 Assembly of a 250% Up-Scale of
the FlisKits U.S.S. Grissom
Many people have marveled at the U.S.S. Grissom, probably the
most graceful rocket kit in the FlisKits fleet of products. What many don't know is
that I've been flying this kit version of the U.S.S. Grissom for many years.
Further, I've also built and flown for the same number of years an up-scaled version that
performs wonderfully with 24mm motors (most notably, the D12-3).
With NARAM-45 quickly approaching, I thought it would be nice
to have this upscaled version of one of our most popular kits ready to fly in Indiana so I
began to build my 4th Maxi-Grissom (the privious 3 being destroyed - one by a CATO and two
by clumsy hands) This then is a photo album showing the construction of this 250%
upscale of the U.S.S. Grissom. Later I will include a photo album of its flight
history.
To see a full sized image, simply click on the thumbnail.
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Here are most of the parts needed
for the Maxi Grissom |
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I had 34" lengths of BT-20,
but needed 40" lengths, so I had to cut some short tubes (note the expended motor
casing inside the tube to provide some rigidity while cutting). |
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I used a 2" length of BT20,
split, as a tube coupler. Note the generous use of white glue, especially along the
seam in the makeshift coupler. |
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When pushed together (this has to
be done quickly), there is a large amount of glue pushed out of the joint. This is
normal and is simply wiped away. |
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I then roll the joint on a smooth
flat surface to assure that it is straight. |
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Here I've taped the cutting guide
onto one of the BT20 tubes to cut the duct out. |
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I've removed material, exposing
the duct. You can see an expended motor casing inside the tube to aid in cutting the
duct. |
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I have all the ducts cut (12 in
all) and the nose cones attached to the tubes. I am now ready to assembly the body
of the rocket. |
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In this picture, you can see the
Elmer's Fill-n-Finish applied to the nose cones as well as the body tube seam. I've
also run a bead of CYA glue around the duct on both the main tube (BT55) and the ducting
tube (BT20) |
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Here she is with all 3 ducting
tubes glued onto the upper and lower main tubes, drying. |
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She's getting there, but still has
a long way to do. Next will be to seal up each duct-duct joint, smooth it out for
finishing then begin assembly of the rear engine, fin and solar panel detail. |
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Here are the fins cut out and
shaped. The fin stock that I had did not allow me to cut these out in one piece, so
I had to create them in two sections and glue them together. |
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This is the engine mount, 24mm
BT-50 based with an engine hook. |
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Here I have the fins attached and
white glue filets set in place |
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Here is an overall view of her as
the glue sets. |
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After much sanding, filling,
sealing, priming and more sanding, she's really beginning to look good. The design
of this model pretty much requires that she be primed and painted at this point and the
solar panel and Ion-Engine detail added after painting. |
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The first of several coats of
glossy white begins. I am painting the model glossy to provide a better surface for
the waterslide decals to adhear to. After applying the decals, I will seal the
entire model in a satin clear finish. |
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Second coat of white paint, ready
to take decals and exterior details. |
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Here is an upright picture (NOTE:
This image, while only 25KB, is over 1000 pixels tall) |
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