Hex-3 Build thread-- Part 1: Another motor mount!
The Thrifty Rocketeer continues...
This is going to be a shorter build blog thread, as the Hex-3 is basically a paper launch platform that assembles quickly and appears to be Estes version of a tumble recovery platform. The recommended motors are B6-0 and C6-0 if that tells you anything.
I believe you can assemble this in an evening, and I'm not sure I agree with the Skill Level 3 rating it was given. I'm gonna break this into two or three entries, but I don't think an experienced builder will have any problem with this. Other than the motor mount, it's basically folding and gluing card stock.
So the first step is laying out what comes in the package: A motor mount assembly package with six elements inside, two printed card stock sheets for the three legs and one body assembly, one heavier hexagon card stock for the base platform, and two sets of instructions in various languages. We'll be working in English, of course.
First, lay-out and count the parts of the motor mount assemble. It includes a motor tube, a metal spring clip, a green motor block ring, a clear plastic ring, a green slotted "C" external ring, and a single launch lug straw. You need wood glue or sturdy white Elmer's glue to assemble this.
The assembly is pretty straight forward. First, measure marks at 1 1/8" from the left end of the tube, and 2 1/2" (which leaves about 1/4" from the right end...the space for both motor block ring and external "C" ring).
Slice a 1/8" slot at the 2 1/2" mark to insert the end of the metal spring clip into.
Spread a ring of glue in the quarter inch above the 1 1/8" mark. Slide the clear ring down over the metal spring clip into the glue, and stop when you reach the 1 1/8" mark. There should be a think coat of glue under that ring to increase the tension on the spring clip. Wipe off any excess, and try to keep the spring clip free of glue for it's operation.
Next, spread a small bead of glue inside the right end and slide the small green motor block ring into it. It will stop up against the metal spring clip tab which protrudes inside.
You can immediately spread another bead of glue around the outside of the motor tube outside of the same point where you just inserted the motor block.
Position the slotted green "C" ring over the end of the motor tube so that the slot falls 120 degrees to the right of metal clip. (That is, if you're looking at the motor tube from the spring clip end, the spring clip is at the top, due North. You want to turn or position the slotted green "c" ring so the slot is at the bottom right in the SE position (120 degrees).
You may have to hold the "C" ring compressed for about five minutes until the glue starts to set up and grab the ring, holding it compressed against the motor tube. It will want to expand and pull away from the tube until it grips. Avoid spilling any glue on the outside or top of the C ring at this point.
You can check the position for the paper straw launch lug, with falls between the edge of the plastic ring and into the slot of the "C" ring, flush with the end of the motor tube. While the glue is still soft, you may want to slide the plastic ring slightly to butt up to the launch lug. The instructions say to trim the launch lug to fit, but I found no trimming was necessary. Keep the ends of the launch lug straw clear of glue and attach it along this line, parallel to the motor tube. (This is the only unique thing about this assembly.)
You can check your assignment by punching out the heavy hexagon base and removing the center hole. This should sip over the spring clip hook through the square slot, and when sliding forward, clearly align the round slot with the launch lung you've just attached. You probably won't be able to slide it over the clear plastic ring, but you can guesstimate or eyeball that it's in the right place.
Remove that hexagon before any glue gets on it at this point. Set the Motor Mount assembly aside to dry.
This marks the first third of the Hex-3 assembly. You can immediately proceed to the cut-out of the card stock for the 3 legs and the body, covered in the next assembly.
This is going to be a shorter build blog thread, as the Hex-3 is basically a paper launch platform that assembles quickly and appears to be Estes version of a tumble recovery platform. The recommended motors are B6-0 and C6-0 if that tells you anything.
I believe you can assemble this in an evening, and I'm not sure I agree with the Skill Level 3 rating it was given. I'm gonna break this into two or three entries, but I don't think an experienced builder will have any problem with this. Other than the motor mount, it's basically folding and gluing card stock.
So the first step is laying out what comes in the package: A motor mount assembly package with six elements inside, two printed card stock sheets for the three legs and one body assembly, one heavier hexagon card stock for the base platform, and two sets of instructions in various languages. We'll be working in English, of course.
First, lay-out and count the parts of the motor mount assemble. It includes a motor tube, a metal spring clip, a green motor block ring, a clear plastic ring, a green slotted "C" external ring, and a single launch lug straw. You need wood glue or sturdy white Elmer's glue to assemble this.
The assembly is pretty straight forward. First, measure marks at 1 1/8" from the left end of the tube, and 2 1/2" (which leaves about 1/4" from the right end...the space for both motor block ring and external "C" ring).
Slice a 1/8" slot at the 2 1/2" mark to insert the end of the metal spring clip into.
Spread a ring of glue in the quarter inch above the 1 1/8" mark. Slide the clear ring down over the metal spring clip into the glue, and stop when you reach the 1 1/8" mark. There should be a think coat of glue under that ring to increase the tension on the spring clip. Wipe off any excess, and try to keep the spring clip free of glue for it's operation.
Next, spread a small bead of glue inside the right end and slide the small green motor block ring into it. It will stop up against the metal spring clip tab which protrudes inside.
You can immediately spread another bead of glue around the outside of the motor tube outside of the same point where you just inserted the motor block.
Position the slotted green "C" ring over the end of the motor tube so that the slot falls 120 degrees to the right of metal clip. (That is, if you're looking at the motor tube from the spring clip end, the spring clip is at the top, due North. You want to turn or position the slotted green "c" ring so the slot is at the bottom right in the SE position (120 degrees).
You may have to hold the "C" ring compressed for about five minutes until the glue starts to set up and grab the ring, holding it compressed against the motor tube. It will want to expand and pull away from the tube until it grips. Avoid spilling any glue on the outside or top of the C ring at this point.
You can check the position for the paper straw launch lug, with falls between the edge of the plastic ring and into the slot of the "C" ring, flush with the end of the motor tube. While the glue is still soft, you may want to slide the plastic ring slightly to butt up to the launch lug. The instructions say to trim the launch lug to fit, but I found no trimming was necessary. Keep the ends of the launch lug straw clear of glue and attach it along this line, parallel to the motor tube. (This is the only unique thing about this assembly.)
You can check your assignment by punching out the heavy hexagon base and removing the center hole. This should sip over the spring clip hook through the square slot, and when sliding forward, clearly align the round slot with the launch lung you've just attached. You probably won't be able to slide it over the clear plastic ring, but you can guesstimate or eyeball that it's in the right place.
Remove that hexagon before any glue gets on it at this point. Set the Motor Mount assembly aside to dry.
This marks the first third of the Hex-3 assembly. You can immediately proceed to the cut-out of the card stock for the 3 legs and the body, covered in the next assembly.
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