Instead of 3D printing the entire sheath, just 3D print the nose cone (as per FAI-F1D's suggestion) and then replace the computer paper with an overhead transparency. The weight gain going from paper to plastic is negligible, and plastic will keep moisture out of your pod much better. You won't have to replace the sheath after a while like you would with paper, especially in Ohio. <read FF East morning dew>
Instead of 3D printing the entire sheath, just 3D print the nose cone (as per FAI-F1D's suggestion) and then replace the computer paper with an overhead transparency. The weight gain going from paper to plastic is negligible, and plastic will keep moisture out of your pod much better. You won't have to replace the sheath after a while like you would with paper, especially in Ohio. <read FF East morning dew>
I need to get mine on a precise scale...I'd estimate under 250, but not certain.
Durability is surprisingly good, but I haven't crashed it and don't plan on starting to, and I've been careful to keep it out of humid weather and hot cars. Waterproof DTFB would simplify that somewhat, and you could use Gorilla glue for assembly to eliminate the heat sensitivity.
I've flown this model hard for most of its life and so far it's holding up fine. I've got at least 200 launches on it, possibly more. Only damage other than popping the stab off once on a crosswind landing and a nose sheath replacement is that the right wing has a couple stress wrinkles in the top surface. These emerged after about 10 launches and have not worsened or spread.
In other news, my high capacity scale is a pain in the neck, but I do know that the finished airplane is less than 235g ready to fly. No wonder it floats so nicely!
I haven't been able to fly mine for a while as I doubt it would have survived the trip to college, but I will be coming home in a few weeks to visit and might try bringing the spinster back with me. I will be doing more work with a new wing building process which will (hopefully) increase aerodynamic efficiency considerably. Expect updates more towards the holiday season once I'm home on break.
I will be doing more work with a new wing building process which will (hopefully) increase aerodynamic efficiency considerably. Expect updates more towards the holiday season once I'm home on break.