To see the video: CLICK HERE
The picture above shows an engine/propellant/timer disk test. Vashon Rockets used Freon, a self refrigerant. You could hold onto the filled rocket body and pull the nozzle plug. The aluminum rocket body would get cold as the compressed gas was expelled.
Looks somewhat dangerous, Freon and holding the fuel tube.
ReplyDeletelike that.
Hi Bill,
DeleteThe instructions and Vashon catalog say you can safely do it! The aluminum body did get pretty cold when you do a pressurization test like this.
Never did get into the ColdPower stuff as I got into model rocketry during the mid-1970s when that stuff was being phased out. I remember a schoolmate did get one of the land rockets, but didn't get to run them much as the cans of propellant gas were getting hard to find by that time.
ReplyDeleteOn a similar note I got into model aeorplanes (the flying type made of balsawood) a bit too late to have seen any of the Jetex stuff (if I'm not mistaken the manufacturer closed down by the early 1970s). I do recall reading about it in various magazines, but none of the hobby shops had any of the kits or accessories. Also happened to miss that period in the mid-to-late 1980s when that Jetex made a brief comeback.
Hi Naoto,
DeleteOne of my first rockets was a Vashon Valkyrie. We had very strict fireworks (model rocket engine included) in California. I could mail order Estes and Centuri kits, but couldn't get the engines without a very special permit.
You could buy, and I did have Jetex engines back then in California - go figure!
DeleteHrm... Interesting. I am from California (near Fresno, CA). Never recall having problems getting model rocket motors at the hobby store or toy stores.
DeleteOf course times do change -- I remember as a kid not having trouble getting model paints and glues. I do remember being able to buy dope (lacquer used with "stick-and-tissue" model aeroplanes) even though I was a kid.