Aluminum Angle Tool, Model Rocket News - Volume 5, #1

From the Estes Model Rocket News, Volume 5, #1
The first reference I've seen for using an aluminum angle to mark body tubes for fin placement.
This MRN dates back to 1965. I thought it was a more recent idea for a tool.

In the same issue there's also a good plan for an Aerobee Hi.

To see the issue, go to www.oldrocketplans.com or, CLICK HERE

Honest John Ebay Listing Finishes Tonight

The Honest John Auction on Ebay finishes up tonight!

To see it or make a bid, CLICK HERE

Quest Kits and Parts To Be Made in the U.S.A.?

December1 on YORF, CTRRockets posted the question:

"I was in my local hobby shop looking for a kit and some engines and I asked for Quest engines. They told me they have been having issues with Quest kits and engines being supplied to them. I am curious, are they in a slow down with production? I rather enjoy their kits and engines so I am hoping this is temporary."

CTRRockets emailed Quest/Aerotech Directly and this is the response he got:

"No, there aren’t any Quest products that have been discontinued. We are working to source all parts domestically to avoid long delays in the future" 

CTRRockets added:
So it looks like you are all correct in that they are sourcing to manufacture their products in the US. Good to know. The only kit of theirs that my hobby shop has in stock is the Astra 1. A good little kit but I already have two. Have to substitute Estes motors for quest for now it seems.

There has been some talk about Quest bringing their kit and BP engine production back to the US. We'll see!

UPDATE from Bob Jablonski:
Talking to Charlie AT/Quest GM the new USA made motors are at NAR testing. Until last fall they had supply issues but it has pretty much been cleared up. Look for some cool stuff in the pipe line. Thats all I can say.
Mr. Bob

Estes Honest John, #7240 Build, Finished

As kits go, this was a good one.
Impressive size but still manageable on a display shelf.

I made two, the better on is up for bids on Ebay. The other Honest John will be part of my active fleet.

The center band has rounder holes, worth the extra time it took to punch it out.








The nose cone was very well molded. The kit supplied decals really set it off.

Here's how the Estes Engine Retainer (included in the kit) fits onto the back end.
On a forum post, John Boren said he designed it so the model will stand on the tube end with the outer ring removed. Remove the ring for display, screw it on for flight.

Estes Honest John, #7240 Build, Part 17, Decals and Trim

Here's how the nose cone decals were cut apart.
Note the top piece on the right has a very slight curve to it to fit around the nose cone taper.

The bottom was set down first.
A damp Q-tip was used to set the decal into the rut. Just roll over the edge to coax the decal into the recess.

I had another decal that wouldn't release from the backing sheet.
A small area needed a patch.
A small wedge shape was cut from the Estes decal and set over the white area.

After the patch and a light touch of Future you can't see the repair.









A Sharpie marker was run over the edge to cover the white and define the black band top.

Estes Honest John, #7240 Build, Part 16, Decals

I was curious about the gap between upper fin root and the tail cone. I saw this cover picture on the November/December issue of Sport rocketry.
This is Jon Stenberg's Argo D4 Javelin model.
Enlarge the picture and you can see the the fin root gaps. So maybe I got it right this time.
With the HoJo fins and tail cone you could probably use them on this model.




Here's the model before decals.
It looks pretty good without them.

On this rocket you've got to do a little pre-planning before soaking the decals.







The top edge of a black band wrap is even with the end of the body tube.

Cut close to the black top edge. You can leave a little more clear border on the bottom.

The nose cone decal is set over the recessed line around the cone.
I'll cut this decal in two so there won't be a raised gap over the rut.

From Ted Cochran, NAR President

From the emailed The Electronic Rocketeer - Issue #90- November 2015

Fellow NAR Member,

As I mentioned in the email I sent to all of you on November 21, our hobby has experienced its first on-field fatality. The incident was not associated with the NAR, but it nevertheless affects all us of who deeply care about our hobby's safety. 

In addition, as I wrote in the October eRocketeer, we also had a spectator struck by a land-sharking rocket last month at an NAR launch. These incidents, and some near misses we've also heard about, remind us that our hobby is not without risk. As our launches get bigger, with more flights and more spectators, we need to take more precautions--observing the safety code by itself may not be sufficient, nor the best we can do. 

We sometimes need to do more than meet the safety code requirements: When conditions warrant, we need to exceed them.

Please take a moment as individuals, and as Sections, to review your launch practices. If you can improve your safety by following any of the suggestions in the next article, please consider doing so. If your section needs funds to update launch equipment, flag lines, PA systems, warning systems, or other safety-related equipment, please ask for a Section grant.The NAR has sufficient funds set aside for just this purpose; no reasonable request will be refused.

 

As always,

Be safe, have fun, and pay forward, 

   

Ted Cochran
NAR President
NAR 69921 L3