Hey everyone hope you guys are doing great!
I need some suggestions on forming a boat tail. Awhile back I would say maybe 2-3 years ago I got a Q-Modeling Bullpup for Christmas as a gift and I would like build it, but not sure the best techniques for forming and shaping the boat tail. The first time I tried; the AFT section of the boat tail where the support ring is glued in had a 1/16" gap. Just guessing, but maybe it wasn't that big, but significantly enough to where the ring was not flush to be glued to the surface. I never could quite understand this??:confused2: I cut the pattern exactly and followed instructions on shaping and forming it. The ends butt flush perfectly, but the diameter was too big. I think the only way to correct this is to slightly trim material off one end to change the diameter (make it smaller) and maybe this would resolve the issue? I guess another way would be to make (2) boat tails to take up the gap and also make it stronger. I was going to contact Q-Modeling to get another "cut" pattern, but it looks like they might not be opening anytime soon.
According to a video I watched on Apogee's website Tim suggested using Bristol Board as the material to make a boat tail. So I purchased a couple sheets because I figured I would need some practice. I remember when I made my first boat tail it seemed like I spent way too much time trying to curve it. I used the sharp edge of my work bench to start the shape it and then used a few different sized dowels and spent a couple hours trying to get it just right. It seemed after a certain point that it wouldn't curve anymore. I'm always afraid I might tear it half if I put too much pressure on it when shaping.
Also after you get shaped and formed and glued up to the support rings(s) what is the best method to strengthen it? I was considering using thin CA and then coming over it with spot putty glaze, but after it's been attached to the AFT section of the rocket.
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long winded post.
I need some suggestions on forming a boat tail. Awhile back I would say maybe 2-3 years ago I got a Q-Modeling Bullpup for Christmas as a gift and I would like build it, but not sure the best techniques for forming and shaping the boat tail. The first time I tried; the AFT section of the boat tail where the support ring is glued in had a 1/16" gap. Just guessing, but maybe it wasn't that big, but significantly enough to where the ring was not flush to be glued to the surface. I never could quite understand this??:confused2: I cut the pattern exactly and followed instructions on shaping and forming it. The ends butt flush perfectly, but the diameter was too big. I think the only way to correct this is to slightly trim material off one end to change the diameter (make it smaller) and maybe this would resolve the issue? I guess another way would be to make (2) boat tails to take up the gap and also make it stronger. I was going to contact Q-Modeling to get another "cut" pattern, but it looks like they might not be opening anytime soon.
According to a video I watched on Apogee's website Tim suggested using Bristol Board as the material to make a boat tail. So I purchased a couple sheets because I figured I would need some practice. I remember when I made my first boat tail it seemed like I spent way too much time trying to curve it. I used the sharp edge of my work bench to start the shape it and then used a few different sized dowels and spent a couple hours trying to get it just right. It seemed after a certain point that it wouldn't curve anymore. I'm always afraid I might tear it half if I put too much pressure on it when shaping.
Also after you get shaped and formed and glued up to the support rings(s) what is the best method to strengthen it? I was considering using thin CA and then coming over it with spot putty glaze, but after it's been attached to the AFT section of the rocket.
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long winded post.
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