MicroMaxx Gallery

[blackjack2564]

I just love showing mine off!

The real one.
The micro.

I went with the test round colors, so I could find it. The olive drab is difficult in grass.

[Micromeister]

I'm not sure if I LOVE Showing them Off more then Flying the Little Jewels!

Humm! this could take awhile..... Which one to Show???
I think I'll just start with the oldest in My Micro Maxx fleet and work from there, but first we should at least shown the ORIGINAL LPB's (Little Plastic Bricks) that Quest introduced in 1999 that are responsible for getting the whole Micro Maxx movement started along with the introduction of the MMX-1 (1/8A.2-1) .21Ns and slightly later MMX-II (1/8A.5-1) .31Ns motors.

[Micromeister]

After flying my Very first LPB I knew two things!
These Little Jewels were just about the Neatest thing anyone had come up with in model rocketry so far. and Second; They Surely Needed to be built using "Standard" type materials and methods.

My first Scratch built micros were actually Motor mount conversions from the then recently discontinued 10.5mm motor Scale models. And boy do they still fly incredibly on even the old MMX-1 motors.

[Micromeister]

Moving backwards in model number slightly, my next Micro model Retro fit was a 10.5mm Scale model of the French sounding rocket Dauphin Da-003 and it's launch pad.

[Micromeister]

Then Pushing the Little motors a bit retro fitting a 13mm (BT-5) Nike-Smoke for Micro power. This one still gets decent altitude 30-40feet on the new MMX-II motors.
While the 1/30th model and Scratch launcher work I haven't launched the model from the launcher. Even the tiny handscrews on the launch rail work.

[Micromeister]

Catching up a Scratch built Nike-Asp designed around the MMX motor a 1:36.8715 scale was next on the table.

[Micromeister]

At about the same time I started looking at the prospect of getting this motor included in NAR competitions.

My first scratch model was a down scale of the Edmond Deltie pop-pod BG.
it was in instant success and i've flown it many times since.

[Micromeister]

Well Gee the BG worked so well I wonder if a Micro RG can work I Thought? I've always been absolutely AWFUL with gliders so maybe microing them might help a little???
I have a favorite RG design that changes the geometry by adding an elevator pitch so downscaleing the Mini-Nomad to a Micro Nomad RG was next on my list of attempts.
I'm pleased to say; it not only worked...it works pretty well;)

[Micromeister]

Last on the Glider list are Flex-wings. To be sure a very spiecalized Glide Animal to be sure.
After a bunch of different spar material attempts a final spring material worked out just incredibly fine. So fine I've yet to get a micro Flex-wing glider back. 3" to 6" wing spans have had double timer averaged times to out of sight over 5 minutes. But to claim the record ya have to get one back....I'm still trying:(

[Micromeister]

Of all the competition model types I think my favorite is Helicopter Duration. I'm please to be able to claim the first ever Scratch built micro HD model with a downscaled miminum diameter body 5/8" rotor rotaroc. This first Micro HD is still flying and is used mostly at grade school small field demos with the old style MMX-I motors. I'm also please to say my Micro Wonderwhirl HD design holds the current National record. Have more then doubled its time with it's successor longer rotor freehub brother and Fliskits Tiddlywink several times,though not in an offical contest as well.

[Micromeister]

1/8A PD was next on the investigation list. starting with a very small minimum diameter model stuffed with an 8 inch 1/4mil mylar chute it got some impressive alitiude on the old MMX-I motors and stayed up a good long time (over 90seconds). Later vellium body larger models with much larger chutes proved to work in some flying conditions that got into the very long duration times. Below are a few of the different configs tried. Most are just as much fun flying empty without anything other then feather weight recovery:)

[Micromeister]

Streamer Duration...1/8A SD seemed like a automatic for Micro's. but there is much more to the contest.
starting with the same minimum diameter model then moving to various other body makeups Even single wrap 1/2oz. fibreglass with streamers up to 4" wide man! BTC's can do same wierd stuff LOL!!!!

[Micromeister]

Another funny competition is Superroc for 1/8A its limited to 25cm in overall length.
Here are a couple ways to get there:)

[Micromeister]

Another competition that plays to just about all my interests 1/8A Cluster Altitude.
Back before the NAR rewrote the pink book to include 1/8A motor Class. I thought since 1/4A-CA was a 2 motor cluster they would start going the other way with 3x1/8A CA so my first 1/8A-CA design was a 3motor inline cluster. Fly's really well and recovery great.
But alas the powers that be decided to make the event 2x1/8A-CA... a two motor cluster. I'm told because they were afraid getting two motors this size lit was going to be a problem LOL what a joke!
Anyway a two motor cluster design was a bit harder to work but I did a couple for our clubs building session with a "Qualifier", "Streamerliner", and "Stacked" just for fun.
What we discovered was on minimum diameter micros Tracking powder MUST be placed in some sort of container to prevent it from acting like a plug during boost preventing deployment of both the powder and streamer recovery. Good to know:)

[Micromeister]

Taking a break for Micro competition designing back in November 1999. I wanted to try something super small that would test weither conventional construction along with downscaling procedures would end with a satisfactory flying result. I chose what I thought would be a Good Challange and something that would likely be lost on the first flight.
A Minimum diameter (.281"OD) Orbital Transport with a slightly oversized T2 (.246" OD) orbiter. these are the two smallest available .013 wall spiral wound tubes I could find. Most other dimensions are scaled with the exception of the wing and fin thickness which were done in the closest available Basswood and liteply found.
To my surprise not only did this wee little model build quite nicely it also flys, seperates and glides as well as the full size model. it's now getting pretty old and has the scares and scratches to prove its 20+ flights, but still hits the air every so often......AS long as I have a couple extra pair of eyes to watch the tiny glider:)

[sandman]

I have more but this is all I have a pic of for now until the batteries recharge in my camera.

That's the cover of a plastic shoe box they are sitting on.

[Micromeister]

Next I knew Y2K was coming up and thought it would be Nifty to get the club to set-up some kind of "first flights of the New Century" event but alas they decided against it.
I decided to go for it anyway and started the wheels rolling for a little group to launch what I thought might turn out to be the Very First Model Rocket flown of the new Century.
Getting our exact location in Wasington DC and adjusting for GTM we discovered we would have to do Two launches to be sure we actually were the first Rocket launch of the new Millennium. First at 11:50 our time midnight GTM and then again at 01:01:01 as the ball dropped with the atomic clock at the Naval observtory in DC. All just for the fun of it LOL!!!
I designed the 2000 Led Illuminated Payloader just for the occasion. using a 10.5mm clear payload section and white styrene Pratt NC fitting on a minium diameter .281" Body with clear .030" Polycarbonate fins. custome fabricated a 10mm 12,000mcd orange led battery holder to fit a tiny 10mm lithium coin cell. Test fly it in the daytime with a 3/4" x 12" white teflon streamer.
All worked out just fine with the Motley Range crew including; the Better 2/3rds on video, the Daughter pushing the button, Neighbor Ed Tracker/observer and me on the still camera (sorry the clock doesn't show thru the flash doh, it's clear on the video). We have both launches on video and these stills... if Nothing else it was a very FUN New Years EVE!

[Micromeister]

More in tune with competition...looking for something in the "eggloft" area. we've tried a couple different things.
Jellybeans seemed like a nice size but not very frigile. and Paintballs was another option... button quail eggs was also suggested but difficulty in obtaining contest size quantities "cheaply" was a problem...we're still looking LOL! but both designs fly very well.

[Micromeister]

If it seems like there was a theme here...your correct I wanted to somehow have at least something micro that "could" be flown in every event offered in the Pinkbook. that left me with a couple still outstanding
Payload altitude and Plastic Model Conversion.

My first attempt at PMC in motor motor range was a Lacrosse with Launcher truck. This one took just a little bit of planning but worked out the with a boost from an artifical grass covered board I could get the Truck mounted Launcher .049" x 12" stainless launch rod to within 20° of vertical needed. So here it is.. the Lacrosse model itself is pretty heavy due to nose weight needed but it does fly to about 20feet and recovers with a streamer.

