The Star Seeker was part of the new Mini Tri-Pack. Introduced in the 1983 catalog CLICK HERE, it was available until 1990. Three BT-5 "T" motor models in one kit bag!
The second model was a two-stager called the Sting Ray. Descriptive copy says it could reach 2,500 feet!
The third design was a multi fin rocket named S.C.R.A.M. Years later, Estes brought back a variation of the S.C.R.A.M. fin design in a larger model called the Laser Lance.
For me, the Star Seeker was the most interesting of the three.
All three models use "nose-blow" recovery. Good luck spotting the two stage Sting Ray during recovery.
I'll try to add some sort of recovery streamer for visibility on descent.
I'll also be following up with a BT-50 based upscale of the Star Seeker after the original size build.
The BT-5 build starts tomorrow.
Hi, Chris,
ReplyDeleteBeware the Star Seeker!
If your model retains the motor casing during flight, you are guaranteed to break off one or both of the fin assemblies upon landing after nose-blow recovery, even on soft grass. I remedied this on my model by installing a 6 inch parachute from very thin newspaper bag plastic. The body tube is just barely long enough to stuff in nose shoulder, chute, shroud lines, and a little wadding.
Cool little rocket though. Flies pretty darn high on an A3-4T!
One further thought - I tried streamer recovery also. Same broken-fin-assembly result as with nose-blow. That fin root edge is very short and does not stand up well to any kind of hard landing.
ReplyDeleteHi Ed,
DeleteI did add a streamer (upcoming in the build) thinking about the possibility of a broken fin. Not much glued length on the fin root edge. Surprised I was able to pack the streamer, shock cord and wadding in the short tube. We'll see!
Hrm... I wonder if anyone has built a "goonified" Star Seeker...
ReplyDelete