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SR-71 BLACKBIRD KIT
Here are all the parts laid out for inspection. I found some Revell
model decals and may use them instead of the ones that came with the kit. Time will tell...
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MAIN FINS
Die cut balsa fins. Sanded both sides before removing. Lots
of pieces to fit together.
The main fins are created by joining 3 smaller pieces. I was concerned about alignment, so
I used the Estes fin alignment guide to glue against. Worked well.
You can see the nacelles have been assembled. The jets and nose cones came as a single piece
I had to cut apart then glued in with CyA.
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FIN ATTACHMENT
The kit came with some stand to lay the fins on to line them up perfecly
against the BT. I loved the idea, but used my own technique for attaching. My method works very well on long fins
like this.
Glue goes on the root edge, CyA goes on the root just at the tips, then I set the tip at
one end in place til it start to hold, 5 seconds or so, then firm up the other end. 15 seconds and the fins are in place,
lined up by eye, and the glue works to set the rest of the fin.
Here is the attached fins resting on the fin stands that came with the kit. I filleted with
a light bead of CyA.
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OOPS!!
I attached the nose cone to insure the fin alignment was perfect and forgot to take it off when I filleted
with CyA. Here's the result when I had to force the nose loose. What a dunce!
Carefully reconstructed the tube shape and firmed up with more CyA. All of this will be hidden under the fin
wraps coming up, so I'm not too freaked. Will have to do some work on the nose shoulder, it's a little tight now. Here
she is all reassembled and filleted with WHITE glue this time.
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PAPERING
The fins that will be visible when assembly is complete have all been papered with adhesive backed 80lb.
The corrected BT, very straight fins, is seen in the background.
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SHROUD AFFIXED
Carefully followed the instructions to attach the upper and lower shrouds over the BT and onto the fins.
Here you see the vise I created with $1 store clamps and hobby sticks.
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JET NACELLES
Once the shrouds had dried, I sanded the edges and used my white glue w/CyA on the tips to attach the
nacelles quickly. Alignment is good and I went ahead and filleted the seam since I have to wait for the root edge glue to
set anyway.
On the negative, the clamps I used left marks on the opposite side I was working on. I should've used hobby
sticks on both sides at all times. Hopefully, it will just result in more "character" on the wing details.
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OUTER FINS
Used CyA/White glue technique to attach both outer fins. Heavy fillet with white glue.
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TOP FINS
The next set of fins are installed at an angle with a cardboard cutout template (not shown). I sanded
the root edge at an angle to give a stronger connection after gluing. Used CyA/White glue technique, then filleted with
white glue.
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BOTTOM FINS
Sanded the root edges at an angle for smoother, stronger connection to nacelles. The template used for
correct angle is shown in this first picture. Used CyA/white glue technique with white glue fillets.
Here's a good look at the rear assembly all done! Yes, the bird is upside down, the glue is still drying,
so chill out.
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LAUNCH LUGS
Well, since it's upside down and I have to wait anyway, on go the launch lugs. I always use a dowel
to manipulate the lugs into position and easily hold them in place while the CyA sets. Finish off with white glue fillet.
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PRIMER
Here she is getting her first 2 coats of Rustoleum Painters Touch sandable primer.
Hey look! Here's those "primer fuzzies" so many people were talking about on The Rocketry Forum.
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