The Future of Manned Space flight: My twisted Vision

[Pem Tech]

OK, due to circumstances, distractions, life, liberty and the pursuit of snack crackers I haven't been posting much of anything lately. So, when I got the word that I could participate in the TRF "Future of Manned Space Flight" (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?t=10387) contest last month I squealed like a little grrl and started the wheels turning.
Well, a month and a half later I realized I hadn't planned or built anything yet.

:y:

So, Wednesday I strode out to my shop determined to create my vision of the future. I was also determined not to do a lot of sanding, or sealing or anything that would take over a month to do. Scratching the hair on my chinny chin chin I pondered what would the future look like? What would it be like when we, as a species, become unfettered by gravity wells and orbital mechanics?
What would our ancestors build if they could construct any craft that strikes their fancy without the burden of practicality or common sense?

The answer was simple....
The spaceships would be 50's Retro!!!
(Who didn't see that coming?)

So here is what I did....

Starting with the idea of a tin toy type of craft I finally settled on a WW1 caterpillar tank type of shape.
Ok, half way there.
WHat to build it out of so I won't have to sand and seal for days on end?
Why not cardstock?
Ok, three quarters of the way there...

With a quick web search a free cardstock tin toy tank model turned up, which could be modified to my twisted needs.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/templateP1015591.jpg

The bit of receipt paper was the measured distance I would have to extend the airframe pattern.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/2patternithextP1015594.jpg

There ended up being two versions, one that was pretty much a straight build of the Tin Toy model and the second with an extended fore airframe that molds around the front "treads".

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/twoversionsP1015597.jpg

[Pem Tech]

The airframe is cut out then scored to ease folding the paper.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/scoringairframeP1015601.jpg

[Pem Tech]

All bent and ready to glue.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/airframebentP1015606.jpg

[Pem Tech]

The airframe folded and curved in preparation for gluing. The long flap was rolled using an ink pen across the palm of my hand, then gently curved to shape with my fingers.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/getbentP1015610.jpg


A little thick CA along the inside of the seams and a little patience to get a good joint.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/airframeglueP1015613.jpg

[Jordan_RochellaSpace]

You're nuts.

But I think I like it.

More, please?

[Pem Tech]

You're nuts.

But I think I like it.

More, please?



Thank you....
Yes, more is to come, but first a link to the TRF Future of Manned Space Contest.

http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?t=10387

Less than 15 days left in the competition, so hurry with those entries!
:eyepop:

[Pem Tech]

Continuing the madness....

Here the upper side of both halves of the fore airframe are CA'd together.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/airframestartP1015624.jpg

This was the easy part, as you will see in the following steps.
:bangbang:

[Micromeister]

Should be a Hoot Pem-Tech!
A cardstock WW-1 Caterpillar Tank on MMX-II motors LOL!!! gotta love it.
I'm sure it'll go as well as my M85 vampire tank that flys on A10's. It's a great little PMC flyer LOL!!!

Can't wait to see were you install the motor mount. and the completed model. Should be a very interesting model.

[Pem Tech]

Gluing proceeds around the airframe being careful not to crease the rounded portion. As was suggested in another thread, tabs would have made this step much easier. Live and learn.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/gluingforeairframeP1015641.jpg

[Pem Tech]

Here is one of the two 1/4" lugs used as MM tubes. The thrust rings were cut from 3/16" launch lugs.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/mmpartsP1015617.jpg

[Pem Tech]

Before we go on to the next spellbinding step, I must explain a bit. MicroMax is a new experience for me, and being used to measuring rockets in pounds and ounces, the concept of dealing with 10 gram rockets was a bit of a shock. Having no idea if this project could fly on a single MMX motor or need three MMX motors (given it's draggy airframe), or if it could fly at all, I settled on a dual motor mount, the logic being, try one, if it ain't enough go for two.

So here is how I made the motor mount.
I cut two 1/4" LL's to a little over minimum length for the motor and thrust ring, with an overhang of aboot 0.2 inches. Two thrust rings of an arbitrary length were cut from 3/16" LL and a MMX motor was used to seat them to the proper depth. A toothpick was then used to CA them in place from the fore end of the motor tubes. After the CA had set I laid the MM tubes side by side and squared them up with a motor. Thick CA was dropped between the two, to join them.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMglueP1015621.jpg

And yes, you heard me right, I used thrust rings.
Yes Thrust rings!!
After all my preaching unto the evil of thrust rings I end up using them.
:shock:

The Universe will never be the same....