[Micromeister]

next PMC was a 1:40th Aerobee-HI
This model was just for fun and flys reasonably well for a Plastic Brick. it does not stage or use the launcher trailer for flight. It's just a fun build Micro PMC.

[Micromeister]

My Favorite Scale subject is the Boing Bomarc. So I had to have one in micro scale.

[Micromeister]

Down Scaling the Old Ranger cluster for micro maxx motors is fun. At BT-20 (.736") body diameter we can easily get a 4 motor cluster in the business end.

It's actually pretty amazing the amount of smoke and fire ya get from these little guys!

This model is also set up with LED's in the payload section for Night flying with a 3V lithium battery.

[Micromeister]

Edmonds Deltie downscaled so well I wondered if any of his other GREAT Gliders would do as well. One I've used alot in BG compeititons over the years is the Ivee.
My version of the Micro Ivee is pretty small and all balsa. the glider weighs in at 2.8g. with the whole model having a LOWt. of 5.5g. It really gets up there on a MMX-1 motor, a little better then MMX-II's shorter delay.
I've lost 3 or 4 of the gliders but always manage to retrieve the Pod and streamer.
A little tricky sanding the tail feathers but once trimmed these design is really a GREAT glider. Thanks again to Robert Edmonds for the wonderful design:)

[Micromeister]

Another of those Funny events that everyone seems to want to enter is Spot Landing.
Since the required chute need only be 15cm in dia. and the streamer 2.5cm x 30cm these fall right into minimum lines for my PCS Spot lander.
PCS is short for Paul Conner Special after the 70's designer and club friend who designed this little jewel using a PNC-60long Nosecone back in the day.
My downscale incorporates a PNC-20 cone and 1/64 liteply fins on a small piece of BT-20 tube. Then interior motor mount tube and rear ejection ring hold and protect the Chute or streamer wrapped around it's stem until ejected trailing along behind the Nose to it's landing spot. Very Nifty little flying machine:)

[Micromeister]

Getting into the True downscale Classics Centuri's Laser-X was one of my favorites back in the dark age's and I just had to try doing a downscale with all the detail.
As such it's not the best flying downscale in the fleet with a LOWt of 11.7g but does a decent job of getting to 35-40 feet on the MMX-II motors.

[Boosterdude]

I just love showing mine off!

The real one.
The micro.

I went with the test round colors, so I could find it. The olive drab is difficult in grass.

Very cool Jim!

[Micromeister]

Next downscale of another Old favorite flyer..the T4 (.448"dia) Cherokee 1/8A flys as good as it looks. I even use a 4" X-Form chute to recover this micro just to keep with the tradition started with my Old Estes standby:)

[BobH48]

I just love showing mine off!

The real one.
The micro.

I went with the test round colors, so I could find it. The olive drab is difficult in grass.See what you started,

[Micromeister]

See what you started,

LOL Bob!
If he hadn't someone would have....I'm enjoying it:)

Next on the Downscale list Ramjet.

[rstaff3]

It's kinda embarrassing to follow all these great models, but what the hey...

[kruland]

It's kinda embarrassing to follow all these great models, but what the hey...

Not embarrasing at all! Tell me more about the X-15, V-2, Titan, Blimp(?)..

[blackjack2564]

See what you started,

I knew that would keep John busy for awhile! LOL

A few a my "little gems"

My Competitor 4 downscale scratch build with the Tiny Triskileon Fliskits[ didn't realize it till I saw the pic.... it's on the deed to my house! LOL]

Diminutive Deuce. Fliskits

HemV-4 . Fliskits

[blackjack2564]

Petite Praetor


Dead Ringer

Both Fliskits.

[blackjack2564]

Down scale Mongoose minimum diameter.

This one screams off the pad! Scratch build.

[Stymye]

my brick collection....it's a start.

I just ordered 3 micro models from FlisKits

[Micromeister]

Yeap....this'll keep me busy for weeks LOL!!!
KEWL micor Mongoose Blackjack is that truely Minimum diameter (T2+ tubing). or T3 (.375")?

Next in my fleet Another Micro Downscale of an Old Darkages favorite the Centuri "Point" Cardstock aeroshould chute recovery model.
Down-scaling this one was just plain fun LOL! went with 67lb cardstock for the aeroshroud wrap and internal skirt parts. a little white glue and a very short piece of T2+ motor mount tubing and slip-on motor retainer ring. flys pretty well and recovers just like it's larger original size model.
A fun build.

[Micromeister]

The next two downscales are also Old time favorites The Goblin and Der Red Max.
while cutting parts and happily building away I completely forgot that Der Red Max was a 3 fin model. building both with four fins. HUMM! I thought went I realized my mistake. will that'll give me two more surfaces for micro funny decals so I didn't change it on the origninal Red and Black paint scheme version. Both flew just fine with four 1/16" basswood fins. In T4 (.448") body diameter size.

[Micromeister]

A couple years later Fred and I decided to build working Launchers for our Camo painted DRM varients from the b&w photo on the back of the original kit's instruction sheets with the intention of both of us flying them at Naram-46 Which we did.
My Micro models were both 3fin versions one in Summer Camouflage the other in winter Camo colors. Either to be able to fly from the Scaled Diorama launcher/display stand.
Both models and launcher remain in use as are great attention getters at our sport launchers. Always fun flying from this diorama.

[blackjack2564]

KEWL micor Mongoose Blackjack is that truely Minimum diameter (T2+ tubing). or T3 (.375")?



Yep er ree! It's T-2 & a motor block. I remembered THIS time. Gone in 60 nano seconds. I've been real lucky so far. Bright orange & a sod farm with well trimmed golf course grass [bent for the greens], have made it FAIRLY easy to find. This is THE place for flyng micro's.

Well it was, probably jinxed it by that statement.

Winter is here, got a whole box of Flis stuff to build!

[Micromeister]

Yep er ree! It's T-2 & a motor block. I remembered THIS time. Gone in 60 nano seconds. I've been real lucky so far. Bright orange & a sod farm with well trimmed golf course grass [bent for the greens], have made it FAIRLY easy to find. This is THE place for flyng micro's.

Well it was, probably jinxed it by that statement.

Winter is here, got a whole box of Flis stuff to build!



Well I hope you didn't Jinx it's next flight! a very Slippery looking micro model:)


Back to Fleet Photos. Next downscale was another classic favorite and Laser-X Rival estes Mars snooper. Still being pretty early in the downscaling this one truned out to be a bit of a Piggy tipping the scales at 15.1g giving a liftoff mass of 16.2g even the MMX-II's have a hard time getting her much over 25fee. but what did I expect with 7 nosecones and a basswood transition? No it's not pink...it's some off brand "True Red" spary enamel I had the better 2/3rds pick up at micheals while she was there. it's an interesting color that just doesn't photograph well. If I do another it'll be downsized another body tube size to lighten the load a bit. I'd also go with all balsa nosecones and lighter 67llb cardstock for the base transition parts.

[Micromeister]

A much better flying Downscale was the Minimum dia. T2+ Micor Nova Payloader. which SCREAMS off the pad on either MMX-I or MMX-II motors.
while the payload sections is a bit on the heavy size it was just long enough to accept one of those 1" fishing cylume sticks after drilling a recess hole in both the basswood Nosecone and Shoulder. It is one of my Nite Flying Micro fleet.

[Micromeister]

Another Old timer downscale, Night flying, payloader is the 10.5mm X-Ray. this one's payload bay designed again with a recess in NC & Shoulder/transition to center a 1" fishing Cylume for night flights. It's also on the rack in the previous posts night flying rack photo.

[Micromeister]

Looking to do everything in Micro Rocketry was are doing with standard size model rockets my first attempts at staging were with two all time favorites the Warp-II and Hercules 2 stage.

