Estes Xarconian Cruiser Build Part 19, New 24mm Engine Mount

The model already feels heavy without paint!
The only recommended engine is a C6-3. That doesn't make for much variety, or respectable altitudes.

From the Estes website:
"The Estes C6-3 engine is a single stage engine designed for model rocket flight. This engine is a standard engine designed for flights in rockets weighing less than 4 ounces, including the engine."

The face card says the estimated weight is 3.7 oz. A C6-3 engine weighs .87 oz. for a total weight of 4.57 oz. That's heavier than the recommended launch weight for a C6 engine.
I've been converting larger models for 24mm engines. Usually that's a BT-55 or 60 model around two feet tall. This one fits that criteria.

To convert to a larger engine mount the model was loaded with the largest recommended engine, a C6-3. The parachute, shock cord and wadding were also in place to find the center of gravity.

The rocket was balanced. The balance point was 7 1/2" from the rear of the tail cone edge.




A standard 50/55 engine mount was made.

I won't be able to use a replaceable Kevlar mount now, the plastic tail cone will be in the way.

A notch was filed for the Kevlar to pass through.

A fillet was applied and the Kevlar loop pressed into the drying glue.

After that dried, more glue was applied and the loose Kevlar tail was pressed into the joint.
This will keep the tail end out of the way when the mount is glued into the BT-55 main air frame tube.

With the new slightly heavier mount and engine installed, 1/2 oz. of clay weight will be pressed inside the nose cone. The 1/2 oz. of clay moves the center of gravity forward to the older 7 1/2" mark.

BUILD TIME
Load and Find CG: 10 minutes
Build New 24mm Engine Mount: 20 minutes
Total Build Time so far: 8 hours, 50 minutes