[UPscaler]

Gluing proceeds around the airframe being careful not to crease the rounded portion. As was suggested in another thread, tabs would have made this step much easier. Live and learn.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/gluingforeairframeP1015641.jpg

Do you have any flying animals Micromeister? I wouldn't be surprised. lol.


Cool Idea! I like the flying tanks. Although the size tanks I have in mind probably weigh to much to get off the pad on any motors I'm enabled to fly.

[UPscaler]

Before we go on to the next spellbinding step, I must explain a bit. MicroMax is a new experience for me, and being used to measuring rockets in pounds and ounces, the concept of dealing with 10 gram rockets was a bit of a shock. Having no idea if this project could fly on a single MMX motor or need three MMX motors (given it's draggy airframe), or if it could fly at all, I settled on a dual motor mount, the logic being, try one, if it ain't enough go for two.

So here is how I made the motor mount.
I cut two 1/4" LL's to a little over minimum length for the motor and thrust ring, with an overhang of aboot 0.2 inches. Two thrust rings of an arbitrary length were cut from 3/16" LL and a MMX motor was used to seat them to the proper depth. A toothpick was then used to CA them in place from the fore end of the motor tubes. After the CA had set I laid the MM tubes side by side and squared them up with a motor. Thick CA was dropped between the two, to join them.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMglueP1015621.jpg

And yes, you heard me right, I used thrust rings.
Yes Thrust rings!!
After all my preaching unto the evil of thrust rings I end up using them.
:shock:

The Universe will never be the same....
GOOD LORD:eyepop:

Now what are you going to do when CTI brings out their 6mm G's?

[Pem Tech]

The next obstacle was to mount the motor mount. OK, rings won't work, it is a box. How about card stock bulkheads of some sort?
Well, then it occurred to me, will there be a need for MM support at all?
The back of the airframe has two overlapping flaps, and that should be sufficient to support a few grams once it is CA'ed.

This was all guess work folks, workin' without a net here.....
Once you see the finished airframe you will understand why I gave Rocksim a miss on this one.

The decision was made, cut a slot for the MM in the aft flap and install the MM TTW. But how do I keep the MM square with the airframe?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm..
How about putting a sleeve on the interior side of the MM to mate up with the aft flap.

Luckily I had kept the bits of 1/4" LL cut from the MM tubes. I cut them in half and split the four sleeves down the side.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMsleaveP1015633.jpg

Slip two sleeves over the aft of each MM tube, CA in place and we have a complete MM.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMcompleteP1015635.jpg

[Pem Tech]

GOOD LORD:eyepop:

Now what are you going to do when CTI brings out their 6mm G's?

Yes, I know....
Much shame is heaped upon me head.
:o

[Pem Tech]

On to the mounting!
After a bit of cyphering I came up with something close to center on the aft flap/MM mount.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMmeasureP1015626.jpg

You will notice that the airframe hasn't been glued in this photo. That is because this was the third build and learned my lesson the second time.
But this is the order the original build is in, so for the sake of transparency I present the steps as they happened.

TaDa!
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMcutholeP1015649.jpg


Once the opening is cut, and a relief cut is made in the second flap you drop in the MM to check the fit. See how sloppy this version was? The pics in the contest thread are of the prettier sister.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMfit.jpg
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/PMMfit1015639.jpg

[Pem Tech]

This is what we have up to now.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/airframenoMMP1015643.jpg

A lumpy box with holes in it.

woooooo.....
:rolleyes:

[Pem Tech]

Now we get to the beauty part.
The aft flap/MM is not square to the centerline of the airframe. It is angled.
:confused:

So, how do you mount a botched together MM into this ugly box so that the MM is along the centerline and not square with the flap it is attached to?
Simple, you squirt in a blob of thick CA onto the MM, glue the final flaps together, hold the ugly box upright and try to eyeball the MM straight till the glue sets.

Right?
:D

Here is a beautiful shot of the CA bottles on the bench with a blurred airframe in the foreground while I do just that.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/MMinplaceP1015656.jpg

[Pem Tech]

As I was patting myself on the back for my ingenuity I realized I had forgotten to install the nose ballast.