Built together I did finish the Warp-II first so it gets top billing. It's full size brother was one of my very frist Night flight conversions so I thought it fitting to attempt to build the Micro Warp-II with that same feature in mind.
To this end I chose to make the Payload section 10.5mm using a PRATT Hobbies vacuum formed Super light weight styrene nosecone without the shoulder and a short length of .444" OD, .40" ID clear Polyethylene mailing tube. while these to materials don't match up perfectly they were close enough to make the project work well. I designed an LED battery system to fit this combination with a 10mm 12000 mcd led and tiny 10mm 3V lithium battery holder that just slips into the payload section lighting the NC a bright orange. Turned Basswood transition to the minimum diameter T2+ main body which had to be extended an inch or so to have room for the required recovery system.

Micro Hercules on the other hand had a Straight T2+ body/payload configuration using a slightly larger then T2+ clear Polyethylene payload tube.
I did use Basswood on the fins for both models and this has proven over time to be a good choice helping to keep the Hurcules fins from warping as it's full size brothers have over time.

Both models were tape together motor configs which proved over test flights to NOT be the most reliable method. through experiments with several configruations with and without ejection it was determined leaving the motors untaped increased the upper stage ignition reliablilty considerably. When these two models are replaced they will be slightly Upscaled to either T2++ or T3 main body tubing to allow Gap Stage Venting back thru the centering rings and perhaps a slight side vent holds at the stage joint.
Both are really fun flying models single or two staged.

[Micromeister]

One of those Gotta have it kts back in the Day was the Skydart. it was just a majestic flying machine.
In the 80's I wanted to clone it and did, Painted it silver and have flown it pretty much to death.... I REALLY wanted to do a micro version.

Again we're talking 11 years ago when this project was undertaken... I decided we'ed try it in 10.5mm to give room for the T2+ internal pop-pod to house a wrapped drycleaner bag chute. I also decided to try to use .063" styrene for the wing & tail to reduce the amount of finishing needed...OH man this was a HUGE mistake. When all was said and built the model tipped the scales at a Wopping 20.6g add the motor and we were at 21.7g.
Needless to say the model just barely made it off the end of a 12" launch rod:( DEEEEE-RATTS!
Wasn't until 2006 when the OOP motors program came into being that I got a chance to actually fly this model successfully. Adding a 10.5mm Booster for some of my old Apogee 10.5mm A2-0 motors it finally flew, and glided just like it was intended.
During this process I also tried again building another this time using foamcore as the wing/tail but alas at 10.5mm it's just too darn heavy. this one was mated to a 13mm booster with some old A3-0T and A10-0T boosters for some really interesting flights.
I haven't completely given up I have an All Cardstock model in T3 designed just haven't gotten to build it to see if it'll boost by itself or maybe I'll design a 2 or 3 motor booster for the MMX-II-NE's.

[Micromeister]

This one is for the Better 2/3rds: She's a beach fan and Assateague/Chincoteague is were we generally spend our vacations. Nothing better then spending an evening sitting out on the screened porch, eating crabs, and watching the Lighthouse revolve LOL!
Mostly Cardstock this model has a T4 core and .030" clear Polycarbonate fins. A custom made 10mm 3v battery holder and 5mm 2000mcd yellow LED light. recovers on a 5" vinyl chute. Flys pretty well on a single MMX-II motor in little or no wind. anything over about 10mph will turn it just before ejection as can be seen in the night launch photo.

[Micromeister]

Winter/Christmas theme Odd-roc that is always a pleasure to prep and fly is Frosty.
flys nice and recovers easy for those frozen fingers during winter launches.
it's just a fun little rocket.

[rstaff3]

Not embarrasing at all! Tell me more about the X-15, V-2, Titan, Blimp(?)..
Thanks.

The V2 and Titan are very quasi-scale renditions. The Titan is loosely the IIIC-MOL variety and is described described here (http://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/all/scratch_micro_titan_iii_mol.shtml). The V2 uses 10.5mm tubing. The cone is an Apogee resin cone and is not nearly scale

The X-15 is a 1/300 Heller PMC and is described in this post (http://rocketdungeon.blogspot.com/2011/01/mega-review-of-micro-projects-six.html).

The R-100 Blimp is a Currell paper model didn't work out so well. I documented it here (http://rocketdungeon.blogspot.com/2011/01/mega-review-scale-paper.html) for my personal historic reference. This would make a decent 13mm conversion. I re-converted mine but it ended up with more lawn dart recovery than tumble.

[Micromeister]

Thanks.

The V2 and Titan are very quasi-scale renditions. The Titan is loosely the IIIC-MOL variety and is described described here (http://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/all/scratch_micro_titan_iii_mol.shtml). The V2 uses 10.5mm tubing. The cone is an Apogee resin cone and is not nearly scale

The X-15 is a 1/300 Heller PMC and is described in this post (http://rocketdungeon.blogspot.com/2011/01/mega-review-of-micro-projects-six.html).

The R-100 Blimp is a Currell paper model didn't work out so well. I documented it here (http://rocketdungeon.blogspot.com/2011/01/mega-review-scale-paper.html) for my personal historic reference. This would make a decent 13mm conversion. I re-converted mine but it ended up with more lawn dart recovery than tumble.

Ah Dick: Don't you mean 1/130th Heller PMC:) Where'd ya get 1/300? I'm afraid 1/300 would be just a bit tight for our MMX motors LOL!!!

Matter of fact I recently added the one page plan for this PMC to the files section over on the MicroMaxRockets yahoo group

[Micromeister]

Back to the build order:
This model is one of the heaviest downscales I've actually gotten to fly fairly well on a single MMX-II motor. with a LOWt of 18.2g she only gets about 20 feet of altitude but it's a very slow and impressive.. almost majestic raise to ejection for this kewl designed model.
Hand turning, carving, shaping and hollowing out the Crew Quarters Nosecone was by far the most time consuming part of this build.
I like to show it along with the full size D12 powered model.

[Micromeister]

Always a favorite flying model the interceptor HAD to be on the early downscale list.
I think it took longer to decide how to do the tail antenna than most of the other features. At Minumum diameter T2+ the Tailcone detail had to be omitted when flying but was added to a spent motor casing for display time.
adding the Display booster was actually an afterthought siezed on when I looked up my Old instructions sheet while researching the decal details.

Anyone who as built an interceptor of any size knows the time involved decaling. This micro version was no exception taking 3 full nights of work to apply.
It's micro size has nothing on it's GREAT flight performance on the OLD MMX-I motors, it's out of sight in a heart beat only to be re-aquired on the way down under a 1/2" x 9" white teflon plumbers tape streamer/wadding.

So far this model has logged more flights then just about any other model in my micor fleet (28 currently) in that time it's spent the night a couple times in high trees and been lost for a weekend in high grass. through it all it still looks pretty good on display and Always gets a lot of attention on the table.
Because of it's 3.85g size (5gram LOWt) I've yet to catch anything other then a blur launch photo even with my 35MM camera.

[Micromeister]

another T2+ minimum dia. body downscale was the Starship VEGA. with .020" Styrene fins and Basswood Nose it wasn't all that difficult to build and fly's great.
Like the interceptor it's just too quick off the pad for flight shots. but comes back well with a 1/2" white teflon plumbers tape streamer.

[gagreen]

Here is my hojo micro test round paint. This is a little different version than blackjacks one of my favorite micros.

[sandman]

I have enough parts to kit some more of these.

All use body wraps...no painting!;)

[gagreen]

I have enough parts to kit some more of these.

All use body wraps...no painting!;)


i love the painting, but those wraps look good

[Micromeister]

Here is my hojo micro test round paint. This is a little different version than blackjacks one of my favorite micros.

Very Nice!
I'm in the process of building a hojo currently which will be painted using that very same photograph LOL! Good looking model, Very Nicely done!

[Micromeister]

I have enough parts to kit some more of these.

All use body wraps...no painting!;)

Sandman:
While I've been pleased with the way the wrapped micro's I've built have come out, I must echo gagreens comment.
I'm feel more inclined to continue painting & finishing as part of building micros as well, They just seem to last longer then wrapped models even if the wraps are overcoated with clear or matte clear.

[Micromeister]

Well lets see where'd I stop....Starship Vega.

