I had an original Centuri Mach 10 years ago. I don't remember how it flew or if I even launched it.
This is a clone kit from More Rockets to be built for a client.
Most of the parts were good quality, Some parts were questionable.
The instructions were copies of the old Centuri art. I don't know how clone vendors get away with this. Unless a Copyright has run out, these materials are still owned by Estes.
The two launch lugs were two different lengths.
The engine hook isn't spring steel. The upper bend isn't a 90 degree angle.
The engine block spacer was a split BT-20, a clever idea for an easy slide into the BT-20 central tube.
The nose cone was an original Centuri part made to fit the slightly larger ST-7 tube.
The kit includes a BT-20 central engine mount tube. The shoulder of the Centuri nose cone won't fit the supplied tube!
I'll have to substitute an Estes 20 sized plastic nose cone with the correct shoulder diameter.
The decals are printed on a white decal sheet.I wouldn't want to use the stars and bars decal in the center. The star isn't symmetrical.
On morerockets.com I could only find the, "Mach 10 Boost Glider TM", but that can't be this as it recovers with a streamer not glide...
ReplyDeleteIf they are the same, you apparently don't need to paint the nose cone, "I have a limited number of original Centuri nose cones for the Red marker cone. These will be in the kits while they last. They are red so they won't need painting". That is unless you want the red to match the rear horizontal stabilizer.
Hi Scott,
DeleteYou found the right kit.
This is more of a "rocket glider". The engine stays inside the model, the nose cone ejects with the streamer and the model glides down. This is an original Centuri nose cone, most all of this style cone were molded in red with a white glue in shoulder. Actually, the shoulder was designed to snap in the cone but some of the nose cones would crack. Pretty cool idea, the snap in nose cone could be used as a small payload section.
Interesting. They sell the fins for $4.89 and your already replacing enough parts. Probably just easier to build what you can with spare parts - that actually fit together or are quality. JimZ's has decals, but looks like they may need to be cleaned up. I'll be watching this to see what other hurdles you face and to see how it fly's and glides.
ReplyDeleteHi Scott,
ReplyDeleteSome parts weren't usable - the decals, nose cones and engine hook. I thought the split tube to set the engine block was a good idea but the end cut wasn't straight so I just used a yellow Estes spacer.
That's too many bad parts in one kit for me! As a comparison, a current Estes kit I'm building right now only needed the shock cord elastic replaced.
Have been tempted to do a clone build -- though probably apt to decorate with Soviet markings (it reminds me of a MiG-15).
ReplyDeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteWait until you see the decor the customer wanted...
Hrm... I could also envision a Luft'46 type build with WWII German markings.
Deletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focke-Wulf_Ta_183
Dynasoar Rocketry does a RC Glider based off the Centuri Mach 10 rocket boosted glider kit, called the Mach 2 Rocket Glider Kit. A very different build to be sure. It's made of foam and fly's on an E-6.
ReplyDeleteHi Scott,
DeleteIf I did R/C you can bet I'd own a few of the Dynasoar boost gliders. His videos are very impressive.