Friday, February 12, 2016

Removable Launch Lug - TIP



I finally finished up the "kit that never was", the AVI Nike Tomahawk. After I thought it was done I realized I had forgotten the launch lug.
This model build seemed cursed from day one.

I didn't want to fill, prime, scrape the tube paint and glue on a lug.





Here's an old idea I probably saw in an old Estes Model Rocket News.
A sleeve was cut from some 35mm scrap tubing.
A 1/8" diameter launch lug was glued down the tube segment.
The tube was slit directly opposite the lug.
Simply open up the split and slip it over the body tube. Some models will require a piece of tape to hold the sleeve in place.
On this model, the bottom of the tube butts up against the raised fin can. It fits tight enough that tape isn't needed during boost.

These split lugs are great when you don't want a lug showing on a scale display model.

You could make up some master lug sleeves for BT-5, 20,50 and BT-60 sized models and never glue on another launch lug!
Slip them on for flight, remove them for display.

2 comments:

  1. Have you ever tried the microbuttons and a MakerBeam rail?

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    1. Hi Daniel,
      I've certainly seen them but I still associate buttons and rails with mid and higher power rocketry. Going to micro buttons would require a LOT of retrofitting for me. For LPR, lug straws are okay.
      I would use buttons if I were more into mid power rockets.

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