Next up was what I do with HOJO nosecones LOL! A micro Deep Space Transport. at T2+ it was to small to make it a 3 motor cluster.. i've been considering Uping the Core to T-3 and adding T2+ boosters to the next version:) As it is in Miminim diameter it like the interceptor and Vega are out-a-sight before you can snap your neck:)

[Micromeister]

Combining fun building types. I wanted to add a couple Micor's to my Recycled trash fly'in Food container Odd-Roc collection. To this end I started looking around for very small containers to try a couple "Micro Bottle Rockets".
A Single motor contraption was fashioned using a strawberry extract flavoring bottle. added a little Pink paint inside to give the bottle a full look and a couple folded .020" clear Polycarbonate fins, Internal T2+ motor tube and T2 shoulder epoxed under the cap after removing the threads. Heavy at 17g but still flys OK. recovers with a 1/2" red teflon 10" streamer.

Located a small but still way to Heavy Scope bottle I thought would be a fun Bottle rocket. I decided this one would be a 2 motor cluster. Which worked out well with a BT-5 core tube covered in mirror finished monocote it recovers with a small 6" mylar chute. Dual MMX-II's get it about 60feet for lots of laughs.

[gagreen]

here is my kit bash of a fliskits interloper and the leftover bt from the hojo. pics are kinda cruddy cant find my camera's usb cable

[Micromeister]

One nearly Perfect Plastic Model "series" Kit is the AMT 1/200 scale - Man I Space Collection Kit #30037.
While out of production currently: it's still around in local hobby shops. If you run across one Snatch it Up because EVERY Pieces in this 5 rocket set IS Flight convertable. Of the 5 models you'll actually get 7 vehicles that can be converted for flight. 5 ON MMX motors. They include the Mercury-Redstone, Mercury-Atlas, 2 motor clustered Gemini-Titan and two tiny Lunar Modules (LEM's) from the Saturn-1B and Saturn V. Once loaded, adding a bit of nose weight all these conversion have flown well. even the tiny Merc-Redstone with it's very small fins fly fine with a bit of tail wiggle just before ejection;) the Gemini-Titan was originally set up to fly in 10.5mm A2 motors but has been converted to squeeze in a pair of micros. this does take a bit of surgery to the inside plastic and stuffer tube.

I think the most unusual is of coarse the tiny LEM's flying without fins as such instead using a Drag Disc set under the landing legs making it Sort of a Semi-Spool model.

[Micromeister]

A little more in depth on the Heller 130th scale X-15 PMC.
This model was almost designed to be converted to micromaxx flight. requiring only a small portion of the forward wing be removed and a little work with a razor saw just behind the cockpit to seperate a Nose sections for recovery.

I chose to add the air probe rather then use the rounded nose. the kit panel lines need a bit of added work but for such a small model the detail is good and outline is very close to "ON Scale". Good enough to take 4th place at NARAM-46 anyway:) I fly this PMC more for FUN as it's a very good flying model. If your looking for a first attempt at a MICRO PMC I strongly suggest this kit.

[Micromeister]

White Sands Test round V2-#2 was my next real Scale model in micro size.
the Bt-5 based model at 1:119.4852 Scale turned out to be a very nice flying model as well.
Generally as we get beyond 10.5mm (T4 or .448") diameter the models tend to become slugish and low flying. Not so with the V2. by hollowing out most of the Basswood Nosecone and Tailcones we can get the mass dow pretty well use of Basswood for the fins also helps hold down unnessary weight while allowing good scribe line and detailing opportunity. Painting is as usually with this type of roll pattern a bit more demanding but with good use of Parafilm-M and 3m Fineline tape very will brunished down then sealed with a coat of Clear matte spary, good crisp division lines can be had. Silver tip and main fuselage seams can be added without to much trouble.
with so little room in the body I went with a dual 3/4" x 12" streamers to bring the model back. Ewt: of 5.4g gives a LOWt of 6.5g for very nice 75-90foot flights. Being so quick off the pad has made most attempts to catch flight pics just a blur or smoke trail so I'm sorry to say I don't have a decent liftoff shot.

[Micromeister]

For the 2003 Centennial of Flight celebration our club (Narhams) partnered with the AIAA to build, display and fly a 14 model exhibit highlighting the manned spaceflight vehicles from Goddards first Liquid fueled rocket to the Space Shuttle. We decided to do the display in 1-72 Scale. to take advantage of several Scale kits avaible at the time. the remaining 12 were scratch built models or Plastic model coversions. So it was that the Bell X-1 turned out to be a PMC powered by Micro Maxx-II motor. after extensive plastic removal inside the model the final mass was still an extreme 18.65g but that was enougth to get a flight and 6" chute recovery without breaking anything... we won't discuss the altitude. which was somewere between 8 and 9 feet LOL!!! does make an interesting conversion, IF I were to do it again i'd open the rear a good bit more using a cluster of at least 2 MMX-II motors.

[Micromeister]

another of the winter theme odd-Rocs is the Icicle.
I ran across these plastic christmas light replacement parts at a dollar store and though one might make an interesting micro-powered Odd-Roc.
Adding .020" clear lexan fins and a mirrored mylar covered motor tube the model does give a good representation of a flying icicle.
Recoverys with either a 3/4" x 12" white teflon streamer or a 6" silver mylar chute it gets decent air on mmx-II motors. and has flown just about every december.

[Rocketman248]

I am seriously impressed with the skills in this thread! I'm gonna have to get a few MMX kits to try my hand at something like that. Funny that building a 12 foot tall rocket is less daunting to me than building a 4 inch rocket. :o

[Micromeister]

I am seriously impressed with the skills in this thread! I'm gonna have to get a few MMX kits to try my hand at something like that. Funny that building a 12 foot tall rocket is less daunting to me than building a 4 inch rocket. :o

Come on in the building is fun and fine! One of my favorite expressions is 70feet, 700feet or 7000feet... makes little differerence...outa sight is Outa Sight! LOL!!!

Lets see where did we leave off. Ok I remember Model 256.

Well 257 is not an original design but one of the very few early KITS that were available early on. Doug Pratt of Pratt Hobbies offered this 10.5mm (T4) version of the D-Region Tomahawk for awhile back in 2001-03.
One of the kit's interesting components was Doug worked out a body wrap on some sort of lable material that made the model almost "no finish". if you used red and black magic marker on the fins there was no Painting involved at all.
Another of the parts that made this .448" diameter model fly so darn well was the vacuum formed .020" white styrene 2 piece nose cones that he still offers to this day that weigh next to nothing.
I'm not sure if Pratt Hobbies still offers this kit on-line but I'd be willing to bet if you e-mail and ask about it he'd be more than happy to put a kit together for you.
It's a great flyer on mmx-II motors.

[Micromeister]

I have to give it to Art Applewhite for this one! This has got to be one of the most interesting, Attention getting, Kid awing micro models ever designed.

I've made a couple small changes to the original motor kicking lawn darting design, but the fact is no matter which way it's built. if your walking around with one of these little Odd-Rocs clipped to your pocket someone is Going to ask you "Hey! whats that on your pocket".

NO Way! is always the reply when I say "it's a Bic Pen Rocket".

OH yes! The Lowly Bic Stick barrel seems as though it was manufactured to be converted into a model Rocket flying on MMX-I or MMX-II motors. They are such a good fit a piece of a spent engine casing can be used as a motor block/shockcord mount. by adding 30" of 50-70lb kevlar and an overhand knot in the forward end the Pen can be converted into an easily recoveryable nose blow or break-apart model. by adding a little 1/2" x 9" piece of talc baby powdered white plumbers teflon tape we now have a Streamer recovery model and because the teflon is flameproof it also acts as our wadding.
The only metal part of a bic Stick is the ink ball and holding socket. this is very easily removed with a slight twist and pull of a pair of pliers. removeing the ink tube don't throw it away until you snip off the last couple inches of inkless clear tubing that can then be used as Launch lugs.

A bit of sanding to the colored portion of the two piece nose creates and instant nosecone. By pushing a round toothpick into the smaller brown nose pices trapping the knot in the kevlar shockline the two piece NC is attached to body.

Art's Cardstock folded fin can can be printed on plain computer paper or cardstock then cut out and glued to the barrel. it's super fun for kids as small as 6 or 7 years with just a little help from an adult making and installing the motor mount/shockline.

And do these little babies fly! outa sight with a neck snapping zip. I try to keep a half dozen for so in my range model box to give out at launches. they are generally very well recieved:)

So much fun from so little! Thanks so Much ART! What A design!!!!

[Micromeister]

Another of the Art Applewhite early designs was a 3" Cardstock printed Flying Saucer.
Gets about twice the altitude of the original 3" Quest RTF "LPB" flying Saucer on the same motor. Still we're only talking about maybe 25feet LOL!!!
but a Fun build from a flat piece of cardstock.

[Micromeister]

What to do with a 1" styrofoam ball?
add a piece of T2+ tubing and 4 .030" styrene antenna and you have a pretty decent flying model of the first artificial satellite.
This is a motor casing ejecting model feather weight recovery that gets some serious altitiude in a big hurry. I lost the first one I made that was unpainted it jumped off the pad and disappeared I heard the pop but never saw anything come down. We were on a very short mowed grass field but an extended search turned up nothing... The silver one is just a tad heavier and sparkles in the sunlight better then the unpainted version making it a little easier to spot on the way down.
Sorry no launch photos of this one, it's just to quick for my digital camera.

[Micromeister]

Over the years i've built several size Gyrocs. From the original to a 3X upscale.. but never had much luck with the things.
Seems no matter how lightly I built or got the fin tabs to work the helicopter recovery always landed with the Nose Stuck in the ground at least an 1" or so.
Not to bad in soft grass fields but hard packed summer fields did in most after just a couple flights.

Sometime mid 80's someone suggested perhaps adding a 3rd fin "might" help lower the recovery speed. A couple tries later mine still don't recovery all that softly but at least doesn't crimp the tube so badly.
thought I'd try a Micro version to see if that would be soft enough to bring the Gyroc down without sticking staight up in the grass or ground.
NOPE! even this TINY 4.2gram T2+ size model comes in pretty fast and sticks stright up in the grass or ground. Spins really well but I guess it's something I'm doing? A fun flyer anyway.

[Micromeister]

Just a scratch built fun flying scale model is the Ammraam 120a. T3 tube body made scribing in the sections easy. and allowed a fincan tail section with tailcone was possible in basswood. At this size the model's 8.4gram mass give quick but watchable flights to 90 feet or so. Recovers on a 3/4" x 18" heavy orange teflon tape streamers.

[Micromeister]

another very Nice A.S.P. (aerospace specialty products) micro scale kits is the Jayhawk AQM-37a. with a little work this semi-scale kit can be worked into a fairly decent 42.7 scale model. Only 3.5" long it can be a struggle to follow during flight. Adding a 1/2" x 9" white teflon tape streamer I believe is the only reason I still have mine:) It's really quick off the pad!
Sorry for the fuzzy photos, it's sometimes hard to get the camera to focus on the subject LOL!!!!

.

[Micromeister]

Theme Odd-Rocs is a nice past-time. Looking for things that'll work in micro size creates a bit more of a challange but keeping our eyes open sometimes we luck into some fun and funny offerings.
This model I call the Pumpin Stack started life as a halloween party straw. A little extra T2+ tubing, some 1/32" basswood Batwing fins and it's an Odd-Roc!
Flys Well and recovers with a 1/2" x 12" white teflon plumbers tape streamer/wadding.

[Micromeister]

Never sure in what category to stick Monocopters? Odd-Roc, Helicopter recovery or just plain very Nifty Demo offset thrust lift vehicle?

I set one up with our club logo & colors for use every chance I get at model rocket demonstrations just for the wow factor. Seems 6 to 60 everyone Loves to see something Womp,womp,womp into the air. then auto-gyro back gently to the ground.

There are all kinds of assemble methods and materials. These particular Art Applewhite creations are all light cardstock or almost all cardstock if you add a balance arm of .030" carbon fibre rod as I have for just a little extra altitiude flights.
Super KEWL Spin UP and Auto-Gyro down LOL!

[Micromeister]

Christmas comes but once a year... It's a happy Joyous season with Icons that are just Way to KEWL to be passed up in creating micro Odd-Rocs.

Two Holiday/Christmas Theme Odd-Rocs I just had to add to my collection are a 5-1/4" Christmas Tree and a lit candle with holder. both use a combination of Cardstock and traditional materials with Clear .030" polycarbonate fin/feet and open bottom ring fin bases. our Christmas tree is made up of 7 layers of double light cardstock nesting cones around a T2+ Trunk while the Candle incorporates a 1" sytrofoam ball, T2+ body with a 22lb Polyfoam carved flame nosecone/shoulder. As with most of my micros recovery is on 1/2" x 12" yellow military grade colored teflon plumbers tape Streamer/wadding with 36" x 70lb Kevlar shocklines. Both fly pretty well on MMX-II motors.

[jflis]

One of my favorite expressions is 70feet, 700feet or 7000feet... makes little differerence...outa sight is Outa Sight! LOL!!!



On a related note, one of my favorite expressions is "my $6 micro rocket and your $600 HPR bird look identical... ...when out of sight..." :D

[Micromeister]

On a related note, one of my favorite expressions is "my $6 micro rocket and your $600 HPR bird look identical... ...when out of sight..." :D

:roll:
Oh Jim....That's just mean LOL!!!!!

[Micromeister]

T4 Alien Space Probe was the next kit downscale using 1/16" skewer sticks for the landing gear.
Decided to use School bus yellow just to make it a bit different. Very Zippy off the pad even at T4, I haven't been able to catch it with my digital camera yet but we'll keep trying it's a fun flyer for sure. 1/2" x 18" yellow teflon tape Streamer/wadding keeps it coming back for more:)

[Micromeister]

When converting a Revell 1:144th Saturn-V for fun flights on a cluster of D12's I notices the included little model of the LEM might be a tab easier to convert the the smaller 1:200 LEMs converted earlier.
Sure enough with little trouble at all this one takes a T2+ and a bit larger clear .030" polycarbonate drag disc. gives a bit more room for the recovery streamer and I was able to use the plastic Top hatch that came with the kit.
at 7.5g it doesn't get quite as high as the smaller LEM's but can be lost if not followed closely.

[Micromeister]

Mr Gassaway made the original Tri-Fo a fun flying model. Downscaling it to T2+ motor mount size changed the fun very little! As a matter of fact I've gone a step further then the model shown in the photo that is 1/32" basswood. Printing the pattens on 110lb cardstock it's possible to build this model entirely out of cardstock to get another 5 or so feet out of the 30-35foot flights. either way it's a Tri-ny F-O saucer of fun....

[Micromeister]

Our club held a Skywriting theme Fun launch in 2003. Lots of people bought and built Estes skywriting pencil. I wanted to do the same but rather the Downscale the Estes model I decided I'd do a FULL Size #2 pencil Scale Odd-Roc.... OK JAL3 where does this one belong... LOL!!!!!
It's a standard T2+ body tube with a solid balsa nosecone and metallic mylar simulated eraser retaining band. Eraser area paint was mixed to simulate the color of one I had at my desk in the rocket building dungon. Fins are clear .030" polycarbonate CA abd epoxy attached. recovers with a 1/2" x 12" white teflon wadding/streamer. No launch lugs were added so this one has to be piston or tower launched. Flys like a dream and floats back almost flys back-glidings.

[Micromeister]

Staying with the Skywriting theme next on my list was to micronize a full size Crayon. As it turned out I couldn't stop a just one I had to do a basic box of 8 with a box and later a box launcher.
Crayon are like the Bic Stick sort of "made" to be Micro-Maxxed being almost perfectly sized for the motor T2+ tubing.
Over all .281" diameter x 3.625" long with 4-.020" clear polycarbonate fins in 3 primary & secondary colors plus black & white. They alway make a great impression at demos and displays. I think making up the crayon lables & box Art Printing was as much fun as making the 8 models. I tried to match the 1/2" x 9" teflon streamers with the model color as much as possible just for fun.
Sorry no pics of the box launcher because I burned out the box bottom on the second launch and haven't rebuilt the thing...It's one of those sitting on the bench projects LOL! But the storage/display box and models are all still in pretty good shape. These was really a super fun Project!

