I've been working on this SLS Laser-X since last summer, and finally put on the last decals tonight. This is the 2nd of these I've built, the first one was lost in the woods last spring (I was pretty grumpy for a while!). I still really like the look of the catalog shot from 71, and this time wanted to make a more accurate version of this illustration. I wrote about my first build here: TRF Thread

The white lettering was already done from my first build, just needed to print out a new set. The roll patterns, however, were a fun challenge, and turned out ok. I especially enjoyed making the upper roll patterns, with the alternating red & black, complete with gaps (probably to account for poor color register in 1971 printing technology). Note that the decals that came with the kit, AFAIK, do not match this illustration. See Centuri Catalog at Ninfinger .

This kit really goes together nicely, I really only changed two things from last time. The first was to add epoxy fillets to the fins. Those big fins, with short TTW tabs, put a lot of stress on the glue joints, and started loosening up after many flights of my first build. Second was to use 1/4" lugs, so I can use a stiffer, longer, launch rod. The upper lug was mounted a bit lower so it doesn't affect the aesthetics of the roll pattern I spent so much time tweaking.

Though I used the same decal paper as last time (Experts Choice), the white batch was noticeably less "white", so the lettering doesn't pop quite as much as I'd like. On some of the fin decals, I cut out a slightly smaller white oval and applied under the black decal, to get brighter text. Yes, I could have masked off some white areas beneath the decals, and just used clear, but I was getting kind of tired of masking at the time. I completely painted this bird *twice*, the first time orange peeled trying to use old Krylon Red & Black over white ACE lacquer. I guess not all lacquers are created equal. So, Sand - reprime - sand - repaint.

Anyhow, other than some details which fortunately don't show in these low res pics, I'm pleased with the outcome.

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__________________
Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

Nice Paul, I really like it!

Looks very nice. Well done.

__________________
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

Very Nice!!!

Looks great, sharp looking rocket.