DOH!!!
:y:

But the first question was, "How much ballast do I need to make sure this madness is stable?"
I have no idea.
On a whim I snagged a few pellets of lead from the pile and threw them on the scale. This is what I got.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/ballastP1015645.jpg

So, here is a blurry shot of one of the sister ships with the 4.5g of ballast CA'd in the nose BEFORE gluing the airframe closed.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/ballastglueP1015648.jpg

Tell ya' what, my skills for photography and building were off that day.

[Pem Tech]

FINS!!!!!!
This is one of the best parts for me. What kind of ridiculous fin shape and arrangement would look most absurd?
The airframe looked vaguely aquatic at that very moment, for some strange reason, and shark fins came to mind. Using a set of french curves I snagged a few months ago I traced out a cool looking pattern.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/fin%20patternP1015660.jpg


The line at the base of the fin is the mounting tab. Fold the tab and glue to the airframe. Learned that one the hard way on the first build.
Here they are all cut out with bent tabs.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/fincutP1015661.jpg

The tabs were aligned so that the outside fin tabs faced inwards and the middle fin tab was cut and folded in both directions.

[Pem Tech]

As it will happen with my stream of consciousness building techniques the fins were not measured against the airframe until after they had been cut out. But it all worked out. The fins were shifted back on the airframe as far as they would go and glued into place.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/fin%20attachP1015666.jpg

And here she is with all six fins in place and the 3/16" LL attached.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/finsP1015667.jpg

[UPscaler]

I love it! That's awesome looking!

and did i see some hobbytown USA brand CA in there? :p

[ScrapDaddy]

I love it! That's awesome looking!

and did i see some hobbytown USA brand CA in there? :p

Not sure, but I know the Pink bottle CyA (odorless) cost him $5.49 And the blue one (Regular thin I believe) cost you $4.99, now Layne, didn't your mom teach you to remove the price tags before you took the picture for the Internet? :D :roll:

Anyway, Great Build! ;)

[Pem Tech]

I love it! That's awesome looking!

and did i see some hobbytown USA brand CA in there? :p

*In my best Wizards voice*

Pay no attention the the CA behind the curtain.

:rolleyes:

[Pem Tech]

Now for the moment of truth.....
Will this untested, unsimmed, ungainly, improvised creature fly?
Here he is on the pad, loaded with two MMX motors. This wasn't the first flight but I liked the picture better.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/onpad_1915.jpg

[Pem Tech]

Lift Off!!!!!!
We have lift off on a single MMX motor and there was no fiery death involved.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/liftoff_1901.jpg

A close-up of him in flight.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/liftoffcloseup_1901.jpg

You may notice that the flight path is a bit of an arc, but it isn't what you would assume it to be. More with the next post.

[Pem Tech]

Here is the second flight on a single motor. I got lucky on this one and caught six frames during the entire flight. Since the rocket is so small any attempt to use the "action" setting on the Nikon fails miserably. To circumvent this problem I set the shutter speed on 1/800th, continuous shooting and allowed the camera to select the f-stop. The result of which is you get more shots of the flight but the camera doesn't refocus between frames to keep the subject sharp.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/second%20flight_1908.jpg

The arc we noted previously wasn't the arch over and go cruise missile behavior one would expect. Instead he flies in a tight corkscrew. At this point I wasn't sure if this was caused by the angle he left the rod, asymmetrical thrust from a single motor, a fin alignment issue or his general flight characteristics or possibly some unknown and horrible result from tampering in Gods domain.

The close up.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/second%20flightcloseup_1908.jpg

Note that you can see the MMX motor still burning.

[Micromeister]

Pem:
If I were building this Odd-Roc there are several things I'd likely approach in a much different way then what you've done so far.

First; I'd use a stuffer tube running through the entire length of the tank body. We have a number of different size tubing for such work. in this case T3 would make everything very easy to work with. Might even have offset it into another sized to what I hope will be the cannon barrel and use it to stuff in the recovery streamer (Likely 1/2" x 10" Teflon tape. Yeap...Micro need a recovery system also. Tumbling Tanks just doesn't sound right now does it? LOL!!!!!

