LaserX build

[Relative Dimensions]

I just started construction on my vintage Centuri Laser X and it's coming along well, except the upper paper transition has come out a little creased and wrinkled, so how can I smooth that out to get a consistent finish?The kit is over 50 years old but the parts are in terrific shape so this is gonna look really good when it's finished. I would also like to know how to sand the the diamond shape airfoils on the Centuri Nike Smoke properly, I tried it recently on a different kit but the result came out rather shoddy.I want to do a nice job on the Nike so I could use a pointer or two. The parts for both of these are in surprisingly good shape, by the time I finish them they're probably gonna look really good.I also have a first generation FSI Viking 1 that's in excellent condition, I have a few 18mm conversion kits coming for that, so these three are gonna be loads of fun when they're finished.

 

[hcmbanjo]

Print up more shrouds!
https://www.payloadbay.com/page-Tools.htmlGo to the TRANSITION TOOL
Enter the Centuri tube dimensions and shroud length.
I usually print up three, form three shrouds, then pick the one that best fits the two tubes.

Here's some shroud tips from my blog:
https://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2013/10/super-shroud-article-in-apogee-peak-of.htmlhttps://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2011/05/estes-saturn-v-build-part-12-shrouds.htmlhttps://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2015/09/dr-zooch-ares-i-x-build-part-4-shrouds.html

 

[hcmbanjo]

Here's an article on shaping Nike style fin tapers:
https://www.apogeerockets.com/education/downloads/Newsletter357.pdf

 

[neil_w]

Print up more shrouds!

Yes. I've found it to be very difficult to clean up a shroud once it has acquired a crease or crinkle. Just make another (and another and another, until you get a good one.)

On occasion I've had a good shroud that acquired a crease during installation, so I only saw it after the glue had dried and it wasn't really practical (or desirable) to rip and replace. In that case... get out the filler and good luck.

 

[Relative Dimensions]

Yes. I've found it to be very difficult to clean up a shroud once it has acquired a crease or crinkle. Just make another (and another and another, until you get a good one.)

On occasion I've had a good shroud that acquired a crease during installation, so I only saw it after the glue had dried and it wasn't really practical (or desirable) to rip and replace. In that case... get out the filler and good luck.

Yeah, this shroud is already formed and it looks okay, but the creasing is located a short distance from the attachment point, what kind of filler could I use to possibly smooth that out?I had this particular kit a long time ago, and if I remember correctly the same thing happened then as well, but I can't remember what I did with it back then.Once I get this done the rest should be pretty straightforward.

 

[neil_w]

It really depends. Can you capture it in a picture?

 

[Relative Dimensions]

It really depends. Can you capture it in a picture?

 

[neil_w]

Just make a new one. It costs you almost nothing, and will be much easier than trying to smooth that out with filler. If it was already on the rocket it would be a different story.

 

[kuririn]

Just make a new one.

+1.
I would print up a new shroud from payload bay, unless you scanned the shroud template beforehand. Then pre-form (i.e. pre-curl) the shroud around a cylindrical object. This helps to mitigate against creases when forming it. After you glue it on the rocket paint it with thin CA to toughen it against further damage.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Hopefully, you made templates for all of the balsa parts, transition, and measured tube lengths before you started . . . Please post them, if you did.

Dave F.