Descon Flying Lady

Scratch - Flying Lady {Scratch}

Contributed by Jessica Pleasant

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Jessica Pleasant)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUILDING A "ROCKET LADY" FLYING MODEL ROCKET

The Flying Lady and proud creator, JessicaRecommended Motors:

24 mm E18-4
24 mm E30-4
or virtually any 24 mm F or G load

Parts List:

Estes NC-80BB
Estes BT-80 141 ã Main Body Tube
Estes BT-80 21" Nose Cone Shoulder Extension
Estes BT-50 8" Engine Mount Tube
Estes BT-80 to BT-50 Centering rings (X2)
36" X8" X 3/16" Balsa Sheet
1/32" X 1" X25" Basswood Strips (X2)
1/32" X 1" X22" Basswood Strip
1" X 1 ¸" Launch Lug
1/16" X 24" Round Elastic (Shock Cord)
The Flying LadyEstes 70mm Engine Hook
Estes EB-50 Engine Block (green)
Pattern Sheet (Fins, Ears, Nose and Shock Cord Mount)
6" wide X 72" Lace (Keep it light and airy)

Additional Supplies Needed:

Glue (CA, wood glue or other suitable glue)
5-Minute Epoxy
Paint and Primer
Sanding Sealer
Ruler
Scissors
Masking Tape
Hobby Knife
Paint Brush (Small)
Kite String or similar material
400-600 Grit sandpaper



For the complete RockSim file, click here!

1. Motor Mount
A. With a ruler mark the engine mount tube at ¸", 2 3/8", and 7 2".
B. Use a hobby knife to make a slit at the 2 3/8" mark.
C. Insert the engine hook into the slit.
D. Secure the hook with three (3) wraps of masking tape.
E. Glue engine block inside engine mount tube at 2 3/8".
2. Centering Rings
A. Remove centering rings from die cut card.
B. Slide one (1) centering ring to the 7 2" mark on engine mount tube and glue.
C. Slide one (1) centering ring to the ¸" mark on engine mount tube and glue.
D. Insert the engine mount assembly into 14 1" BT 80 and epoxy around outside surfaces of the rear centering ring. Let epoxy set.
3. Fin Assembly
A. Cut out the fin pattern and trace onto 3/16" balsa wood as shown on pattern sheet.

B. Mark the top of the 14 1" BT 80 with four (4) marks at a 90 degree angle.
C. Draw 8î lines down the body tube from the marks.
D. Hold the rocket horizontally, sighting from the rear of the rocket up the body tube. Attach two (2) launch lugs, being careful that both lugs are in line with each other.
E. Glue the fins on the lines, 5î from the top end of the body tube. For best results use 5 minute epoxy for fillets and let set.
F. Apply sanding sealer to all the fins, let try and sand with 400-600 grit sand paper.
4. "Skirt" Ring Assembly
A. Soak basswood strips for about one (1) hour in hot water.
B. While still wet, bend strips into 3 separate rings, binding end to end with string. Leave undisturbed until completely dry.
C. Once the basswood rings are dry, glue the ends of each of the two (2) 25" rings and the 22" ring together using CA. (This is difficult but not impossible.)
D. Take one large ring and test fit over the end of the fins. Sand the fins until the ring slides up 5 ¸" from the bottom and glue in place.
E. Glue the second large ring flush wit the bottom of the fins. When dry, the rocket should stand freely.
F. Stand the rocket on its base and place the small ring over the body tube, centering it in a level position on top of the fins. Glue in place.
G. Epoxy all contact points thoroughly to secure the rings to the fins.
5. Nose Cone Assembly
A. Cut the shoulder of the nose cone in half, 2" from the end, as shown on pattern sheet.
B. Glue the 2 1" BT 80 to the nose cone and let dry.
C. Holding the nose cone point down, fill the tip with three (3) ounces of weight. (I used lead split shot. However pennies, sand or clay will work fine. Just be sure to epoxy whatever you use into the nose cone)
D. Glue the cut off section of the nose cone shoulder into the opposite end of the BT 80, leaving ¸" protruding from the end of the tube.
E. Cut out the ear and nose-half patterns. Trace them onto the 3/16" balsa wood and cut out.
F. Glue the nose halves together and shape them as desired.
G. Glue the ears on opposite sides of the nose cone 180 degrees from each other, 1 1/8" from the bottom of the 2 1" BT-80.
H. Center the nose piece between the ears and glue in place at the desired height. Let dry.
I. Apply sanding sealer to ears and nose, let dry and sand with 400-600 grit sandpaper.
6. Finishing Your Rocket
A. Primer the entire rocket and nose cone assembly (hereafter referred to as the ãhead") and let dry.
B. Paint the desired costume and face onto the body tube and head. (I chose a powdered wig and fancy gown for mine but feel free to be creative.)
C. Cut out the shock cord mount from the pattern sheet and crease on the dotted lines by folding.
D. Spread glue on the middle section and lay the shock cord in the glue. Fold the smaller section over the middle section and press firmly. When dry, spread glue on the large section and fold over again, holding in place until dry.
E. Glue the shock cord mount about 1" down inside the 14 1" body tube and hold firmly in place against the inside wall until glue is dry.
F. Tie the shock cordâs free end to the eye of the nose cone using a triple knot.
G. Attach parachute shroud lines to the eye of the nose cone.
H. Finally, cut the lace into lengths of 26" and 23".
I. Glue the shorter piece to the upper ãskirt" ring and the longer piece to the center "skirt" ring so that the upper piece overhangs the lower slightly. Overlap the edges of the lace around the rings when you glue them for better appearance.

Hey! Watch out where you put that wire!

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