of the three thicknesses) from one of the checked bands. Once you've done that, divide the rest of the band into three equal pieces and apply those pieces to the areas of the body tube in-between the fins. Personally I think it would look pretty good.

Hope that helps!

-S

 

[nute]

Interesting question. I noticed that issue with the fit as well, but since I'm planning on getting the dual deploy kit for it with my next order (it's only $22.50), I'll hold off on applying the decals (that way even if there was no issue with the fit, the placement would match that of the Jr.).

My suggestion for you would be to use callipers to accurately measure the thickness of each fin and add them together, then cut off the resultant value (that is the value of the sum of the three thicknesses) from one of the checked bands. Once you've done that, divide the rest of the band into three equal pieces and apply those pieces to the areas of the body tube in-between the fins. Personally I think it would look pretty good.

Hope that helps!

-S

That's an interesting idea- it could definitely be done. I personally think it might make it look a little busy in the upper fin region, especially considering with the "Shape Shifter Mini" decal extending past the top of the fins. I think I'll just leave off one of the checked bands. It won't look quite like the original shape Shifter, but hey, variety is the spice of life! Also, if I happen to mess up the one band, or it gets otherwise damaged, destroyed, etc. I'll have a replacement. Or, if I get the DD upgrade, I'll have the option of applying it somewhere there at a later time.

Thanks for the suggestion though, I might just implement it depending on how it looks after a while.

Thanks,
Nate

 

[CRC]

I'm a believer in making it your own, so I say it's ok if it looks diff, heck even better.

 

[CRC]

I spent the evening making a cradle for the Jr (and I suppose any other rocket that fits). So far I've been using the Aerotech box cradles, which work, but are getting worn out (it's only cardboard!) and I also wanted something nicer.
View attachment 159973 View attachment 159972

I've got enough wood and strap left to build another, but this time I'll make it shorter so that I can use it for my shorter rockets.

very nice, do you use them for displaying or just for working on the builds or both?

 

[rocketgeek101]

very nice, do you use them for displaying or just for working on the builds or both?

Thanks! I use it for both. Since that photo was taken, I painted the cradle grey as I wasn't a huge fan of the stained wood (trust me, it looked a lot better in the pics)

 

[rocketgeek101]

Played around with OR 14.03.


In other news, my vendor is finally in stock with the items I need; so I'll be placing an order today! Hopefully the build will resume within the week!

Stay tuned!

 

[rocketgeek101]

I decided to go ahead and start doing the external fillets before foaming the fin can.

I've just finished up the first set.







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[rocketgeek101]

Second set if external fillets complete. 1 more to go.


Also stated assembling the motor mount on the mini. Got the forward CR and shock cord epoxied in place.





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[nute]

Those filets look really nice-very smooth, what's your technique??
Is hard to see, but be careful with any glue getting on the motor tube at of the forwards CR. The fin should sit against the forward ring, and a filet could make that tricky.

Looking good!

Nate

 

[rocketgeek101]

Those filets look really nice-very smooth, what's your technique??
Is hard to see, but be careful with any glue getting on the motor tube at of the forwards CR. The fin should sit against the forward ring, and a filet could make that tricky.

Looking good!

Nate

Thanks Nate!

For the fillets: I just tape of the area like in the pic (don't mind the writing, it's just a reminder for me not to touch it without gloves so as not to get the area contaminated with grease, natural skin oils, etc.)


I've heard it's recommended when doing fillets with Rocketpoxy to let the epoxy harden for a while before applying to avoid it running. This step is unnecessary when doing two at a time. Just make sure the side of the rocket you're applying the fillets on is level.

Afterwards it's just a matter of applying the epoxy and "pulling" it with a tongue depressor (I use the ones that came with the Rocketpoxy). Once that's done I take the time to tidy up (~5 - 7 min) and remove the tape.

Pretty simple. I find the key is to be patient, mask it off correctly, and do one set at a time.