[JAL3]

Staying with the Skywriting theme next on my list was to micronize a full size Crayon. As it turned out I couldn't stop a just one I had to do a basic box of 8 with a box and later a box launcher.
Crayon are like the Bic Stick sort of "made" to be Micro-Maxxed being almost perfectly sized for the motor T2+ tubing.
Over all .281" diameter x 3.625" long with 4-.020" clear polycarbonate fins in 3 primary & secondary colors plus black & white. They alway make a great impression at demos and displays. I think making up the crayon lables & box Art Printing was as much fun as making the 8 models. I tried to match the 1/2" x 9" teflon streamers with the model color as much as possible just for fun.
Sorry no pics of the box launcher because I burned out the box bottom on the second launch and haven't rebuilt the thing...It's one of those sitting on the bench projects LOL! But the storage/display box and models are all still in pretty good shape. These was really a super fun Project!


I'd like to copy this one to the crayon thread.

[kruland]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm really enjoying the John McCoy show! I hope it never ends.

[Micromeister]

I'd like to copy this one to the crayon thread.

JAL3:
Sure if you want to but I'm pretty sure the Crayon box was already shown in the crayon thread?

Kurland:
We Want to see EVERYONE's Micros... I'm just trying to keep the thread alive awhile LOL.
COME ON folks!!! I know there are lots of Micro Maxer's out there...Lets see them Micros!

What's next? Ah yes another Golden Moldie Oldie downscale, the Centuri ESS Raven:

A good friend of mine mentioned The ESS Raven was one of his favorite models from his youth. It's a very nifty design so I decided to build a couple in T3 scale. with all the cardstock parts on the full size model downscaled to light cardstock and paper. Both turned out great after paint and decals tipping the scales a 9.0grams they fly just fine on MMX-II motor. Mine recoverys on a 5" 1/4mil mylar chute just for fun.

[Micromeister]

Micro Bertha:
Back in the 70's when Estes introduced the 13mm Mini motors one of the Mini-models designed for the was the Mini-Bertha.
I thought it might be fun to downscale the older version BT-60 Bertha's wit it's own decal. After much debate about color scheme I chose one of the earlier Yellow/Black and white schemes. by using .032" basswood fins and nosecone I kept the mass down to 7.3g which helps this sort of fat .448" diameter model still be a head snapper off the pad. recovers on a 3/4" x 12" Teflon tape wadding/streamer.

[Micromeister]

As Burt Rutan as making history with SSO: I couldn't help but wonder if it would be possible to create a micro-maxx flying version of this historic little Rocketship.
Building from the Test flight photos and info obtained on their website I drew up this plan and built my BT-5 1:109.055 scale version of the vehicle. this one was a BEAR to get to fly correctly ended up at 10.8g most of which is nose weight LOL!!! Every time I bring it out to fly people can't believe something that heavy is litterally out of sight almost at ignition. We usually only get to "see" the model as it's fluttering down below at 1/2" x 10" Yellow Teflon wadding/streamer.

[Micromeister]

Can't speak for others but I tend to build several models of a given type in batches. I think that's one of the Great things about the Hobby of Model Rocketry...There are so many different types of models we can build.
So it is with Scale vehicle projects. I get into "Scale mode" usually once or twice a year...that is the time I can concentrate on the tiny detailing involved. In 2004 this started with The AGM-12b Bullpup. having one of the Estes semi-scale versions in the standard fleet, I decided to do a little research on the missile and found there was very little detailed info available. At the time there were very few accurate drawing or detailed plans but did find a single family photograph and dimensional info in an old military history book. From there I discovered a bunch of neat little facts about the missile it's makeup and function. for instance did you know the aft end of the Bullpup is NOT a cone at all rather two intersecting tapered clamshells housing the motor nozzle. Another rather cool detail is that the rear fins each have a 1/2" (full size) Spin tab bend into the fin plate. Taking as many of the finer details as I felt I could pull off I designed and built this T4 (.448") 1: 26.91 Scale model. The forward fins are still a tad off, I just couldn't get the V-cross section sanded in these tiny pieces, but it's still I think, a fairly nice model.

[Micromeister]

Around the same time I was trying to fine a good way to test which micro body diameter would give a decent mix of good flight performance and maximum detailing opportunity for Scale subjects.
Obviously the larger the model the easier it is to detail. but conversely the larger the model the poorer the performance on our little MMX motors.
the Nike Smoke provided a good subject in that while not really loaded with detail it's Nosecone transtion to nike booster motor and folded plate alum fincan construction allowed some Micro detailing challanges. I decided to try minimum motor diameter T2+ (.281"), T3 (.375") and T4 (.448") the fly, recovery a few time to see which held up best, flew well and gave the best trade-off between detail and flight performance. Long story short T3 (.375") body models won hands down. Still giving out-of-sight flights on MMX-II motors with good recovery possiblilty and great detailing options.
Here are all three what do you think?

[Micromeister]

Another T4 based Nike boosted sounding rocket was the very nifty looking Nike-Apache. This one is built to 1:36.8715 scale same as the Nike-Tomahawk and Nike-Asp built earlier in my scale collection.
This one while was build just because it was a KEWL looking sounding rocket. while one of my better scale efforts it's only flown at sport launches or been shown in static displays. the 7 color paint job was truely a bear but I really like the looks of this rocket.

[Micromeister]

Another fun flying Scale model is the Atlantic Reasearch small sounding rocket Arcas.
This Rockets Tapered tail cone and nozzle ring lip made for a turning challange I just wanted to render correctly. It's display Color scheme was also fun. as was sanding the fins to proper taper and shape.
For such a large Micro it still flys quite well.

[Micromeister]

last Scale of this batch build was the Asp: I wanted to include this model as part of the Early sounding rocket history builds. it was also fun trying to decide on a way to add the tracking flares to the fin tips in a way that they would not be an on-going worry of breakage after each fight. My solution was to build the flares into the fin tip edge using hardwood dowel then sanding it all away fly except where the flare that was to remain round and projecting below the fins tailing edge. With over a dozen flights now it seems to have worked:)

[Micromeister]

sometime in 2003 Quest released 3 more LPB's. One was a tiny X15 in a starter set I never could find.
the others were the Critical Mass RTF LPB that flys quite well as long as you add a small piece of tape around the aft twistlok motor mount to keep everything together at ejection. This one was used to help set the tracking scopes for a club 2x1/8A cluster altitude competition with a 2 station Theodolite closed track of 82 feet. Not bad for a Stock LPB;)

The other was another special starter set containing the MM Little Joe-II, Alas this one wasn't so good, Unstable out of the box. had to add a few grams of nose weight to correct the flight path. which is OK for a big diameter really LPB LOL!!!

If any of you folks have the Quest tiny X15 LPB I'd sure like to hear how it flys.

[Micromeister]

Have you ever wondered just how long a model Rocket you could build and have actually fly?
That was exactly the reasoning behind what I came to call the "Extreme Length Experiment" ELE-1a for short.
Wanting to use "standard" building materials only we started with two full length 34" T2+ (.281") and one 34" length of T2 (.246") standard .013 wall craft body tubing. adding a tiny T2 x 1/2" long balsa Nosecone, 3- .010" thick waferglass fins, two 1/16" x 1/8" Launch lugs and 6 feet of 50lb kevlar shockline. the whole model tipped the scales at 17.3g with MMX-II motor lariet looped to the shockcord 18.5g. Knowing how most LONG Superrocs tend to Back slide glide during recovery I chose not to add any streamer mass to the model. with motor installed the overall length is 103.25" (8'-7-1/4").
This is one whippy whimpy model rocket LOL!!! I should have know I'd need a tower to hold it upright before launch but in my haste to get the model in the air the Better 2/3rds and I just grabbed my standard test launch pad and headed for the field. As it turned out the model would not stand unsupported on the .049" x 12" launch rod so I had to stand-by holding the model during count down to about T-2 then jump back out of the way.....1 launch! Up the javlin went..and up Wow popping apart at the upper T2 section 17 to 20feet up. then proceeded to backslide glide a very long distance from the launcher more then 100yds. LOL!!! it was sort of amazing I have swarn the thing actually caught some Air and ROSE a little along the way.
All the while my Camera gal was saying Too cool to cool watching the slender shaft gliding along.
We launched it again just to make sure it wasn't a fluke...sure enough just about the same 15-17feet flight and LONG backslide glide to the ground. Not quite as far this second flight but more the 50 yards. Very funny flyin!!!
ELE-1 now goes to most public displays and demo's to sit along side my 120" grumpy dog 2 stage D powered model.

