Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Binge Build: A Large Lot of Launch Lugs !

 Today's post covers the construction process of all the launch lugs for the multi-rocket project.

I am trying out a radically different way of approaching this step.  My normal method was to first do seam filling and sanding, glue the lugs to their 1/16 by 1/8 balsa standoffs, glue those assemblies to the model airframe (after the fins have already been done), and apply glue fillets.

My new method entails doing all of this before the model's fins go on.  I have found it to be immensely easier to attach these small low-profile parts without having to work around taller fins.

Also, the order of operations is changed. 

First, the standoffs are glued on along the marked line.  When these are dry, the lugs themselves are glued to the standoffs.  Alignment can be done much more quickly and precisely.

Next, it's an easy matter to apply the glue fillets.

Finally, the lug seams get the normal CWF fill and sanding. Plenty of room to do this without interfering fins to worry about.

Here are all the rocket airframes with these processes completed: