It Ain't Rc But It Sure Is Fun.

[RandyDSok]

I don't plan to start doing rockets again... if I did, I'd probably just go with the MM and be done with that part of it.

Back in the day, I did make my own launch pad and launch controller. The rod I used would have been a 3/32" 3" steel welding rod ( in fact, I still have some of that, some 1/16" and even some flux coated 3/32" brass rod ). I did buy the rocket kits instead of sourcing parts, they weren't expensive and you had everything needed. I'd also lay odds that I used Titebond since that's what my Dad and I used for building RC planes with and always had a tube around ( even now I've got some in the back room somewhere ).

 

[Tony]

Geena can get you some nice Ti rod to use

 

[RandyDSok]

Geena can get you some nice Ti rod to use

Is that anything like Ti stick.... LMAO

 

[Tony]

They are called rods lmao.

 

[bigone5500]

Sure it's not just really thick wire Tony?

 

[bigone5500]

I am still considering building this rocket. I have gone ahead and modeled it in RockSim 9. <---awesome program!! Here is a 3d image, although just in two colors, is representative of the final product. I think the only thing I will have to source is the nosecone. I have everything else I'm sure and will build from scratch what I don't have.

If I end up building this one, I will get a launch video of it and post it to youtube.

 

[RandyDSok]

I suppose that two colors... is still twice what I used on the one we've discussed... I only used black. I believe I'd planned some to mask off some white trim but just hadn't decided on the design yet.

Just make sure you've secured your rod better than I did on that last flight... My stomach turned right after I pressed the switch and the rod leaned over right at that time... While it was gut wrenching to watch, it was also strangely satisfying as it took off at that acute angle and arced over into that small grove of trees.

 

[bigone5500]

I hear ya on the rod. I built a launch pad from 1" pvc pipe with a 12" Dia. x 1/8" thick stainless blast deflector. It will accept from 1/8 to 1/4" rods, of which I made mine from stainless and cut them to 6' lengths. You have to be careful on the smaller diameter o es as they can have rod whip which can result in the rocket going horizontal despite the rod being vertical.

 

[bigone5500]

I thought I'd post this in addendum. This is my favorite rocket. It's big (7.5" diameter), short, and can handle large motors. The kit is by a company called LOC Precision and is called the Warlock. It uses a 60" parachute and motor ejection for recovery along with a 20' x 1/2" tubular kevlar shock cord.