SLS Javelin - thoughts and tips

Hello,

I just started building my SLS Javelin this evening. First off, this is one nice kit. It features laser-slotted thick-walled body tube, laser-cut basswood fins, 24/29mm engine mounts, and a 18" Rip-Stop Nylon parachute. The heavy walled body tube is so much nicer then the Estes body tubes. This kit will spoil you. You don't have to cut out the fins, mark the body tube, and fin alignment is so much easier with the thru the wall fins.

Tips-
When making the 24mm motor mount adaptor. Learn from my mistake. I accidentally glued the motor spacer instead of the thrust ring next to the engine hook. The thrust ring was hiding in one of the other tubes.

I would mark a launch lug line before gluing on the fins. I didn't read ahead in the directions. It tells you to just glue the launch lug in between the fins. I would like a reference line and it is a lot harder to add the line after you have already glued on the fins.

Everything else is pretty straight forward except how to mount the 24mm motor adaptor inside the 29mm motor mount. Anyone know the best method for this? I might just glue my 24mm motor adaptor in the 29mm mount because I don't plan on flying the SLS Javelin with any 29mm motors.

Best regards,
Brian

 

[lalligood]

If there's a weakness in the Semroc kits, it's that it doesn't give you much information on how/where to put the launch lug. When I built my Goliath (as a 3-motor cluster), It has you putting the lug against a fin & the main BT. I don't have a problem with that, but you have to fillet the fin with great care so as to not bungle it up with too much glue & prevent the rod from sliding smoothly. This would be an even bigger issue as the rocket (& fillet) size increases.

 

[Johnnie]

Turn in an "ECR" ("Engineering Change Request")

Carl at Semroc is open to all kinds of feedback, and if there is any trouble with his kits, he would want to know so he could make the changes if he felt they were needed. Even if that included just re-writing the instructions to clarify how to mount the launch lug.

bswan72,

Have any pics yet?

 

[DynaSoar]

Originally posted by bswan72
I would mark a launch lug line before gluing on the fins. I didn't read ahead in the directions. It tells you to just glue the launch lug in between the fins. I would like a reference line and it is a lot harder to add the line after you have already glued on the fins.

Everything else is pretty straight forward except how to mount the 24mm motor adaptor inside the 29mm motor mount. Anyone know the best method for this? I might just glue my 24mm motor adaptor in the 29mm mount because I don't plan on flying the SLS Javelin with any 29mm motors.

I've forgotten to mark lug placement on more than a couple.

You can lay a straight edge across the leading edge of the fins, adjust it so that it's sitting the same distance out from the body on both fins, and where it touches is exactly between them. But actually, you can probably eyeball it well enough. Once you have the point, use a piece of right angle stock laid along the body for a guaranteed axis-parallel line.

If you're sure you won't use any 29mm motors, sure, just glue the 24 in. But knowing I might change my mind, I'd put a retainer hook and engine block in. Even if you never use a 29, you might need to change your 24mm tube, or a motor might get stuck, and having the mount able to come out would make it easier to remove it. I've picked up a few "G size" retainer hooks from ASP just for this.

 

[Juaru]

Originally posted by DynaSoar
I've forgotten to mark lug placement on more than a couple.

. But actually, you can probably eyeball it well enough. Once you have the point, use a piece of right angle stock laid along the body for a guaranteed axis-parallel line.

If I forget to mark where the launch lug goes, I do as Doug Holverson suggests in a lot of his directions, and use the "calibrated eyeball method" for mounting the launch lug correctly.

John (not Jon) Arthur

www.JonRocket.com

 

Hello,

I was planning on taking a picture of all the components before I started building. But I was too eager to get started on the rocket. Here is a picture of the 24mm motor adaptor and the fins.

Best regards,
Brian

 

Hello,

I finally got my SLS Javelin finished. This one came out especially good. I can't say enough about these kits. Definitely a step up from regular Estes type kits.

Brian

 

[sandman]

WOW!

That was FAST!

Nice job too!

I usually have to wait at least a month before I get around to painting and decals.

I have to agree on the launch lug thing.

I feel that launch lugs are a personal thing as to placement

I have been known to install them last on a model...usually 'cause I forgot!

 

[Missileman]

I forget to mark my LL line all the time.
Quick. easy and accurate method.
Take a piece of paper, cut it to fit between 2 fins, fold paper in half.
Viola, there is your center

 

[Juaru]

Originally posted by sandman

I have been known to install them last on a model...usually 'cause I forgot!

I arrived at the field with, among others, my new scratch built rocket. Packed the parachute, loaded up the motor, went to put her on the pad... NO LAUCH LUG!!! That scratch was the only reason I went!

 

[Justin Horne]

Just one more reason for you or your club to get a tower launcher... A bit pricey, but very nice... Our club has one, it gets moderate use, and some of the min dia. bids just scream out of it...

 

[Fishhead]

Originally posted by sandman
WOW!

That was FAST!

Nice job too!

I usually have to wait at least a month before I get around to painting and decals.

I have to agree on the launch lug thing.

I feel that launch lugs are a personal thing as to placement

I have been known to install them last on a model...usually 'cause I forgot!

Shoot, I've been known to glue them on in the van after I've installed the ignitor. I have several fully painted rockets with suspiciously white launch lugs.

 

Hello,

Someone should come out with precolored launch lugs. They could come in a pack like crayons. Then you could just glue on the launch lug(s) after painting your rocket. What do you think?

Brian

 

[AlexM]

There is always this

 

[Fishhead]

Brian,
I just noticed that you're from Mason, OH. Do you fly at VOA with QUARK? I flew my SLS Jaguar at VOA a couple of weeks back on an Estes E9-6. If you get a calm day and are flying on a big field, this is a great motor for the SLS birds. The SLS line also seems to be fairly forgiving of building errors. I made a serious error while building my Jaguar and it flew great despite me. I'll definitely be a repeat customer on the SLS line.

 

Bill,

I still haven't made it to a VOA launch weekend. It seems every time I plan to go, something comes up. I hope to get out there in the next couple of weeks. I usually fly at Heritage Park which is right in Mason.


Brian

 

[hokkyokusei]

Originally posted by Fishhead
Shoot, I've been known to glue them on in the van after I've installed the ignitor. I have several fully painted rockets with suspiciously white launch lugs.

Been there, done that