FlatCat Boost/Glider Build, Part 15 - Finishing Up

Now that the paint on the pop pod is dry, it gets some fleet number decals applied.

It's funny to think that this project is only the 117th model rocket I've ever built for my personal fleet.  This quantity includes the 103 birds built between 1973 and 1984.  I've only constructed 14 new models since I became a BAR in May 2016. 

Not an outstanding output.  Perhaps it's because I'm going for quality rather than quantity. (Yeah, Right!).

Of course, I did build many other rockets besides the ones for my personal fleet.  Most of these were birds used by the Skywatchers/ROMAR club for public demo launches back in the day.   I also participated heavily in Estes' build-up program in the late 70s - early 80s.  This usually involved building half a dozen of the same kit side by side.  On a few occasions, I had 3 different build-up kits on the bench to fill one order.  That was 12-18 models being constructed simultaneously!

Anyway, back to the FlatCat:

The pop-pod gets a sealing coat of Gloss Sauce....

...and an application of CA inside the top of the body tube.

Next, the shock cord system is built out of a piece of manila folder stock and a length of cotton string, as specified in the magazine article.

For the shock cord mount, I use a 3-slit method on a flat piece of card stock.  I don't like using tri-fold mounts on any tube smaller than BT-50 because of the bulk.

This mount is very similar to those found in the old MPC kits, though I believe theirs had pre-punched holes.

Now, the pod gets equipped with its very own dedicated 1x16 plastic streamer.

Before permanently gluing in the nose base, it's time to perform balance trimming of the entire model for the boost phase of flight.  The nose is not yet assembled, just in case I need to insert some clay weight.

With the pod's shock cord, streamer and nose in place, I insert a new A8-3 engine into the tube.
The FlatCat will most likely be flown on B4-2 engines, but balancing the model using a lighter A will give it that extra margin of forward stability ballast.

The idea here is to ensure that the model's boost configuration CG is located ahead of the wing leading edge.

The model's CG fell approximately 3/4" ahead of that point.  No trim clay required!

The nose base can now be glued in.

And, I finally have a fully completed FlatCat -  ready for the launch pad!

Cheers!