Model Rocket Building Blog
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 1, PartsI've built a Zooch Ares before, but not this version. The Ares 1 build was posted on rocketreviews.com CLICK HERE This was back in 2010. The review had posted pictures of the completed model, but not much build information. The parts are all good quality, typical of the ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 2, ACM and CouplersIt's a good idea to number the instruction sheet pages. The loose sheets are easy to get mixed up You make couplers from the 1" long BT-20 tubes. Another one will be needed for the engine mount so go ahead and make them both now. Mark a straight line down the tube and cut through the tube down the ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 3, Engine Mount BandsThe engine mount uses a reinforcement band under the top bend of the engine hook. It's a card stock wrap that strengthens the typically weak BT-20 tube. The band goes around the tube. I used a shorter piece that will fit between the two surrounding fin roots. The instructions also suggest masking ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 4, ShroudsAs I usually do, scans were made so I can print out more shrouds and the tube wraps if I screw things up. I tend to print extra shrouds and make up four or five. I check the fit and then use the best one. Cut out the SRB shroud. Here I'm running some 400 grit along the curves sides to smooth off ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 5, SRB ShroudHere's the three shrouds I made. The best fitting shroud was used and the other two thrown away. The inset picture shows the 2050 rings in place on either side of the 1" long BT-20 tube. Do some dry fitting before gluing. The ends of the shrouds were evened up by gently turning them on sandpaper ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 6, Body WrapsPage 4 has you glue on the longer BT-20 wrap first. I attached the smaller BT-50 upper wrap first. I figured I'd practice on the smaller wrap before tackling the long BT-20 wrap. Dr. Zooch always instructs you use white glue on the inside edges. I didn't have good luck with this method the first ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 7, Flame FinsFlame fins are a standard Dr. Zooch kit feature on models that wouldn't normally have fins. Easier and stronger than clear fins. On the left is the flame fin template. There are many small sharp edges that would be very hard to cut and fill. I tend to round them off for simplicity. This ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 8, Lugs and StandoffsThe instructions say the supplied lug is 1" long, my kit lug was 1 1/4" long. The standoffs are two pieces of balsa, 1/8" X 1/2". Sometimes it's easier to make straight short chop cuts with a single edge razor blade. Just press through the balsa with a new blade. The lug was cut into two 1/2" ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 9, Clear CoatsThe SRB (longer, lower wrap) is applied. Be sure to line up the seams. Something I didn't mention earlier, Before the glue sets you can mold the shroud edges into the larger body tube. Roll a burnisher over the edge for a smoother seam transition. The laminated lug standoffs are thick. I sanded a ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 10, SRB SkirtA 20/50 ring is used to support the open edges of the SRB skirt. The sides of the 20/50 ring is tapered to fit inside the open end. The inset picture shows using the shroud to match the sand angle. After sanding the ring seam was filled with CWF. Just the bottom of the ring got a coat of CA and ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 11, Launch Abort System or LASThe small LAS skirt and "party hat" are cut from the pattern sheet. TIP: Cut the centers out first, it leaves you with more to hold onto. Use sharp scissors, the inside arc is small. Just like the larger shrouds, you can shape them in the heel of your hand. Use a smaller dowel on a small shroud. ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 12, LAS Dowel and ShroudsI filled and painted the lower taper of the nose section before gluing on the wraps. I would be harder to mask and paint them later. The inset shows the overlap of the BPC wrap. Wrap and mark, cut off the overlay and glue around the nose. The BPC wrap is made and set on (not glue yet) the nose ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 13, Detail WrapsAn optional step is to cut thin strips of card stock and glue them to the SRB making raised straps. The extra detail is worth the effort. Cut the strips from the printed black box on the patterns sheet. Use a glue stick (again) to glue the bands over the print bands on the SRB wrap. Start and ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 14, Flame FinsIn the Zooch line many of the "finless" rockets use Flame Fins. I've built a few Zooch kits and used to paint the fins yellow, orange and red. They all ended up looking a bit cartoony. Look up some actual NASA launch shots and you'll notice launch flames go from bright white to yellow to grey. ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X, Build, Part 15, Ends and EdgesThe escape tower dowel and shrouds were glued onto the capsule top. Sight from the sides and from the top to be sure it is straight. Turn the rocket body and make adjustments before the glue sets up. Right below the rear shroud is a short, uncovered length of BT-20. The white tube didn't ...[Read More]
Dr. Zooch Ares I-X, FinishedThis one turned out better than my first Dr. Zooch Ares 1 built back in 2010. This one is the same size. The first Ares 1 had a very small 6" parachute. The Ares 1-X kit now has a 12" chute. Dr. Zooch actually had three different versions of the Ares series. The rocket design changed over time. ...[Read More]
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