Second: splice the dual motors into a manifold leading to the stuffer. I used a similar system to power an in-line 6 motor cluster 1/170th XB-70 PMC. Photo below.

Lastly; i'd go with clear .010 clear lexan fins just to keep the overall outline of the model clean.

Micro Odd-Rocs are tons of fun, and with just a little gathering of materials can be an easy way to make some outstanding flying machines.

Oh yes...Of coarse of got a bunch of flying critters:D but back to this Great little Tank build. I may have to try to locate this cardstock printout to give one a try myself.


Edit:
Very Nifty Flight pic PEM LOL!!! see these mighty little motors can surprise and delight can't they:)

[Pem Tech]

Continuing the same flight:
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflight_1909.jpg

Note the the tight spiral of the exhaust trail.

The close-up.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflightcloseup_1909.jpg

[Pem Tech]

And up we go...
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflight_1910.jpg

The close-up.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflightcloseup_1910.jpg

Can't really tell, but I believe the motor has burnt out and the delay is burning.

Micro, can you clarify?

[Pem Tech]

And still gaining altitude and still spiraling.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflight_1911.jpg

The close-up.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflightcloseup_1911.jpg

[Pem Tech]

An apogee event.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflight_1912.jpg

The close-up showing he has lost stability or flipped, or the ejection charge has fired and caught him by surprise.
:y:

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflightcloseup_1912.jpg

[Pem Tech]

End of the second flight....
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflight_1913.jpg

And the close-up showing the deployment of our proprietary "Fall from the Sky" recovery system.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/secondflightcloseup_1913.jpg

[Pem Tech]

For the third and fourth flights I used a cluster of two MMX motors. He was quite zippy off the pad but I was lucky enough to get two shots.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/thirdflightdual_1916.jpg

In the close-up you will note the jet from both motors is visible. I quite pleased with both the photos and flight results. He corkscrewed during this flight as well, so asymmetrical thrust doesn't appear to be the culprit.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/thirdflightdualcloseup_1916.jpg

End of the third flight, he has nosed over and our FFTS recovery system has been engaged.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/thirdlaunchdual_1917.jpg

[Pem Tech]

His fourth flight, or second flight with the dual MMX cluster, started off splendidly.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/forthflight_1919.jpg

In the close-up both motors can be seen burning.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/forthflightcloseup_1919.jpg

[Pem Tech]

Then it all went wrong....
He nosed over on about the second corkscrew, leveled out and went all cruise missile on me.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/forthflightcruise_1920.jpg

Actually, he favors horizontal flight, he flew straight and level right through the large tree in the background.

And the obligator close-up.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/forthflightcruisecloseup_1920.jpg

After a bit of searching he was discovered hiding in an animal den of some sort, drinking mint juleps and watching "Dancing with the Stars." He is now home and undergoing therapy.

[Pem Tech]

Pem:
If I were building this Odd-Roc there are several things I'd likely approach in a much different way then what you've done so far.

First; I'd use a stuffer tube running through the entire length of the tank body. We have a number of different size tubing for such work. in this case T3 would make everything very easy to work with. Might even have offset it into another sized to what I hope will be the cannon barrel and use it to stuff in the recovery streamer (Likely 1/2" x 10" Teflon tape. Yeap...Micro need a recovery system also. Tumbling Tanks just doesn't sound right now does it? LOL!!!!!

Second: splice the dual motors into a manifold leading to the stuffer. I used a similar system to power an in-line 6 motor cluster 1/170th XB-70 PMC. Photo below.

Lastly; i'd go with clear .010 clear lexan fins just to keep the overall outline of the model clean.

Micro Odd-Rocs are tons of fun, and with just a little gathering of materials can be an easy way to make some outstanding flying machines.

Oh yes...Of coarse of got a bunch of flying critters:D but back to this Great little Tank build. I may have to try to locate this cardstock printout to give one a try myself.


Edit:
Very Nifty Flight pic PEM LOL!!! see these mighty little motors can surprise and delight can't they:)

Man I love that B-70.......
Shweet job on that.

As far as recovery systems I actually didn't install one. Since it weighed only about 9 grams and was so draggy it tumbles pretty well. Hey, I like the teflon tape idea, the streamers on the two Flis MMX kits I have are a bugger to pack.

