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Build Log

This page documents the construction progress of my Apogee Peregrine.

Build Status

Current Phase

Motor mount and fin assembly complete. Electronics bay in progress.

Planned Build Sequence

Following Apogee's recommended construction order:

  1. Motor Mount Assembly

    • Mark motor tube
    • Attach centering rings
    • Install Kevlar shock cord anchor
    • Add thrust block (if using short motors)

  2. Fin Installation

    • Prepare fin slots in body tube
    • Test fit fins
    • Tack with CA glue
    • Internal fillets with epoxy
    • External fillets

  3. Electronics Bay

    • Sand bulkhead edges
    • Install stop rings
    • Glue threaded rod alignment rails
    • Assemble sled
    • Install switch band
    • Mount eyebolts

  4. Airframe Assembly

    • Join body tube sections with couplers
    • Install motor mount
    • Add rail buttons

  5. Recovery System

    • Attach shock cords
    • Install quick links
    • Attach chute protectors

  6. Finishing

    • Fill spirals (if desired)
    • Prime
    • Paint
    • Apply decals

Build Entries

2025-12-11: Kit Received

Kit acquisition timeline:

Date Event
28 Nov 2025 Ordered from Sierra Fox Hobbies (Italy)
2 Dec 2025 Shipped via DHL
5 Dec 2025 Milan, Italy
9 Dec 2025 Poznan, Poland
11 Dec 2025 Delivered to Tallinn, Estonia

DHL Tracking: 3425738702

Photos:

Kit packaging photos in Photo Gallery.

2025-12-XX: Motor Mount & Fin Assembly

Duration: ~4 days (24-hour epoxy cure cycles)

Work completed:

  • Motor mount assembly with centering rings
  • Through-the-wall (TTW) fin installation
  • 6-point epoxy attachment for maximum strength

Method:

Used 1-hour working time epoxy with 24-hour cure. Due to liquid epoxy leaking through centering ring holes, each side was cured separately:

Day Work
1 Bottom centering ring bonds
2 Top centering ring bonds
3 Internal fin fillets (to motor mount)
4 External fin fillets (to airframe)

Notes:

The liquid epoxy was challenging - it kept seeping through small holes. Solution was to position the rocket so gravity kept epoxy at the joint being cured, then flip for opposite side. Result is very strong integrated fin can.

See Motor Mount and Fins for detailed documentation.

Photos:

To be added - see Issue #8

Additional build log entries will be added as construction progresses