Model Rocket Building Blog
Estes Gyroc Build Part 1, PartsHere's a build by request, the Estes Gyroc, # K-24 I received my first Gyroc as a Free Kit for placing a $5.00 Estes order. Wayne Hill's Rocketry Blog gave some history: http://rocketry.wordpress.com/2006/06/06/rocket-of-the-week-662006/ "The Gyroc was originally released in 1965 and was ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 2, Cutting the PartsThe Fins (2) Flaps (2) and Rudders (4) were cut from 1/16" balsa stock. This was old school, tracing around the templates on the balsa with a pencil. All were cut out with a sharp blade and straight edge. Because these were hand cut, like fins were gang sanded with a block. The hardwood ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 3, Hinge Cutting and PrepThe tape hinge material is "pressure sensitive" paper. It's just sticky paper with a removable backing. I'll cut them from the left over borders from a CD label. Some extras were cut, I always make extras. The nose cone will be glued in place and the joint seam filled. I went ahead and sanded ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 4, Balsa Truing and FillingAfter gang sanding the like parts the root and outside edges didn't match up. The fin set on the left is before sanding and evening up the sides. On the right is the large fin pieces, taped together and after sanding. The fin edges were sanded flat on a block with 220 grit sandpaper. ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 5, Nose Cone and Lug PrepThe nose cone and body tube joint were already filled with CWF. The nose cone is rounded and blunt for a good reason, the rocket lands nose first. The nose cone was toughened up with a coat of medium CA. After it dried it was smoothed over with 400 grit. In an optional step you can trim the ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 6, Wing HingesTape the two halves of the wing together. Line up the root edges on a straightedge. The two wings flip in opposite directions, but tape both wings facing the same way. When the wings are set on opposite sides of the body tube they will flip correctly. Before setting down the sticky hinges, wipe ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 7, Gluing the Flip-FlapThings get vague in Step 6 of the old Estes instructions. They don't specify how far up to glue the "flip-flap". (Really, they called it a flip-flap!) You've got to allow for the friction tab and the drawing does show the root edge hanging over the body tube end. I set the tab on the fin side ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 9, Hold Down TabsWhoops! I primered the model before gluing on the hold down tabs! This is right up there with forgetting the launch lugs and not noticing until you go to slide the rocket down the rod. The instructions didn't make much sense back in the 1970s or now. Looking back to my first try at the ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 8, Gluing the RuddersWhen setting the rudders, raise the flap to be sure it makes contact on the trailing edge of the rudder. Again, don't use much glue. Lightly tack the rudder in place, you'll probably be adjusting it later on. Here the rudder was glued with it's root edge right beside the pencil line from ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 10, Paint and DecalsHere's the Gyroc after the first white undercoat. This is a tough model to spray and even harder to sand smooth. There is just too many inside angles to cover! On the left shows after wet sanding with 400 grit. The nose cone / body tube seam is gone. There was still some small "s ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc Build Part 11, ElasticAfter this step I remembered having the same problems with my first Gyroc build in the 1970s. There was a lot of tweaking to get the elastic to fully pull the flap against the rudder fin stops. Enlarge the picture an you'll see where the instructions recommend setting the elastic holes. I ...[Read More]
Estes Gyroc FinishedThis build was a bit frustrating but brought back a lot of memories. The elastic tie positions from the Estes instructions didn't give enough pull so they had to be moved. Look close to be sure you have covered every area when painting this one. The fins look straight from all ...[Read More]
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