Binge Build: A Shop-Full of Shock Cords !

This is the final step of the build that can be effectively done assembly line style.

My method for shock cord mounts is very similar to the ones used in MPC and Centuri kits back in the day:  A flat piece of material with three holes or slots into which the shock cord is threaded and glued. 

I am not a fan of the trifold 'teabag' mounts because of their high profile and sharp corners on which parachutes and shroud lines can get caught.

The mounts I use are cut out of Manila stock with three slits for the cord and all of the square corners removed.

 The shock cord is then threaded through the slits and glued to the mount at all of the contact points.

These are very sturdy mounts that are very reliable and take up little space inside the body tube. I've never had one fail or cause parachute obstruction.

For all of the bigger BT-55 and BT-60 sized models in this build, I go with a 45 inch length of quarter-inch elastic.

For the Crossfire ISX, I went with thirty inches of one-eighth round elastic with a thinner card stock mount.

For the models on which will likely be lofting a payload section airframe, I equipped the loose end of the shock cord with a snap swivel.  This will allow interchangeability between noses and payload sections, or facilitate the use of seperate parachutes.

Here are all of the shock cord mount assemblies built and ready to be installed into their respective models: