#1
|
||||
|
||||
Semroc xKit Space Plane
This is going to be my next project. Semroc xKits are basically a bag of parts to clone classic rockets. This will be a clone of the Estes K-3 Space Plane.
__________________
Tim "You know, it, uh, won't fly unless somebody pushes the button." From the movie October Sky. I am SAM # 0167 NAR 98303 Southwestern Ohio Rocketry Association (SORA) #624 https://www.rocketryohio.com |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
I built one almost immediately after Carl offered this one.
Very fun build and flies great.
__________________
When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC ! |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Had the original Estes kit back in 1969, only that it didn't have any precut balsa parts. The one and only time I launched it (my very first B/G), boosted great and good glide, but the elevator stab and "screws" to keep the elevators straight during boost was badly damaged during engine ejection.
__________________
Dave, NAR # 21853 SR. |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Same thing happened with mine.. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I bought one, in the archaic packaging, around 1971. Built it, but I was really young and didn't do things right and never flew it.
I have one or two self-made clone-part packages, and the "official" X-kit. I should try to get them together one of these days! I'll give them dope finishes.
__________________
NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
This is going quicker than I anticipated. The Estes instructions are thorough, and if you follow them it goes together fairly easily. The Semroc parts are excellent and make it all the easier to build this classic. I quit for the night. The landing skid still needs to be attached and I have some sanding to do. I am not going to attach the elevator elastic thread until after it is painted.
__________________
Tim "You know, it, uh, won't fly unless somebody pushes the button." From the movie October Sky. I am SAM # 0167 NAR 98303 Southwestern Ohio Rocketry Association (SORA) #624 https://www.rocketryohio.com |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
One issue I faced was how to get the stabilizers glued at the correct angle. I solved it with a jig made from some scrap balsa and made sure it was square. This made it simple.
__________________
Tim "You know, it, uh, won't fly unless somebody pushes the button." From the movie October Sky. I am SAM # 0167 NAR 98303 Southwestern Ohio Rocketry Association (SORA) #624 https://www.rocketryohio.com |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
I suggest you paint it with Sig/Brodak/Pactra AeroGloss Dope instead of enamel. 5 coats of sprayed dope is far lighter than two coats of enamel. Light=right for boost glider performance.
__________________
When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC ! |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
I like that jig!
I keep most scrap balsa from my kits and builds. I bet I have enough to build something like that. Ditto what Bill said about dope. A coat of sealer and a coat of dope would look fine.
__________________
NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
At first I was thinking getting the stabilizers to be the right angle with the wings and parallel to each other was going to be a PITA. I started down the path of making an angled jig, and then I was like wait a minute, making this too hard in this specific case, a simple piece of scrap balsa that's the right length and square works perfect since it can also rest on the wings at the joint will get the needed results.
This is a neat little build. Yeah, I know dope would be the lightest and best route to go to maximize the glide duration, but not sure I care in this instance. But I'll consider it.
__________________
Tim "You know, it, uh, won't fly unless somebody pushes the button." From the movie October Sky. I am SAM # 0167 NAR 98303 Southwestern Ohio Rocketry Association (SORA) #624 https://www.rocketryohio.com |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|