My Wildman 3X Andromeda Carbon Fiber

[Wally Ferrer]

First of all I want to thank Les for his build thread. He pointed out a few things that will help me do a better build. Also thanks to everyone who replied to my recovery thread, got lots of information and ideas from it. The kit was unboxed a while back, and all parts washed. After some good feedback on carbon fiber, I also cleaned up the fin edges.

 

[Wally Ferrer]

The 54mm tube has slots for the conduit stand-offs, so I decided to epoxy them on to facilitate locating the sail fins more easily. This will allow me to use the conduits to position the 3 inch tube the correct distance from the standoffs as well as line up the sail fins...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

I marked the 54mm tube at the leading edge of the 3 inch tube with the carbon rod 'conduit' positioned in the sail fin notch and even with the forward edge of the standoff. I used medium CA glue to attach the forward ring ensuring it was square(?) to the tube, and will use Rocketpoxy on the backside for strength. I also marked the 54mm tube using the fin slots in order to locate the fin pockets properly, which is a good solution for fins that do not butt up against the centering rings. Epoxy tomorrow... Now to give my undivided attention to Monday Night Football!!!

 

[mbeels]

Nice, that is going to be one heck of an Andromeda.

 

[Bdpeters]

Wow, looks like a very cool build.

 

[Wally Ferrer]

I added some Rocketpoxy internally to the conduit standoff tabs for added strength. The very front I cleaned up due to the need for the coupling to fit. I again used medium CA to attach the rear centering ring, using the Aeropack motor retainer to position it and keep it square followed by more Rocketpoxy...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

It was nice that the offset for the retainer positioned the centering ring even with the rear of the 3 inch outer tube. I sanded the "radiator" rings, the insides and outsides of the fin slots and I added more Rocketpoxy to the centering rings to attach the outer tube. I mixed up some BSI 30 minute epoxy as it flows better and filled a sail fin pocket after placing the rings in place (no glue on them yet). Inserted the fin, and then using my 1010 rails and some clamps I ensured alignment with the standoffs and now will let that all cure...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

One sail fin on...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Using a handy Badass Rocketry fin guide to temporarily hold the pod fins in place to ensure rings and all fins line up, the second sail fin is in and curing...

 

[Nytrunner]

Im sure you've mentioned this, are you going to paint the tube black and leave the fins bare for clear coating?

 

[Wally Ferrer]

My original plan was to just paint it all black. I have been considering just doing a clear on the fins after the feedback/info I got about finishing carbon fiber, but then I would need to mask for the detail pieces. I am currently back to wondering if there is enough surface detail that would show the carbon pattern through paint... So, undecided!

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Working the real job today, but thought I would post these...

 

[WILDMANRS]

Looking good

 

[DAllen]

View attachment 431728

DANGER WILL ROBINSON

There is a lot of evil in that photo.

[dad voice with finger wag]YOU BE CAREFUL WITH THAT CF DUST MISTER[/dad]

Interesting build though (subscribed)

 

[Wally Ferrer]

DANGER WILL ROBINSON

There is a lot of evil in that photo.

[dad voice with finger wag]YOU BE CAREFUL WITH THAT CF DUST MISTER[/dad]

Interesting build though (subscribed)

Yes indeed- specifics were covered in this thread:

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/finishing-carbon-fiber-fins.161315/

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Alright, got the first pod fin on, then took a few more photos adding the second pod fin...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Prepared the pod tubes (or should I say the outboard nuclear ram-type engines? ) for epoxying to the fins, then did just that for the first one...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Attached the second outboard nuclear ram-style engine...

 

[Nytrunner]

Those fin guides look real funny out there

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Those fin guides look real funny out there

Yes, but they do the trick...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

If you thought the fin guide looked funny on the pod fins, get a load of the antenna mount...

 

[o1d_dude]

Legit use of a Badass Rocketry fin guide.

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Printed the fin template scaled 3X for placing the surface details, as demonstrated by Les in his build thread it's a loose sport scale...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

I got the first carbon spar epoxied on, added a drop of dye in case I go clear coat...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Used a drop of epoxy to fill in the gap at the front of the antenna fin...

 

[Tim51]

Attached the second outboard nuclear ram-style engine...


View attachment 432099View attachment 432100

Will you be running those on deuterium or tritium? Just curious.

 

[OverTheTop]

Will you be running those on deuterium or tritium? Just curious.

Helium 3 is the go these days.

Nice build!

 

[Wally Ferrer]

I was planning on using dilithium crystals, but they are hard to come by these days...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

Second rod on...

 

[Wally Ferrer]

I was going to mask and start applying the fillets. I did manage the masking part, but will start applying the fillets tomorrow. It's my Wellness day off ...