Just started to build the new Estes Starlight model rocket! Starting off with the engine mount I departed from the directions as I’m installing an 18mm Estes motor retainer thus doing away with the metal hook, split green ring and plastic ring. I sanded the inside of the retainer portion that will receive the epoxy and cleaned with alcohol. I also sanded the bottom 1/4” of the MMT removing the glassine. I placed the threaded portion of the retainer dry on the MMT and drew a reference line in pencil at its terminus to give me the epoxy line. Next I mixed up some high heat JB Weld 2 part epoxy and spread glue on the tube (not the retainer piece) where I had previously marked in pencil. The retainer portion was then placed over the epoxied tube and rotated to seat. The aft inside end was checked for any epoxy, but it was all clear. The excess epoxy around the top of the retainer was wiped off with a paper towel. Next, using wood glue, one of the green centering rings was glued against the retainer on the MMT. I used an extra, un-cut green centering ring I had stored to replace the kit provided split green centering ring. A piece of kevlar shock cord was then tied around the MMT (another kit instruction departure). The last green centering ring was then notched to allow passage of the shock cord and glued in place on the MMT. I went ahead and installed the engine block into the front of the MMT with wood glue and set aside to dry. The fins were next. Using a straight edge ruler, wood glue and T Pins the fin pieces were aligned, glued together, pinned down and left to dry. I did need to sand the small edge of the long pieces before gluing to get a flat mating surface. This is the first kit where all the balsa wood fin pieces came all cut out. Finally I wrapped up the only other thing I could do tonight and that was to install and glue in the eye screw and washer into the Balsa nosecone. This is also the first kit for me with a balsa nose cone.
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