On the left is the kit supplied BT-50. The clear payload tube is wider and overhangs the BT-50.
The inset picture shows the thick wall BT-50. It's a much better match to the payload tube diameter.
The thick wall tube has an outside diameter of .990, not quite (but closer) to the Centuri ST-10 at 1.04" diameter.
I'm also replacing the BNC-50K style Alpha nose cone with a parabolic custom cone from BMS.
It's about 1/4" longer and closer to the original Centuri kit shape. On the left is the kit nose cone, the inset shows the replacement. Cutting 1/4" from both sides gives an additional 1/2" of payload area.
Besides that, it just looks better. Why bother with a clear tube if half of it is filled with balsa?
While I normally prefer plastic nose cones, I prefer balsa for payload sections because they seal better and will stay on more snugly.
ReplyDeleteI also prefer a longer nose cone so you can get a better grip to remove it from the payload tube. If you use a shorter or more sharply-angled cone, you have to squeeze harder on a smaller area to remove it, which can damage the surface.
Hi Lonnie,
DeleteI agree, some of the kit supplied plastic nose cones slipped into a clear payload tube are too loose and could be ejected and lost.
You are right, larger cones are easier to pull out of a tight fit tube.