Clear fins?
Clear fins??!!
Blasphemy!!!!!
Burn the unbeliever!!!!

Excuse me, was was I saying?
Yes fins.
Since this isn't going to be a tank, and even if it were I still have to have the big swooshy fins. It just has to be.


And yes, you are right about how fast these little motors will accelerate the rockets. ZIP! And it is gone. So I am quite pleased I got any photos.

[Micromeister]

Man I love that B-70.......
Shweet job on that.

As far as recovery systems I actually didn't install one. Since it weighed only about 9 grams and was so draggy it tumbles pretty well. Hey, I like the teflon tape idea, the streamers on the two Flis MMX kits I have are a bugger to pack.

Clear fins?
Clear fins??!!
Blasphemy!!!!!
Burn the unbeliever!!!!

Excuse me, was was I saying?
Yes fins.
Since this isn't going to be a tank, and even if it were I still have to have the big swooshy fins. It just has to be.


And yes, you are right about how fast these little motors will accelerate the rockets. ZIP! And it is gone. So I am quite pleased I got any photos.

Well See! I think you've missed a big opportunity for another "Something that Shouldn't fly" Demo model.
I've gotta go back to see if you posted a link to where you got that great cardstock tin toy layout, If not could you please? The WW-I tank could be really nicely converted and flown as a tank in it's orignial artform layout or enlarged slightly as you mentioned. Cannon and all;)

All model rockets really deserve a recovery system. This is expecially true if we plan on using a model in public demo flights. As I'd surely do with this model.

While 6 to 9 grams may not seem like a thing to worry about, These days we want to show EVERYONE our models are indeed harmless on the way back to earth. To that end I've made it a habbit if their is any way possible to do so I always include a kevlar shockline and minumim Teflon streamer/wadding.

While the swept shark fins are kinda funny. on the tank they would be kind of out of place, They could be reduced to 4 and added as snap-ons or screw on and being clear polycarbonate they wouldn't detract as much from the overall outline;) I've gone round and round with the ant-Doc about this as well. do the clear fins show...of course, but the eye dismisses them from the outline. Hey works with Pigs, and groundhogs LOL!!!

Great little Cardstock model in any event! with or without the art.

[Pem Tech]

Well See! I think you've missed a big opportunity for another "Something that Shouldn't fly" Demo model.
I've gotta go back to see if you posted a link to where you got that great cardstock tin toy layout, If not could you please? The WW-I tank could be really nicely converted and flown as a tank in it's orignial artform layout or enlarged slightly as you mentioned. Cannon and all;)

All model rockets really deserve a recovery system. This is expecially true if we plan on using a model in public demo flights. As I'd surely do with this model.

While 6 to 9 grams may not seem like a thing to worry about, These days we want to show EVERYONE our models are indeed harmless on the way back to earth. To that end I've made it a habbit if their is any way possible to do so I always include a kevlar shockline and minumim Teflon streamer/wadding.

While the swept shark fins are kinda funny. on the tank they would be kind of out of place, They could be reduced to 4 and added as snap-ons or screw on and being clear polycarbonate they wouldn't detract as much from the overall outline;) I've gone round and round with the ant-Doc about this as well. do the clear fins show...of course, but the eye dismisses them from the outline. Hey works with Pigs, and groundhogs LOL!!!

Great little Cardstock model in any event! with or without the art.

Ok, here is the link to the tank model:
http://www.tinpaper.net/

They have all kinds of neat stuff, the Sanger AMERIKA BOMBER will be a hoot to convert.

Man, that pig gives me the creeps.
:D

[Micromeister]

Ok, here is the link to the tank model:
http://www.tinpaper.net/

They have all kinds of neat stuff, the Sanger AMERIKA BOMBER will be a hoot to convert.

Man, that pig gives me the creeps.
:D

:roll: The Creeps...Why?
He's really a Hoot flying on a D12-5... LOL!!!! Pigs Up UP & away!

Thanks for the link, I'll see if I can do the little tank justice.

[Pem Tech]

:roll: The Creeps...Why?
He's really a Hoot flying on a D12-5... LOL!!!! Pigs Up UP & away!

Thanks for the link, I'll see if I can do the little tank justice.

I have faith that you will do a rockin' job on the tank.

