Model Rocket Building Blog
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 1, PartsHere's almost all the parts I'll need for the build. I didn't know how I was going to make the intakes. I should have included a short length of BT-5 tubing. Making the intakes fit will be the difficult part of the build. The model will use 12" diameter from the Odd'l Rockets multi-size parachute. ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 2, Making The IntakesThe intakes are a big design feature on the blow molded body in the original kit. This is one of those things you just have to fumble with to produce a template. There are some complex formulas you could use to draw the cutting curve but I take the easy way out. You probably won't be able to use ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 3, Making The Intake TemplateTo make the cut pattern template, Simply cut the shaped tube segment at the end of the tube - cut straight. Iron and flatten out the tube segment. Don't use any steam, it could de-laminate the tube. Here's the "bell" pattern flattened out. Draw a 1" long reference line to you can size it when it ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 4, Gluing On The IntakesI have some 1/16" plywood "stop disks" from the Odd'l Birdie kits. These will make easy covers for the intakes. Run a small bead of glue inside the tube edge and press the disk in halfway. I used my sanding block to press the flat disk even with the end of the tube. You could easily make these ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 5, Adjusting The Fin PatternsThe top is a print of the fin patterns from the Stealth instructions posted on oldrocketplans.com These patterns were made to fit the very different blow molded body in the Estes kit. The large wing pieces were glued into recess slots in the molded body. The root edges were offset to the ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 6, Wing Dihedral SandingThe root edges of the large wing pieces will meet over the top center line of the body tube. The picture to the left shows the root edge as is, right off the balsa sheet. The outside wing tip is resting on the work table. The height of the body tube will set the dihedral angle. On the above right ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 7, Wing Tip Fin FittingIn the original kit, you would sand an angle in the outside edge of the wing. The larger wing tip is glued into the angle. I took pictures of this but they aren't on the flash card in the camera! My small build camera is having some trouble. Look close at the REAR VIEW drawing at the lower left ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 8, Lugs and Up Until NowIn the original kit, there were two launch lugs glued on the bottom. Because there are two, I assume these were meant to simulate some sort of guns or missiles. From above, the wing assembly does look "Stealthy". There is quite a lot of fin area on this model. This probably isn't a good windy day ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 9, Canopy FittingAround the edge of the clear canopy there is a slight "trench". So you can better see the cut line, run a pen around the trench. I prefer to use a fine point Sharpie. With a new knife blade, trace around the canopy along the pen line. You don't have to cut all the way through. TIP: The ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 11, Decal Placement & Canopy GluingThe darker elevon decals worked well set on the trailing edge of the wings. The USFF decals were set at an angle like the original Estes kit. The rear of the cockpit decal is set about 1/8" from the nose cone shoulder lip. Use a damp Q-tip to conform it to the curvature of the nose cone. Let it ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, Part 10, Decals and TrimHere's the decals from the Estes kit and oldrocketplans.com. There were also two Air Force stars and bars decals using white ink for the wings. While the Estes kit had you paint the molded in canopy black, I decided to use the cockpit decal from the Odd'l Rockets Fighter Fleet models. The blue ...[Read More]
Odd'l Rockets Stealth Build, FinishedThat little band of chrome around the engine tube adds a lot. The wing was glued on 1/8" forward of the main body tube. I thought it gave the model more dimensional interest. I think this one captures the spirit of the Estes design. The wings might be a little large, it should be plenty stable! I ...[Read More]
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