Somewhere along the lines, I picked up the fin pattern for the MRI Zeus . . . a simple 3FNC kit. I built an original in the mid-70s when AVI was selling them for cheap, but it was lost to time.

I built two clones and will post some build photos here. Also a MRI Lepus.

Now, I have a request I hope somewhere out there can help with. Does anyone have the scanned in instructions for the Zeus? I want to give the models an official-looking paint job. I remember it having a diamond pattern but that's about it.

(Coming attraction: I have an original MPC Lunar Patrol kit. I'm going to scan in everything and build both it and a clone. I bought some the last few T-20mm cones and tubes from eRockets today to do the job.)

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NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM

Plans are, apparently, right here!

Link: https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=17596


Earl

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Earl L. Cagle, Jr.
NAR# 29523
TRA# 962
SAM# 73
Owner/Producer
Point 39 Productions

Rocket-Brained Since 1970

And another build thread:

https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=22089


Earl

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Earl L. Cagle, Jr.
NAR# 29523
TRA# 962
SAM# 73
Owner/Producer
Point 39 Productions

Rocket-Brained Since 1970

Thanks!

And "argh." The fin pattern I have really doesn't look like those on the scanned-in printed balsa sheet. The approximation sketch doesn't have the angled-in tip edge.

The fins are already glued on . . .

Bummer.

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NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM

I think I'm going to do some cosmetic surgery on my glued-on, primered Zeus basswood fins. Use a straight edge and a razor saw (with a knife cut to start) to angle those tip edges. Win't be exact, and I'll have to resand and primer, but I want my clones to look good.

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NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM

Photo one:

Parts of a Zeus clone, using the not-accurate fin template. I actually first cut a set of fins from balsa, and used paper strips to attempt to overcome the messy transition between the sharp angles in the trailing and leading edges.

That was a mess, so I cut a new set from basswood. The triangular bits are separate pieces.

It turned out really well! Then I saw the actual fin shapes.

Photo two:

I used a sharp knife and a straight edge to carefully trim off a bit of the outer edge. I rubbed some fill-n-finish on the raw edge, and will sand those off tonight. Then Ceramcoat sealer, sand, ready for paint.

I'm going to use the strange orange and blue paint job from the kit instructions.

Attached Thumbnails

   

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NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM

I'm interested to see how you create the blue and orange color scheme. That's how I plan to paint my stalled project.

https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=22089

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Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org

I'm thinking it through.

It will require two rounds of masking.

Mask off deeper set of triangles, final white coat to seal edges, wet sand exposed white paint.

Let dry.

Several coats of orange.

Let dry.

Remove "deep" triangle mask.

Mask off everything except shallow triangles. Insert nose cone. Several coats of blue paint.

Let dry. Unmask.

Hand-paint black fin tips.

I REALLY, REALLY doubt that the depicted paint scheme was every attempted. The instructions have a photo of an actual Zeus with a much simpler scheme. But HA HA HA what else am I going to do with my time.

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NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM