Model Rocket Building Blog
ASP Corporal Build, Part 1, PartsI haven't built many of the ASP (Aerospace Specialty Products) kits except for two of their Micro Maxx models. I've always liked the looks of the Corporal. This is a BT-50 based, 18mm model. ASP also makes a BT-55, 24mm version. I picked this one up at JonRocket.com. Parts ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 2, New Kevlar KnotFirst up you are instructed to tie a loop knot in the upper end of the Kevlar. This loop will tie to the elastic shock cord. Usually I tie an overhand square knot to make the attachment loop. This might be my new upper attachment knot. The instructions say to tie an overhand knot 6" or 7" from ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 3, Engine MountThe engine mount now includes an engine hook. An instruction addendum is included, the picture is at the right. The instructions are a little vague saying the centering rings are glued between 1/4" and 1/2" from the ends of the red engine mount tube. This type of mount doesn't require a ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 4, Engine Mount and FinsThe instructions say the Kevlar should be 11 3/4" from the top of the engine mount to the tied loop. This would put the upper loop end right over the top of the body tube. I made the Kevlar line shorter so there would be no chance of a zipper. The engine mount is glued in the rear of the tube, ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 5, Tunnel ShapingThe tunnel pieces are cut to size. The 3/16" square pieces are cut to 8 1/4" long. The two 1/8" square sticks are cut to 4 1/2" long. The tops are rounded off. Initial shaping as done with 220 grit on a block. The block helps keep the shape consistent. The ends get an egg or elliptical ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 6, Nose Section and Clay WeightThe ends of the nose block were a bit rough. On the right is the before, the inset picture shows the end block after being cleaned up with 220 grit on a block. The edges were rounded by hand sanding with 220 grit. The rounded end makes and easier insertion in the tube without peeling up the ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 7, Tunnel Contour Fit SandingThe bottoms of the 3/16" tunnels are too flat to fit the curve of the body tube. Some 220 grit was wrapped around a BT-20, a smaller tube than the BT-50 tube supplied in the kit. TIP: Sometimes you can get a better rounded root edge by sanding the underside curve on a smaller tube. On the ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 8, Engine Mount GluingIt's hard to see in the picture but there was a small crease on one end of the tube. If I glue a fin over it, it will strengthen the tube and hide the crease. When marking the fin lines, I purposely set the tube crease on a fin position line. This is another thin BT-50 tube. To protect it ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 9, Primer and Fin PlacementAfter the two launch lugs were glued in place, both got Titebond M&TG fillets. Look close at the upper section. There is a ring where the dried glue shrunk and pulled in the body tube. It's subtle and won't show up when the white color coat goes on. The fin placement lines were ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 10, Fins and TunnelsWith a fin overhanging the tube end by 5/8", a piece of paper was taped around the tube to line up the front ends of the fins. Beside the root edge of the fin you can see the sanded white gluing area. All four fins were glued onto the tube and the alignment paper removed. The tunnels glue ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 11, White Paint & TrimAfter the primer, the model was shot with Rustoleum 2X Gloss white. With Florida Summer humidity, It took three days to dry. Wet sanding with 400 grit followed and the heavier finish coat. I rarely work with vinyl trim. I'm going to take my time with the upper body roll pattern wrap, it's ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 12, Vinyl TrimIt took two tries to get the wrap in line so don't press anything down until you are sure. You'll have to peel back the starting edge to finish off the end. The wrap was set down fairly tight around the tube, I was concerned it might not match up at the end. The roll pattern matched up ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal Build, Part 13, Vinyl Trim Between FinsI didn't cut out the "lower decal" template. I extended the outside borders with pencil lines and used as a guide to cut the vinyl squares. The template and black vinyl were both taped down for cutting. Set the first piece down below the launch lug. Set the vinyl square down with your ...[Read More]
ASP Corporal FinishedThis is a good looking model, the trim really sets it off with clean sharp lines. I was impressed by how well the upper roll pattern fit, a perfect match. The 1/16" basswood fins are closer to scale thickness and much stronger than balsa. The shiny orange Mylar 12" parachute is eight ...[Read More]
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