Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1367809
by Ed Miller Estes introduced a very nice Little Joe II kit and I had to have one. I was not dis- appointed when I opened the box. It had very nice detail, but would present some challenge during assembly. I am all for that. I started assembly following the kit in- structions. The only thing that I did differ- ent was to fill the fragile fins with epoxy while installing fin tabs that connect to the motor mount tube. The body wrap was scary. One mistake and it would be ruined. I used 3M 77 spray contact cement. Fortu- nately I got it right and did not have to buy another kit. After assembly I covered the wrap and fins with masking tape and paper. The up- per part of the airframe was primed, filled, and primed again. The upper section and capsule were painted with white lacquer. Then I carefully masked the white areas and sprayed the black roll patterns. Now for the faux aluminum, which is the color needed for the whole bottom sec- tion of the rocket. I used Alclad products. See Photo 1. The Alclad white primer was used over the wrap and fins because it goes on thin and smooth. Two coats were ap- plied (see Photos 2 and 3). After allowing the model to dry overnight, I wet sand- ed with 1200 wet or dry sandpaper and cleaned off the residue. The key here is to have a perfectly smooth finish. Any flaws will be very obvious when the finish coat goes on. Next, I went over the primed area with a tack cloth and sprayed two coats of Alclad black lacquer and let that dry overnight. SPORT ROCKETRY MAY/JUNE 2021 35 Custom Shop 16: FAUX ALUMINUM FAUX FAUX ALUMINUM ALUMINUM Photo 9. The Little Joe II is ready to fly.