[Micromeister]

Getting back to converting some 1:144th scale Plastic models for Micro powered flight one of my favorite aircraft subjects is the F-104 just about any varient will do. This tiny 144th model is an Airfix AX01106 model.
I believe the Kit depicts a German airforce varient but I totally ditched that scheme to convert it to one of the Orange and silver painted target drone markings.
flying with wheels down and sidewinders at the ready it's a pretty decant flying Micro PMC. Getting maybe 25-30 feet before popping the teflon wadding streamer. with 14 flights logged it's starting to show some flight and handling ware but hey it's a fun flyin little PMC:)

[Micromeister]

about the same time this F16xl 144th kit came out. with it's slightly strange wing arrangement I wondered if it would be possible to convert. At 12.5grams it's on the heavy side to start. but I wanted to try using the entire kit, wheels down and all stores.
This one was built and hand (brush) painted while I was on vacation at the beach. Since it's mostly flats and semi-gloss it turned out fairly well. flying well not so much... SHE's a heavy little beasty as such with any wind at all it weather cocks badly, only getting a few feet about the rod (8-10') before popping the streamer. 2nd flight in 12 -15mph winds wasn't as good weather cocking badly right away nosing to the ground. no damage all the weapons and landing gear remained intact. Still worth the time if you can still find the kit.

[Micromeister]

Looking for an alternate to QCR's flying Umbrella Odd-roc and wanting to create a Mary Poppin's figure odd-roc with some sort of umbrella recovery. we started experimenting with tropical drink paper parpaols.
At the dollar store I found a gross package (144 pcs) with all kinds of colors in a 3-1/4" diameter tissue canopy. How the heck to activate it was the issue. The answer came from an old used up retractable ink pen. The internal spring is a very good fit for the toothpick stems of the parasols. but drilling a tiny hole where the relaxed spring rests on the stem and the use of a couple #2 Brass flat washers, one between the paper ribs and forward end of the spring, the other between the lower end of the spring and a .022" dia folded music wire clip the canopy can be compressed closed without damaging the delicate paper ribs but have enough force to open it when ejected. to attach it stem to a .448" model body which is just enough to contain the parasol while allowing it to eject. with a foam ejection plug by the way! Two 6+ inch Test bed models were quickly thrown together for flight testing.
With the use of an extra 1 inch long section of T4 tubing as a canopy compresser the model bodies are readied with 1/4 sheet of FP wadding below the blue SM styrofoam ejection plug and another 1/4 sheet on top pushed all the way to the motor mount. the remaining 30" of 70lb kevlar are coiled on top then the parasol is gently inserted about halfway serving as the nosecone.
HO man these things fly really well! getting very good 70-80foot altitude. the Pop and the little parasol gently brings the body back to the ground. Not sure if I'll ever get Mary done but these little powered parasols are a lot of fun by themselves:)

[JAL3]

Well Gee the BG worked so well I wonder if a Micro RG can work I Thought? I've always been absolutely AWFUL with gliders so maybe microing them might help a little???
I have a favorite RG design that changes the geometry by adding an elevator pitch so downscaleing the Mini-Nomad to a Micro Nomad RG was next on my list of attempts.
I'm pleased to say; it not only worked...it works pretty well;)

Who originally produced the Nomad this is based upon?

[JAL3]

It's kinda embarrassing to follow all these great models, but what the hey...

Dick,

What's the story on the blimp/dirigible?

[Micromeister]

Who originally produced the Nomad this is based upon?

John:
If memory serves me right the Nomad RG and later the mini-Nomad (13mm) RG were from North Coast Rocketry back when Matt Steel owned it.

I've won a couple open type BG and RG meets with the mini-nomad.. and I've told folks before i'm not very good with gliders:) The design is really Sweet once you get the wing airfoil down.

[Micromeister]

Dick,

What's the story on the blimp/dirigible?

it's a cardstock model but I believe Dick as said it's bulk overwhelmed the MMX motors power;) Not sure if the model mass or just the girth was the real killer. Hopefully Dick will comment on it again.

I've been eyeing a couple Blimp PMC subjects...but the frontal area drag concerns me more then the overall mass.

[Micromeister]

I think it was QCR the got me interested in Bi and Tri-Wing Gliders. Mr Brown used to have a whole line of various size Bi-wing and Tri-Wing B/G in his line.
The were not good contest gliders but were So KEWL to look at I still have an 18mm pod Fokker DR-1 Tri-wing that's lots of fun from 1990.

That said I wanted to try a multi-wing micro BG. I decided to start out easy with an old great flying favorite the Fying Jenny Bi-Wing. downscaling to use a T3 motor body with a T2++ (.316"od) ejectable motor pod and Streamer (to make it easier to see and recovery the motor casing..which also makes this model contest legal as well). At 7.3 grams it really Zzzzzips of the pad, does a huge arc at ejection, settling into a fast but really flat and level glide. Always gets lots of looks and usually buzz's the crowd at least once before landing.
I've been working on a micro version of the Red Baron varient Bi-wing. once it get it to fly right I'm gonna try downscaling the Fokker DR-1 Tri-wing and do another Jenny in classic British "Camel" WWI colors.

[Micromeister]

Standing guard in front of the Wallops island Visitors Center used to be an old Scout-B rocket display. it's now a Scout something but has a different payload section the the classic-B.
As the largest Rocket flown from that facility it's impressive in it's length. I decided to try to reproduce one in tiny T2+ body size.
At this size it's super quick off the pad and out of sight...

[Micromeister]

Like to experiment with Arts cardstock creations. I got the idea for a pair of fuzzy dice to hang on the rearview mirror of my Blue Van.
A couple cardstock micro Qubits some blue flocking and a black magic marker later I had the Dice. A short length of bow string nylon with a couple skewer toggles attached I had my hanging set.
They fly individually but alway hang together LOL!

The other two Qubit shapes are the Scimitar, and the Black painted Stealth Qubit.
Fun with cardstock.

[Micromeister]

While a Scoutmaster once a year the troop (which did a lot of Mod-Roc flying by the way) would decide on a special month end mosquito rocket launch usually in June or July...Major mosquito season. they'ed order a bulk order direct from Estes, and devote one or two weekly meeting to building and painting there..two, three or more Mosquitos. My Assistants and the Scouts would generally order A3-4T, A3-6T, and Lots of A10-3T's.
Troop 341 was a Naval District Washington sponsered troop with lots of Navy and Marine Youth members. Most of these guys painted the Mosquitos in some really interesting military Paint schemes...lots in full camouflage. Why? because most of them KNEW the models were NOT coming back on those big A motors LOL!!! in the 6 or 7 years the troop did this It was a rare thing for more the a handful to return with a single mosquito out of the 50-80 models we'ed start with.
NOT So with these converted Micro powered mosquitos. Built as usual with one exception. adding a 1-1/8" long T2+ power pod with two T2+ to BT5 centering rings, a 1/8" piece of BT-5 pod stop and 36" of 100lb kevlar shockline with a 1/2" x 12" Teflon plumbers tape streamer. these rear ejection pods really work well, propelling the Mosquito to 80-100 feet the bringing it back by streamer that we can SEE. Lots more fun the ONE & done.

These two Mosquitos are painted entirely with One-shot Metallic and Pearl Sign lettering enamels. While these paints contain a lot of lead and other stuff they sure flow out and flatten nicely. They almost look like they were sprayed.

