LOC Precision Warlock Build - 2020

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DMehalko

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Hello! While i patiently wait for next months launch to fly my Zephyr for my L1 attempt, I feel its only fitting to plan out and get going on my L2 bird. I ordered a Loc Big Nuke 3e with a 54mm central and 2x 29mm outboards for air starting and dual deploy, but decided to put that on the backburner for my 'second' L2 bird as it will be more advanced and want to learn some more techniques first.

So I ordered up a 54mm Warlock to be flown on a J415 or K360 for an L2 attempt. I plan on fiberglassing the airframe, and laminating the fins in carbon fiber mostly for aesthetics, but will enjoy the strength as well.

Ill spend a good portion of this build on finishing and detailing, i plan to do panel lines and faux rivets after glassing for a flying tigershark bomb theme.

Stay tuned!
 

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Whohoo! She showed up, ill be working on this one along side my H powered Mean Machine Project, cant wait to get started!
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If you’re planning a build thread, I’ll be looking forward to it.

Locally, we do “Ape Lofting” events and the LOC Warlock is the lofting vehicle of choice.

Note: The apes in question are dog chew toys about 12-15” in length. They are outfitted with a small chute and a JLCR. Closest landing to the target banana is the winner.

@ThirstyBarbarian is the originator of the event as far as I know.
 

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How fun! Ya it’s a big short fat bird, can’t wait to get it going, this will be my build thread 👍👍
 
That thing on a J415W is going to be picture perfect. That motor is grunty and loud and with the size of that rocket, shes gonna be a show thats for sure!! Sure to be a crowd pleaser!! Make sure you put a Mobius camera and a pod on the side from Andrew! That rocket will give some awesome video.
 
If you’re planning a build thread, I’ll be looking forward to it.

Locally, we do “Ape Lofting” events and the LOC Warlock is the lofting vehicle of choice.

Note: The apes in question are dog chew toys about 12-15” in length. They are outfitted with a small chute and a JLCR. Closest landing to the target banana is the winner.

@ThirstyBarbarian is the originator of the event as far as I know.

WOW!!!....that sounds like so much fun! Maybe I can get our club to do something similar.
 
Oh....I just got that....Egg Lofter....Ape Lofter...funny.
 
Ha I love that, ya should be a fun kit. Got it all unboxed, this thing is a little monster!
 

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Little slow of a start, but now planning to fly this thing for my L2 on September 19th, so time to crank it out! During my work from home time, did some trial dry fitting and got the glass line peeled. Planning one 6oz wrap and one 4oz wrap
 

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The Warlock is a big bird but I’m not sure you really need to do a F/G wrap on a 38mm.

Going to order mine with a 54 and build it stock...except for the Stickershock23 vinyl.

Hope it fits in my Altima...
 
The Warlock is a big bird but I’m not sure you really need to do a F/G wrap on a 38mm.

Going to order mine with a 54 and build it stock...except for the Stickershock23 vinyl.

Hope it fits in my Altima...

Ya mostly glassing for durability and longevity, want this thing to be a tank. It is the 54mm version btw 👍👍. Get one ordered!
 
Picked up my 38mm version about 3 weeks ago. Hoping to have it done in time to fly with a club launch in OCT.

Looking forward to your build

Nice! Ya I’m trying to crank this thing out for a launch on the 19th next month for an L2 cert 🙃.

Got a little work done last night, wrapped one layer of 6ounce cloth using west 105/206, I was planning on another wrap of 4ounce but might just leave it a one wrap rocket. Came out pretty decent for never fiberglassing anything before, made the mistake of keeping the west stuff in a cup. I barely got things wetted out before the cup cooked off.
 

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Very cool wrap. On a side note, you don’t happen to frequent The Garage Journal, do you?
 
Very cool wrap. On a side note, you don’t happen to frequent The Garage Journal, do you?

Thanks! Was a bit of a learning curve being my first go at glassing. And I do not! however i love garages and is one of my favorite rooms in my house :D
 
One of these days I'll have to try glass-wrapping something. I haven't had the need yet, but never know what the future holds.

-Hans
 
Thanks! Was a bit of a learning curve being my first go at glassing. And I do not! however i love garages and is one of my favorite rooms in my house :D
Ah, your photos looked familiar, that’s why I asked. Do NOT go to that forum......you WILL spend hours and $$$$......wait, that’s much like this site...carry on at your own risk!
 
Nice! Ya I’m trying to crank this thing out for a launch on the 19th next month for an L2 cert 🙃.

Got a little work done last night, wrapped one layer of 6ounce cloth using west 105/206, I was planning on another wrap of 4ounce but might just leave it a one wrap rocket. Came out pretty decent for never fiberglassing anything before, made the mistake of keeping the west stuff in a cup. I barely got things wetted out before the cup cooked off.

Now I usually finish up with a final wrap of 3 oz., not for strength, but, it's easy to work with and makes finishing much easier than the courser 6 oz.

I use US Composites, but basically the same thing as the West. I mix it in a cup, but pour it on a paper plate when using it. That keeps it from cooking off as you said.
 
Of course I had to visit the Garage Journal...

DOOM!!!

Sorry, not sorry???? I found them while building my shop in 2010.....and because of that site, I have a fridge, tv, stereo, epoxy floor, antique drill press and band saw, and the coup de grace, heat and air..........it’s a black hole, that site.
 
Haha ya, love garage stuff!

Anyways, wrapping up the core construction, tacked the fins on and pulled the fin can for fillets and was considering glassing, but skipped it, hopefully I don’t regret it!

Fin can glued in, internal fillets applied, and rail buttons added. Really just need to add external fillets then soak this thing with filler primer 😝
 

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Haha ya, love garage stuff!

Anyways, wrapping up the core construction, tacked the fins on and pulled the fin can for fillets and was considering glassing, but skipped it, hopefully I don’t regret it!

Fin can glued in, internal fillets applied, and rail buttons added. Really just need to add external fillets then soak this thing with filler primer 😝
This ~MAY~ be the link to the Ape Lofting payload on Amazon.

Ape Aerospace Annie

Nope, that isn't it. Here's the chew toy we use.

Don't pay the ridiculous price $22 at the top of the Amazon page. Scroll down to other offers for a $12 price.

This is the one.

Mine ("Large Marge") is pink. My rockets are almost always pink with black fin cans and she wanted to coordinate colors.

OTOH, this ape doesn't look quite as durable as the ones we use but the size is about right. Our tags say "GoDog" and mostly came from Costco.
 
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^^haha love it!

Didn't get much building time in this week, finishing up the external fillets and hoping to slather this thing in filler primer tonight. Hoping it does the job for the 6oz fiberglass I used 👍
 

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Well the fire bands have canceled launches his month, so rush was over, but hopefully October brings some good launch days.

Few coats of filler primer, lots of sanding, and got the grey base ‘color’ coat put down 👍.

Will wet sand with 800 in a day or so, then get the dark get painted on for a 2 tone look, after that the real work begins with paining the eyes and shark mouth.

Made an eye on Microsoft paint and printed to get an idea on sizing I want
 

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Got the next round of greys done, nose cone work is next and to start figuring how to best paint the eyes and mouth :). Will paint on some panel lines and will be cleared in matte 👍
 

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This one is a little behind schedule, but back on getting this thing painted :), there will be no decals on this bird
 

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