Loc/Precision Tri Star

[nomopbo]

I just finished My Loc Tri-Star.
I was very pleased with the quality of the parts. All heavy duty stuff!

Although there were no illustrations provided with the directions, they were very clear. I had no troubles with the assembly at all.
I did however swap out the launch lug for rail buttons, other than that, everything is stock and per the instructions.

I did some sanding to the centering ring holes after the motor tubes were glued together. This was to be expected since the ring holes are such a precision cut, and the epoxy does take up some small space between the tubes of course.

When trying to decide which Loc kit to purchase, I was a little concerned with the way the fins mount between the motor tubes. Now that construction is complete, I am no longer concerned. A nice epoxy fillet took care of all worries there.

I did the entire build with Devcon 5 min epoxy, so construction moved along nicely. I found this to be a very satisfying build. It was nice to turn out such a large rocket in one building session. Very satisfying.

Cant wait to get some paint on this bird and get it in the air!

 

[marvSRG]

Looks awesome, man! That's one of the new (or re-introduced) LOC kits that I wanna build...want to do the HD Beauty too. Can't wait to see her in paint and hear a flight report. What's the plan for flight 1?

 

[nomopbo]

Flight 1 I plan to take it easy on it. But there will be a day in the not so distant future I will load it to the max!

 

[DynaSoar]

Originally posted by nomopbo
...I was a little concerned with the way the fins mount between the motor tubes. Now that construction is complete, I am no longer concerned. A nice epoxy fillet took care of all worries there.

I did the entire build with Devcon 5 min epoxy, so construction moved along nicely..

I'm getting a 404 on your link to the picture.

I've been working on several versions of a design that has the fins glued between body tubes. It's a good solid alternative to through-wall and MMT attachment. I too use Devcon 5 minute epoxy (though not on this design). I'm a little concerned. The Devcon 5 minute says not to use it where it'll be exposed to heat over 93 degrees C (200 F). I'd want to know whether the temperature between two firing 29mm motors can reach that, or even approach it. Repeated exposures could weaken the epoxy.

I imagine others have built this bird and I know others have built the Viper and Stovi. I'd be interested in hearing whether any of them have noticed weakening of epoxy joint between the tubes over time.

 

[nomopbo]

Well my web site is going to be down for a couple days, so here is the pic uploaded.

As far as the epoxy... the LOC instructions call for 5-15 min epoxy. I guess the heat exposure warning could vary from brand to brand.

I was thinking maybe that epoxy clay might have been a good alternative, but for now, I will wait and see what happens unless someone that has had a problem in the past pipes in.

 

[Stymye]

nice job!

I have 16 flights on the viper and so far, have not seen any problems with the glue joints.. I used west system 30 min epoxy.

 

[DynaSoar]

Originally posted by nomopbo
Well my web site is going to be down for a couple days, so here is the pic uploaded.

As far as the epoxy... the LOC instructions call for 5-15 min epoxy. I guess the heat exposure warning could vary from brand to brand.

I was thinking maybe that epoxy clay might have been a good alternative, but for now, I will wait and see what happens unless someone that has had a problem in the past pipes in.

If they say that 5-15 minute is OK, chances are they're aware and it's not a problem. Good. I don't mind being wrong.

 

[radiO]

that thing looks awesome! please post a picture after paint. what engines will "taking it easy" be on?

 

[nomopbo]

Originally posted by DynaSoar
I don't mind being wrong.

DynaSoar,
It's not a matter of being right or wrong. You didn't have the instructions, and even so, it is still good point. I didn't consider checking the Devcon instructions.

I imagine three G's can get pretty hot! Definately something to watch. This is my first LOC kit... hopefully the method is tried and true!

 

[nomopbo]

Originally posted by radiO
that thing looks awesome! please post a picture after paint. what engines will "taking it easy" be on?

LOL,
I'm looking to do three E's the first flight. Not sure *specifically* which "E" yet.

Open for suggestions...