Titan III C build Scale 1/54

[Raptor 2]

I’m going to attempt to build the Titan III C based on Estes Titan III E which used BT 60 tube for the main frame and solid boosters. I’ll be modifying the construction plans using BT 70 tubes and using a different method for inserting the fin tubes into the boosters. Estes Titan used BT 60 for the main tubes and BT 5 tubes for the catalyst tubes. Fortunately up scaling to BT 70 tubes the BT 20 fits the scale for the cat tubes. I’ll use BT 20 tubes for the clear fin support tubes using a tight fit on 3 1/8” plywood centering rings with a bulkhead at the top. Since I don’t have a lath or 3D printer I’ll be using card stock for all the nose ones with appropriately sized wood and plastic spheres for the top of the cones. All centering rings, bulkheads, couplers and exhaust nozzles will be made in house. Motor mount will be able to use D and E size motors. Finishing will be a challenge.

 

[Raptor 2]

Constructed the card stock nose cones for the solid boosters and the Titan main frame. Used some 25mm diameter plastic spheres for the boosters and a 15mm wood bead for the main frame cone. Glued the spheres to the inside of the cones along with 4 strips of card stock to beef up the cones. Sanded down the outer surface of the cardstock to thin out the edge on the exterior of the sphere. Glued the fin tube bulkhead stops into the booster tubes.

 

[Raptor 2]

Glued the nose cone to the main frame using RC Modellers Canopy glue. supported the lower edge of the cone with another tube inserted inside the main tube 3mm forward of the edge of the main tube. Glued the three fin tube centering rings into each booster and test fit the fin tube for a snug fit. Glued the engine mount in the main frame tube. Discovered the vitamin D3 bottle diameter was just what I was looking for to use for the smaller diameter tube for the bottom of the solid boosters where the nozzles will attach. Updated the plans.

 

[Raptor 2]

Decided to make another modification to the plans. I cut 30mm section of tube off the top of each booster to facilitate the glueing of the nose cones to the booster tubes. Once the initial glue on the support shoulder tubes has dried I can then apply another bead of glue around the interior perimeter to reinforce the connection. Have made some interior couplers for each booster top to be reinstalled on top of the booster tubes when the glue has cured. Used RC Modellers Canopy glue to glue the nose cones to the tubes. Sanded the cone main frame connection to take the edge off.

 

[Raptor 2]

Completed the nozzle parts and glued them to the booster tubes. Double walled cardstock. Completed the construction of the cat tube nose and tail cones. They still have to be sanded and glued to the cat tube.

 

[Raptor 2]

Filling the spiral groves by masking and spray painting with a primer filler paint. once dry remove the tape and sand smooth. Time consuming.

 

[Cl(VII)]

Nice work. Enjoying this thread very much.

 

[Raptor 2]

Nice work. Enjoying this thread very much.

Thanks Chris. Long way to go yet. Basic parts are almost complete. Then it's the finishing and details to be added. Have to figure out the sequencing on that.

 

[Raptor 2]

Details added ready for first coat of flat white. Tubes are masked with 1/8 “ strips of masking tape where they will be glued together later.

 

[Raptor 2]

Drafted some wraps in white for a test try.

 

[Raptor 2]

Printed wraps on steel gray cardstock and white card stock. Secured 8 separate wraps to the main Titan air frame using 3M transfer adhesive tape. Left A 1/8” masking tape strip on each side of the tube. This will be removed prior to the boosters being glued to the main frame tube.

 

[Raptor 2]

Created a stencil for the roll pattern on the boosters. Outlined the black areas and masked the white. Am now applying the black spray paint.

 

[Raptor 2]

Roll pattern completed and nose cones painted.

 

[neil_w]

Very nice work!

 

[Raptor 2]

Installed the horizontal bands on the solid boosters. They were constructed by printing 1/8” lines on cardstock and spray painting it silver leaving lines exposed on each side. Once dry the strips were cut with a razor blade leaving them still secured to the paper at the ends. Secured double sided 3M tape to the backside and sliced the tape with a razor blade making silver tape strips 1/8” wide. Will redcoat the boosters with a clear acrylic spray.
Spray painted the main frame nose cone black and added details to main tube. Working on detailing the catalyst tubes.

 

[jqavins]

Finishing will be a challenge.

Finishing seems to be going swimmingly. If it were me, starting would have been the challenging part.

 

[boomtube-mk2]

If I had that; I'd never be able to bring myself to actually launch it.

 

[Raptor 2]

Thanks for the compliments Joe and Boom. The Titans have always been my first pick for looks Will be glueing the boosters to the main frame later today Once that’s dry the catalyst tubes will go on and the remaining details will be added. Then the courage to launch it

 

[DeltaVee]

VERY nicely done...

 

[Raptor 2]

VERY nicely done...

Thanks DV

 

[Pappy]

amazing work

 

[Raptor 2]

amazing work

Thanks Pappy I’m almost done with the build. Just a few more details to add.

 

[Raptor 2]

Boosters have been glued to the main frame using RC Modellers Canopy glue.

 

[jqavins]

Tell me more about this RC Modelers' Canopy glue. I could Google it, but that won't tell my why you use it for rockets. Nor why no one else seems to.

EDIT: OK, I did Google it. And I see it's a particular brand of canopy glue, and some description of what canopy glue is good for (canopies, duh). I still want to know the rest, i.e. why you use it and why it seems you're the only one.

 

[Cl(VII)]

That is going to fit right in with those rockets in the background. What an awesome collection.

 

[Raptor 2]

Tell me more about this RC Modelers' Canopy glue. I could Google it, but that won't tell my why you use it for rockets. Nor why no one else seems to.

EDIT: OK, I did Google it. And I see it's a particular brand of canopy glue, and some description of what canopy glue is good for (canopies, duh). I still want to know the rest, i.e. why you use it and why it seems you're the only one.

It was recommended by the hobby store I shop at. It glues pretty much anything to anything and sticks really tight.It also remains a little flexible so I’m thinking that helps with the G shocks on launching. It dispenses cleanly from the narrow pointed end with no mess, dries clear and holds paint. I fine it is flexible when dry and not as hard as normal wood glue. When making the nose cones for this rocket out of cardstock I used this glue as it does not wrinkle or soak into the paper like carpenters glue does. As to why no one else uses it, your guess as good as mine.

 

[caveduck]

Great stuff. Looks to me like they'll be reserving a slot for you on the Canadian FAI scale team.

 

[Raptor 2]

Thanks Duckie for the compliment. Don’t know what FAI is though and I doubt I’d rate as I’ve seen some scale models on the forum and I don’t hold a candle next to them.
Just finished cutting out the clear plastic fins for the booster fin tubes. I’ve modified the Estes Titan IIIE plans and have slotted the fins thru the tube and inter locked them inside the tube. Dry fitting is easy but will have to figure out how the glue sequence will go. The picture shows a cardboard test of the idea in the background.

 

[Raptor 2]

Test fit in the bottom of the boosters

 

[Cape Byron]

Test fit in the bottom of the boosters

Nice solution. Looking forward to a flight report.