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Modified
tip for sharp bends in brass wire. Having the correctly
shaped tool really made the task easier. |
At
launch, the main antenna panel is folded to fit into the launcher
and to prevent breakage due to shaking that occurs when the
rocket's engines are firing. To fold it out and to keep it
absolutely flat in space, it has a support frame. The real
one is made from carbon fiber and the detail is a bit too
thin to make out of wood. Instead, I made it using brass wire,
1.2mm in diameter, which was fairly easy to bend and solder.
I painted it after soldering, before putting the completed
frames on the model. To put sharp bends in the wire, I tried
using pointed-tip pliers, which weren't strong enough. Instead,
I took regular pliers and ground off part of the tip.
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| Before
gluing, take an inventory of all parts, even if you
don't think you are missing any. There won't be another
chance to see all bits together as a kit. |
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