I'm a sucker for a split fin design so when Composite Warehouse had a sale and I picked up a Formula 98.... I saw the T3 was also on Sale so I grabbed one as well. I didnt see any threads on the Terminator 3 so I figured I would share some build pics as it was my first rocket with a boat -tail that integrated with the rear fins and since these kits come with no instructions, I figured I would share some of my thought process while building it for any others than might be looking for info down the road.
Completed the initial wash down of all the parts and completed the initial sanding/roughing up of the various areas that need it. I laid the parts out to mock-up the build and get initial measurements for where I would need the main CR's along with motor-mount position so that I would have the proper spaces for the retainer on the back end. Upon initial layout, I realized the Aeropack retainers that I typically use would be very difficult to use and it wasn't going to give me the look I wanted on this rocket. A friend recommended a Slimline from Giant Leap rocketry so I took a look and ordered up one of their slimline threaded retainers.
Look with the Aeropack retainer. Great products, just not what I was looking for on this project.
Giant Leap Slimline retainer - Lightly sanded the inside lip of the boat tail with a dremel sanding drum and it passed through without issue. This allowed me to push the motor-mount forward allowing more space for an adequate fillet on the forward CR and gave it a nice clean look on the back end. A real nice piece.
Completed the initial wash down of all the parts and completed the initial sanding/roughing up of the various areas that need it. I laid the parts out to mock-up the build and get initial measurements for where I would need the main CR's along with motor-mount position so that I would have the proper spaces for the retainer on the back end. Upon initial layout, I realized the Aeropack retainers that I typically use would be very difficult to use and it wasn't going to give me the look I wanted on this rocket. A friend recommended a Slimline from Giant Leap rocketry so I took a look and ordered up one of their slimline threaded retainers.
Look with the Aeropack retainer. Great products, just not what I was looking for on this project.
Giant Leap Slimline retainer - Lightly sanded the inside lip of the boat tail with a dremel sanding drum and it passed through without issue. This allowed me to push the motor-mount forward allowing more space for an adequate fillet on the forward CR and gave it a nice clean look on the back end. A real nice piece.