Pemberton Space Ark Jr.

[Mike Howie]

As far as I'm concerned the Space Ark is one of the BEST looking rocket of all
time. That's why I was so glad to see that Pemberton Technologies came out
with this kit. Here are all the goodies.

 

[Mike Howie]

After reading the amusing instructions, it was time to go to work. The Balsa
NC needs to be cored, so the nose weight can go in. I used my handy dandy
Dremel to do the job. I then epoxied the weight in, and filled the hole back
up. Man is it heavy, I probably shouldn't have done that. While filling
in the hole, I epoxied the screw eye in.

 

[Mike Howie]

Next cut out the fins, and mark the BT, and Tailcone. After extending the
guide marks, cut out slots on the TC for the rear fins. This was much easier
than it sounds. Lots of light passes with a #11 xacto blade and I was through.
"Make" the motor mount by gluing the kevlar shock cord to the motor mount.
Test fit the fins, and the motor mount. I had to sand the slots just a tiny bit
for the fins to slide in. I didn't have to sand the fin tabs to meet the motor
mount.

 

[Mike Howie]

Next I glued on the rear fins. Following the instructions I us F-n-F to make
these massive fillets, to blend the fins into the BT. While that was drying, I
constructed my first Hartle parachute. Nice material, kevlar thread for the
shroud lines. I like the good quality.

Next step is to glue on the wings. This step is the hardest step in the whole
building process. You have to bevel the root edge of the fin, so that when
glued to the BT, they are parallel to the rear fins brace. Mine wanted to move
slightly as the glue dried. I had to watch them constantly, and make
adjustments to keep them in line.

Now to wait for a nice day to paint.

 

[user 13]

I just love this kit! I built it a few years ago when it first came out as a Jr.

The only mod I made was putting in a motor block. The quality of the kit is top notch. Here is a naked photo. I finished it in silver. The wings were a bit of a pain, one of mine drooped a few degrees but it is still one of the most visually appealing rockets I own. I sealed the massive nose cone with CA glue. It worked very well but the fumes almost killed me. The wings are sealed with sanding sealer.

It flies real nice on a C11. I have not had the guts to put it up on a D yet. TonyPV built one at the same time as me and I think he has launched his on a D. Maybe he can post a photo, his puts mine to shame.

Nice job on your build. I found the thru the tail fin slots to be much easier than I expected also. It does require all the nose weight.

 

[Kaycee]

I've always liked the looks of the Space Ark, and when Layne & Trudy had the whole fleet at Southern Thunder last year I knew I had to have one. Kyle also received one from his Secret Santa this year. Time to get busy building!

Thanks for the build tips. I'll try not to screw mine up.

 

[Pantherjon]

Looks awesome Mike! I have one in my build pile..One of those 'one of these days' things!LOL Thanks for the build tips! Will have to reference here when I build mine so I don't screw it up! Hopefully that won't be 2 years from, which by that time I will have forgotten this thread!..LOL

 

[Mikus]

Dang! There goes another kit I need to get.


Looks good!

 

[tonypv]

I just love this kit! I built it a few years ago when it first came out as a Jr.

The only mod I made was putting in a motor block. The quality of the kit is top notch. Here is a naked photo. I finished it in silver. The wings were a bit of a pain, one of mine drooped a few degrees but it is still one of the most visually appealing rockets I own. I sealed the massive nose cone with CA glue. It worked very well but the fumes almost killed me. The wings are sealed with sanding sealer.

It flies real nice on a C11. I have not had the guts to put it up on a D yet. TonyPV built one at the same time as me and I think he has launched his on a D. Maybe he can post a photo, his puts mine to shame.

Nice job on your build. I found the thru the tail fin slots to be much easier than I expected also. It does require all the nose weight.

Yes I did fight the Space Arc Jr. on a D12 once in Amesbury (our big field).
Nice flight!
Unfortunately last May at our Tewsbury field (our smallest field) it landed in the street and got run over by a car.
The damage wasn't too bad considering. The tail fin was broken and the tip snapped off. The forward end of the BT squished and the NC dinged up.
It can be repaired I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[Pem Tech]

As far as I'm concerned the Space Ark is one of the BEST looking rocket of all
time. That's why I was so glad to see that Pemberton Technologies came out
with this kit. Here are all the goodies.

Funny, I think it is one of the coolest space ships of all time as well.


Nice build Mike, have you flown it yet?

 

[Mike Howie]

Nice build Mike, have you flown it yet?

Not yet. I like to fly with NARHAMS, and my schedule hasn't meshed recently.

 

[Ironnerd88]

SWEET rocket! If only it launched from a cool sled-and-ramp like in the movie!

I'm glad soemone made the rocket, I just hope no one remakes the movie.

 

[Pem Tech]

SWEET rocket! If only it launched from a cool sled-and-ramp like in the movie!

I'm glad soemone made the rocket, I just hope no one remakes the movie.

We are glad as well...

ANd you are right about the movie, it should NEVER be remade! Heck, they have already ruined Day the Earth STood Still with Keanu Reeves and Blasphemed War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise.
Oh man, they would probably put Leanardo DeCapreo (sp)in it...
:y:

Tony, I am SO sorry for you Ark, it was such a work of art. Hopefully you can bring it back to life.