These pictures are of the first version of the long Spaced Needle rocket.
The second picture shows how the trim strips placement was staggered. The name decal was applied at the center.
The new versions now being built separate in the middle for easier storage and less chance of damage transporting the model to and from the launch area.
The fins are set away from the end of the body tube. No need for a friction fit, just do a single tape wrap around the exposed engine nozzle end and body tube. Friction fits were never a good idea in BT-20 body tubes. We've all crimped thin body tubes trying to insert and remove friction fit engines.
This model will need a long shock cord and a 12" parachute.
Coincidentally I have three long and skinny rockets in-work - Custom Rockets Sport, Fliskits Corona2, and an Estes Astron Elliptic. 2 out of the 3 ended up having the “mid break” modification- the Corona doesn’t because I didn’t think of it when I started it an embarrassingly long time ago. Not sure what kicked off the flurry of long skinny rockets but I’ve flown the Sport in primer and it sure looked nifty comin off the launcher!
ReplyDeleteThe Spaced Needle turned out really nice - thanks for posting the build. Always pick up something new from your blog Chris.
Hi Openroad,
DeleteI really liked to see this model launched - before it got so bent up when cargo shifted in the back of the car coming home from the launch. New ones coming with a break in the middle!
Nice looking! I’ve always been a fan of orange and white. One of my early builds as a kid was an orange and white Astron Drifter. Sadly, I used the included 24” chute (what kid wouldn’t?). It caught a little thermal and sailed away to Kansas, as far as I know. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Lee,
DeleteI think we've all stuck a 24" chute in the Drifter and thought: "Oh, that's how it got it's name."