And make the pig stop looking at me...
:bangpan:

Man, pigs and clowns, creepy stuff.

[mperdue]

Now you have to do one in Steam Punk style.

[Pem Tech]

Now you have to do one in Steam Punk style.

Yeah, I followed the ACME build thread about that, very cool stuff. Don't know if I could do that caliber of work but Micro could pull it off.
How come you haven't entered the Manned Space Flight contest? I've seen your work and it would be hard to beat.

[Pem Tech]

Time to finish up...
Here is a shot of the airframe in the single coat of primer.
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/primer_1924.jpg

And two coats of Krylon Nickel Shimmer:
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/paint_1928.jpg

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/paint_1929.jpg

[Pem Tech]

Finally the details....
http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedflight/details_1950.jpg

The hatchway, Pem-Tech and overhead portal decals came from a spare 3FNC decal sheet and an old prototype decal sheet for the Space ARk.

The Zappo and stripes down the sides, as well as the white fin highlights were cut from strips of automotive pin striping and forced into submit to my will.

The cockpit was a bit of a dilemma. How to make a windscreen without masking and all that mess. On a hunch, I nabbed a bit of blue painters tape, and cut it to size. The panes were added using strips of black automotive pin striping. The toughest part was getting the blue tape centered and straight.
The whole mess was shot with FIVE coats of clear gloss.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
The first three went matte from shooting it outside in the +90% humidity. The last two I shot the gloss on while standing just outside the door on the deck, and then dashed inside.

[Pem Tech]

War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength
And
Forwards and Backwards

The future of manned spaceflight will be so grand that our ancestors will be freed from the the confines of necessity. They will be free of the limitations of newtonian mechanics and practicality. Future Humans will step forth from this tiny pebble we call home, into the grandness of the Cosmos carried on craft that will be defined only by their imagination. Forget the fragile elegance of deep space craft as we known them today, mere wisps of machines, stripped of every unnecessary gram of mass. The humanity of tomorrow will be able to construct and fly in any craft they can imagine.

What grand creations will spring forth from their minds, unfettered by orbits, fuel consumption, or plain ole' good taste?
The future of manned spaceflight is indeed the past!?
The future will be 50's retro, of course....

Yes, sleek and ridiculously silver monstrosities will be zipping about the universe to the horror of any modern Sci-fi author. The future will not be defined by orbital mechanics but by gleaming metal, rivets, portholes and vast expanses of smartly swept fins.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you...
Commander Cody's Gravity Gig!!

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/MannedSpace1939sized.jpg

Zipping though the vastness with great pep and style.

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedspace_1943cropsized.jpg


Say "By by!"

http://pembertontechnologies.com/images/mannedspace_1954cropsized.jpg


This is the future!
So get used to it.....
:eek:


OK, now for the stats:
Commander Cody's Gravity Gig is just over 6 inches in length, is powered by a cluster of two MMX motors and is constructed entirely of cardstock. Well, the model is anyway. The weight without motors is about 8 grams with 4.5 grams of ballast. Commander Cody's Gravity Gig utilizes "Fall from the Sky" recovery.

[RandyT0001]

These purportedly stolen deckplans of Commander Cody's Gig were posted on the internet a few years ago. Only Layne can verify their authenticity.
:D

[Pem Tech]

These purportedly stolen deckplans of Commander Cody's Gig were posted on the internet a few years ago. Only Layne can verify their authenticity.
:D

We can neither confirm nor deny the authenticity of said deck plans.
But we suspect a leak in our Gnome department. The SS (StinkenShpitzen) Llamas are on the case.
:bangbang:
We will also have to search your basement...
ANd your fridge.
:rolleyes:

[ScrapDaddy]

Don't you need to have at LEAST ONE sucessfull flight to qualify for the spring contest?

SD

[Pem Tech]

These purportedly stolen deckplans of Commander Cody's Gig were posted on the internet a few years ago. Only Layne can verify their authenticity.
:D

OK, so you never fessed up...
Did you draw these up, or were they a layout for some 40's spaceship?

[RandyT0001]

I drew the plans Layne on Campaign Cartographer 2 Pro, CAD software re-developed for role playing games like Traveller, Dungeons and Dragons, etc. using some stock symbols created for sci-fi games.
;)