PART 5: BUILDING A MODIFIED AEROTECH ASTROBEE
D KIT
3. PAYLOAD CONSTRUCTION:
The payload is constructed as per the kit instructions,
with the exception of using a coupler that has been previously cut in half.
Mark this cut section of 3.75 inch long coupler 0.75 inches from one end.
Epoxy this coupler 0.75 inches into one end of the previously cut payload
tube 3.0 inches of coupler will protrude for seating the payload tube into
the booster tube.
Cut the base section of the nose cone off and sand off the molded seam line.
Spray the nose cone with primer and wet sand between coats with 400 grit
paper until a smooth finish is achieved.
In the aft payload bulkhead plate, install two small u-bolts. Then epoxy
the bulkhead plate with the u-bolt anchors to the end of the coupler tube.
Spray the nose cone shoulder and coupler tube flat black to enhance their
appearance.
Paint the payload section with gray primer. After several coats, rub the
finish with a dry T-shirt and a slightly mottled smooth finish will be achieved
which looks very nice. Spray the antennas with silver and cement to the
payload tube with cynoacrylate cement. Spray the nose cone with several
coats of Krylon gloss light tan. After the paint is dry, cut out the decals
and place them according to kit instructions.
Apply 5 to 6 coats of car wax to the entire payload surface to achieve a
very smooth surface. This finish will protect the payload from dirt and
smudges. The surface can be cleaned with Windex and a dry T-shirt should
it be necessay, followed by a coat of car wax. Application of the payload
decals really enhances the scale appearance of the rocket kit!
Figure 7 (left): Detail of entire payload section. Note forward fly-away launch
lug band, and two antennas without full length extentions installed.
Figure 8 (right): Detail of payload decal screws, umbilical port
plug and static ports. Note scale screws and nuts on fly-away launch lug
band.
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D Rocket Project