Your right that the fillet might interfere with the fin tabs, I wasn't really thinking when I applied it. I'll just have the fins contact the rear CR instead (that's also how I did it on the Jr., but in that case the fin tabs are in contact with the forward end of the fin slot).

 

[rocketgeek101]

I've been having too much fun with the latest version of Openrocket! It's great not just for fun but as a tool. It lets you visualize the design in the air.

 

[conman13]

it is so much fun to use isn't it.

 

[rocketgeek101]

Third and final set of external fillets finished


Though I am pleased with the result, I really could have done a better job on this set. I'll admit I was starting to feel a little over confident.

Next up for the Jr. will be acquiring all the bits and pieces I don't yet have to finish it. And for the mini it'll be gluing in the motor mount and fins.


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[chadrog]

You did a bangin' job on those fillets mister, GREAT WORK!

 

[rocketgeek101]

You did a bangin' job on those fillets mister, GREAT WORK!

Thanks! :blush:


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[CRC]

Looks good, so you got a date for your written test?

 

[qquake2k]

The fillets look great! That's one thing I never learned to do well, is nice fillets.

 

[rocketgeek101]

Looks good, so you got a date for your written test?

Thanks! Yes I do (Sorta). Looking to take it on the first weekend of April (that would be the 5th or 6th). And the launch would be around the 15th of June. I'm taking the test ahead of time, so If I don't pass (which is a real possibility considering the Transport Canada sections passing grade is 100%) I'll be able to take it again on the day of the cert (You have to wait a month between tries).

The fillets look great! That's one thing I never learned to do well, is nice fillets.

Thanks captain! I've always found your builds to be some of the best on here.

For your next build try using a tongue depressor to pull the epoxy to create the fillets. Works almost every time!

 

[qquake2k]

Thanks captain! I've always found your builds to be some of the best on here.

For your next build try using a tongue depressor to pull the epoxy to create the fillets. Works almost every time!

Thank you for the compliment, but my builds are nothing special, just prolific. :tongue:

If I wasn't so lazy, I probably would try a tongue depressor or piece of PVC pipe.

 

[rocketgeek101]

Well I finally took the time to master the art of adding decals to your rocket in OpenRocket...

I'm pretty pleased with the result! Each "decal" (maybe a better choice would be "body tube graphic") was individually created using iDraw and then screenshot with Preview, saved as an image, and then uploaded, scaled, and positioned in OpenRocket.

 

[nute]

That's insane!!
That's a lot of work for the decals, but they turned out beautiful- very, very impressive!!

 

[rocketgeek101]

Thanks! It is a lot of work, but that's part of the fun isn't it.

I'm thinking since I did the Jr, I might as well do the mini:wink: (I could probably reuse most of the graphics).

-S

 

[rocketgeek101]

Got the decals for the mini in Openrocket done. (Nute, I took your idea of omitting one of the checkered bands)

 

[nute]

Looks good!!
If you wouldn't mind measuring, how long is your actual decal? I'm just wondering if mine was extra long, or if they're all that size.
anywhoo, It looks great- what motor is that:wink: The G75M?

Nate

 

[rocketgeek101]

My decal is approx. 13" long. Would you like a copy of the .ork file?

 

[nute]

My decal is approx. 13" long. Would you like a copy of the .ork file?

Kewl, mine measures up
Thanks, a file would be awesome!

Nate

 

[rocketgeek101]

Kewl, mine measures up
Thanks, a file would be awesome!

Nate

Here ya go!

View attachment Shape Shifter Mini.ork

 

[nute]

Here ya go!

That's Sweet!!!
Is the lettering to scale?

 

[rocketgeek101]

That's Sweet!!!
Is the lettering to scale?

No. In fact, none of the decal graphics are. It's all just eyeballed. Also, you'll note the font for the lettering isn't quite correct either.

Eventually I'd like to tweak it so it's all to scale, but as I'm still getting used to doing this I keep things simple.