Mars Probe-Build Tips

[flying_silverad]

For those of you that own and or have bought a Mars Probe in the past, I have made some changes to help with the build process. If for whatever reason you need adddtional parts or help with this or any of my kits please feel free to e-mail me. In the mean time, you can e-mail me for a tip sheet for this kit that will be included with all future kits.

Thanks,
john

 

[sandman]

Mine went together pretty straight forwad with no problems...except.

I'm afraid to fly it 'cause the two ring just won's stay glued on!

Do you have any tips on what adheasive to use on those?

 

[flying_silverad]

Originally posted by sandman
Mine went together pretty straight forwad with no problems...except.

I'm afraid to fly it 'cause the two ring just won's stay glued on!

Do you have any tips on what adheasive to use on those?

I used a combination of yellowglue to attach them then thick CA on the fillets. I poked holes in the ends of the inside fins and tiny holes into the rings where they slide over the inside fins. The outside fins also get a double fillet of thick CA.

 

[brianc]

While waiting for some JB-Weld to cure yesterday, I decided to slap
together my Mars Probe... What a great little kit!

I used Dupli-color Metalcast paint (red and gold annodized) so I skipped the
included silver holograph ring trim. Need to wait until at least next Friday for
it to de-gas, then I'll put on the Mars Probe decal and a coat of Future.

 

[brianc]

Another angle.

I "painted" the inside of the rings using a Sharpie Metalic Silver pen.

When sanding the paint off the fin tips to install the aft ring, I
accidentally went a bit too far. So I ended up gluing small slivers
of the fin scrap (3/16" wide- grain going left/right around the ring)
on the inside of the ring at the fins. These made a small pad for the
fin tip to land on, filling the gap. I think it'll help provide a better bond.


The next section launch is a Sci-fi and Fantasy theme, so the Mars Probe
is going to fit in nicely. Launch pics then...

 

[flying_silverad]

Originally posted by brianc
Another angle.

I "painted" the inside of the rings using a Sharpie Metalic Silver pen.

When sanding the paint off the fin tips to install the aft ring, I
accidentally went a bit too far. So I ended up gluing small slivers
of the fin scrap (3/16" wide- grain going left/right around the ring)
on the inside of the ring at the fins. These made a small pad for the
fin tip to land on, filling the gap. I think it'll help provide a better bond.


The next section launch is a Sci-fi and Fantasy theme, so the Mars Probe
is going to fit in nicely. Launch pics then...

Those colors are sweet! Don't forget to coat the decals

 

[brianc]

Originally posted by flying_silverad
Don't forget to coat the decals

Already done.