I had a discussion with Bobby B about the plastic shoulder and nosecone. He says the plastic to plastic joints can use PVC cement. This also opens up the door for incorporating some other pvc parts to handle a adjustable nose weight system and the altimeter bay. Bobby says the plastic to plastic joints will be very strong. Good thing we talked.
A plywood centering ring forward of the coupler section will add stiffness and more strength. I also used two piece flat head rivets to reinforce the ABS cement. The nosecone is ABS so you want to be sure and use ABS cement not PVC cement.
I like the idea of the electronics in the NC. I put mine off center in the body tube and the tether/parachute fit is very tight. If I had to do it again I would like to put the electronics in the nacelle. Better yet use an RC controlled delta wing version and forget the chutes.
Thanks for the tip Brian. I am in new territory with the ABS. I am so used to the everything is fiberglass rocket. Did you make the rocksim file Bobby sent out? Also did you cant the aft wings or keep them straight.
I will have to ask Bobby. I definately made a RockSim file. I am not sure if that is the one he sent you. I definately canted the aftwings down about 10% I think. Here is a photo that shows it pretty clearly. I canted as far as I could while still having them protrude through the flat edge of the nacelles.
Thanks. Yes that was my RockSim file. Here is a photo of it flying on a K550 at MDRA last year. I am planning on flying it on a K1000 Saturday at Metra.
Ordered my X15 Photo Reference CD on Sunday and got quick confirmation it's on the way- should arrive Wednesday or Thursday. I'll report more when it finds my laptop. ;)