The next step of the Protostar actually refers back to use of the kit instructions.
What? Instructions? NO WAY !!
This portion of the build calls for attaching the pod assemblies to the fins. Per directions, the pods are marked at 1-1/4" from the rear of the plastic pod piece. These marks are to be aligned with the trailing edge of the fins.
I found this step to be the trickiest part of the build so far. The pods are initially attached using CA glue. It took some very creative use of tape hold downs and careful balancing of the model to keep each pod in position and properly aligned until the glue could set. Only one pod could be done at a time.
After the CA set, a small batch of epoxy was mixed and fin/pod fillets applied. I learned the hard way to do each pod separately in this manner. Before that, I was attempting to CA tack on all pods one after the next. I ended up somehow bumping the previously attached pods and knocking them off!. It was like circus plate spinning!
Anyway, I finally managed to get all the pods glued on and securely filleted.
Here is the Protostar finally standing on its own supported by the pods...
