Fliskits Stingray

[JAL3]

The stingray was the subject of one of my earliest buld threads on the old TRF. It was through this rocket that I learned what a valuable resource TRF can be. The thread was edited from time to time with additional repairs, all also learing experiences.

Yesterday, a young lady visting my club launch for the first time wanted to see it fly. In spite of the high winds, it gave a creditable performance. On landing, though, it suffered from one of its perinnial problems. One of the toothpick antennas broke off.

Its an easy fix.

A video of the flight can be seen here: https://flickr.com/photos/23694991@N03/3282644322/

 

[JAL3]

Anyone wishing to follow the progress of this Stingray, through photos and videos, in terms for construction, flights and repairs is welcome to look here: https://flickr.com/photos/23694991@N03/collections/72157607434870648/

 

[jflis]

I remember that build thread! Man, I hope we get SOME of the old TRF back, either here or in a separate searchable list...

great build and I love the over hall work

 

[JAL3]

I remember that build thread! Man, I hope we get SOME of the old TRF back, either here or in a separate searchable list...

great build and I love the over hall work

Thanks.

Do you have any recommendationf for exotic adhesives guarenteed not to let the little toothpick thingies come off?

 

[jflis]

Thanks.

Do you have any recommendationf for exotic adhesives guarenteed not to let the little toothpick thingies come off?

Best I can recommend is that you soak the gun turrets with CA or epoxy after assembly. Also, be sure you are using that paper wrap that goes over the toothpick...

That or you can simply cast a large block of resin over the end of the tube...
Hey, it would keep the CG up there... LOL

jim

 

[brianc]

Do you have any recommendationf for exotic adhesives guarenteed not to let the little toothpick thingies come off?

Try replacing the toothpicks with weed whacker nylon line.

I did this on my FarScape (Night Whisperer) and because the nylon
bends, they never break off.

Use an appropriate colored Sharpie pen instead of paint, too.
Otherwise you'll have cracks to repair.

 

[JAL3]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[n3tjm]

Another very important tip to remember. Do not under any circumstances get your Stingray wet!

 

[JAL3]

Another very important tip to remember. Do not under any circumstances get your Stingray wet!

Do you really need the telephoto lens to shoot that thing?

It looks great.

 

[Pippen]

John, how does the finishing with the wrap kit work? One of the kids who builds with us wants to do this kit next summer and I was wondering.

 

[JAL3]

John, how does the finishing with the wrap kit work? One of the kids who builds with us wants to do this kit next summer and I was wondering.

There are several things involved. First, there is some painting. THe BT and NC need to be painted prior to assembly. So do the stabilizers on the fins. As I remember it, I sprayed them black and then painted the edges red. The "gun" toothpicks were brush painted.

As far as the wraps go, they were simple. there are a couple of "sticker" type that went on the fin stabilizers. I had no problem with them coming up. Just be careful about placement; you get one shot at it.

The body wrap was simple as well. Its cardstock that is cut out and folded then glued together. The BT slips in and you glue the aft bulkhead in place.

All of this is based on my lousy memory. I looked for my old photos but could not find them and it seems this build predate my posting them to Flikr.

FWIW, the construction is vitually the same if you don't order the special wrap. You just get a "generic" one that you decorate as you wish.

I like getting decals and wraps because by imagination is usually limited. In those few cases when I have plenty of imagination, I lack the skills to carry out the conception.

It was a nice build and was my first "hard" project; it didn't turn out too hard at all.

 

[n3tjm]

It looks great.

Thanks, looks great on a Pro38 H120 too

 

[JAL3]

Thanks, looks great on a Pro38 H120 too

I just hope that thing never gets mad at me.

I also worry about mine growing up like that. Feeding it would be expensive.

 

[JAL3]

Amazingly enough, when I dug the Stingray out of the box today after the weekend's flight, I actually found the gun/toothpick.

I glued it on with some thick CA and then soaked it with thin. I wonder how long it will stay this time?