[Micromeister]

Looking for the proper size for Micro Maxx powered Booster Gliders.
This one seemed like it would be good. perhaps I've made the pod stem to long or whatever but this very nifty hand tossing 5.6g glider just doesn't want to get out of it's own way under thrust with only 9.2grams of total liftoff weight. seems to struggle into the air if their is even the lightest of cross breezes. at ejection it settles into a perfectly flat gentle glide but the alitiude is only about 20 feet:(

Perhaps I've got the wings to broad for the span??? I'm just not sure Boo-Hoo! I haven't given up on the design...just don't know what more I can do to it.

[Micromeister]

Another Classic downscale of the 70's Centuri Vulcan.
a Great looking and flying T2+ Downscale. I have to say doing the Drawings for this model was as much fun as building and flying this little GEM of a model.
At only 4.8grams it's always a pleasure when in the air and it's hight contrast colors make it easy to spot on the ground with or without the addtional of a 1/2" x 10" yellow Teflon wadding/streamer.

[Micromeister]

Just for fun I wanted to downscale an Estes Competition style Classic from the OLD days. The Astron SPRINT.
Back in the Day this Kit model was used by many in NAR Streamer duration competitions and the design was very competitive. Not so much anymore but it's still a sleek, Good looking classic design.
To get the Boattail transition right I went with T4 (.448") outer body and added one of the super light weight Pratt vacuum formed .010" thich styrene nosecones. Tear drop sanded airfoiled 3/32" basswood fins and 50lb kevlar balance point external shockline mount to bring the body down sideways likee the original. Diverting from the super light weight materials I substituted a 1" x 10" red military grade teflon Wadding/streamer.

The other interesting feature on this model is the addition of a compeition style micro Pop-lug instead of the draggy permenate normal lug arrangements. Micro Pop lugs are a tiny bit harder to make the standard 1/8" pop lugs but not by much. I used .020" stainless music wire and a coffee stir-stick with 2-strand very thin kevlar thread wrappings. worked out pretty well and in practice the micro pop-lug performes as well as its full size counterpart.
Remember the Micro Motto "If it works in model rocketry...it can be done with MICROs"!

[Micromeister]

I have to admit most of the "goony craze" just never appealed to me. With one exception.
Not really sure why but the Missile Toe just struck me as very funny and being the Odd-Roc lover I am I just had to attempt to downscale this old time favorite.
BT-5 its a little beasty and was a bear to get trimmed for stable flight but it works. with the micro I even went so far as to use real gauze to wrap the injury LOL!
Only an OK flying model.. it does get a lot of laughs on the table and pad.

[Micromeister]

This was just a challange I wanted to see if there was any way to pull off.
I've always liked the scissor wing BGs. My standard fleet still has an original Scissor Wing from back in the 80s as well as a Crusader Swing-wing both are really fun flying even if they are not the greatest gliders.
When the Scissor Wing as re-released I decided it was time to try to Micronize it knowing full well that sometimes downsizing doesn't work all that well with some things...gliders in particular.
Decided to go with T3 as the outside body to reduce as much as possible the overall mass allowing a T2+ internal ejectable fin pod with a teflon streamer instead of chute recovery. Basswood was chosen over balsa just for a little extra strength in the wing and tail assembly. the pivot and saddle assembly are also mostly basswood with the top retainer nut of 1/16" liteply. Tiny hair bands and elastic thread turn the wing and pop up the elevator whe the pod ejects.
Still keeping the finishing to a minimum the lift off weight is 12.3g with a MMX-II motor. she does glide nicely tho from a pretty short 30-35feet altitute. I'm toying with a couple different Booster ideas to attempt to get a little better deployment altitude including staging but that project is on the back burner with lots of other staged options as I try to move forward with lots of other Scale and Classic creations:)
Still its worth flying as is on calm days... I even tried flying it off a floating head piston without much luck as the motor retainer hook caught the lip of the piston body making the model that much heavier. Still got a tiny glide anyway.

[Micromeister]

Having Robert Edmonds as a club member has given us a lot of very FUN flying Glider creations.
One of my favorite designs was the Ecee-18 an 18mm motor RG with forward canard and huge rear wing/tail assembly. the Box design airframe houses the canard lockdown making a very sleek looking glider.
I just had to try downscaling this desing as have been very pleased with it's flight performance. No it is not a contest winner by any means but it's fun to fly, almost always doest a complete loop just before ejection giving a varing glide length depending on where it transitions into glide mode. at 6.3g or 7.4g lowt it's not at all hard to get some very nice flights out of this model provided the breeze is down that day.

[Micromeister]

Not everything works as we'ed like it to!
such is the tail of this poor ill conceived alteration of a pretty nice flying 1/4A Slide pod RG.
In my quest for different Micro flying Gliders I decided to swap out the 13mm slide pod on this really nice flying RG for a brand new slide pod made up of T2+ motor slide pod, moving in a brand new custom designed tube that I dubbed T2++ (.290" ID/.316"OD). All was going well in hand toss and rubberband spring tests but As is almost always true...Haste makes waste!
I got to the test field early one saturday morning wanting to test fly the configuration at least 2 or 3 times before anyone else showed up. Trouble was the Breeze was already blowing over 10mph gusting to 19. Undaunted I set up the model on an extra long 15" x .049" stainless launch rod. waited for what I though was a lull and pushed the button. the combination of binding on the longer rod and gusts hitting the model as it exited the rod made for a very short nose dive into the ground flight. when the ejection charge poped it crimped the motor tube in the slider tube as well as damaged one wing tip.
Upset with myself I picked up the glider and went back to the truck to quickly repair the blunder. crimping the motor tube must have also stretched the pod slide tube a bit which made everything kind of sloppy fitting. Darn it I wanted to see if the thing could fly so I pressed on, readying for another MMX-II flight. this time I shortened the rod to 12" and added a couple wing support rods to keep it from twisting in the breeze. the Breeze was now a steady wind at 8-10 with gusts topping 20. I should have just stopped.
While I got the pod and slide to act correctly for hand toss and rubber band snaps in flight it seemed to stop about an inch or so short of it's intended location causing the model to be tail heavy and do the big leaf swish finally diving again into the ground.
I had to put the thing away it was just out of control.... I'll try again at some point prehaps downsizing the glider by 10 or so percent.

[Micromeister]

At some point our good friend Peter Alway designed a Rabbit Rocket the Zvezdotchka ACM. It's looked like something I'd like to build but never got around to.

Our club was having a Easter launch so it seemed like a good fit. so I decided to downscale the Rabbit. I'm never satisfied to just make things like they are so I started looking for ways to enhance our little furry friend and came up with some brown fur flocking, goggly eyes and paint brush wiskers.

Yet he fly's pretty good, getting about 60feet each flight. He's a really fun fly'in rabbit.

[Micromeister]

Well if I have the bunny I guess he needs the object of his existance.
So the Micro Carrot Odd-Roc was invented.
it's really just a bunch of oddly aligned various size body tubes with a core T2+ tube with epoxy and CA should I call them details? Clear .030" lexan fins with green vinly hand painted greens. Goos whoosh very nicely, and looks fun next to the Rabbit:)

[Micromeister]

Just a cool looking Red,White & Blue little model. Fun to build and fly

Sorry no flight pics, flys alot but I never seem to get a decent on pad or can catch the little bugger at liftoff.

[Micromeister]

Another older time classic good looking almost super roc. At 11.6" long it more then qualifies as a 1/8A superroc. Tis a head jurker for it's size. Also tried a different type of decal material and printing method that didn't work out as well as I would have liked.

[Micromeister]

This is a real Moldy Oldie from way back in the dark ages.
this downscale was done in 10.5mm just so I could use a Pratt Hobbies .010" vacuum formed super light nosecone to sort of offset the carved balsa cockit canopy. Contrary to my normal bent NOT to use the kit panel colors this one was done in the classic Red,white & blue color scheme from back in the day. As large as it is I managed to keep the LOWt. down to 9.0g so it's a pretty fair flyer as well.
Again my photographer skills suck, so no liftoff pics.

[Micromeister]

Yes I know the kit name is just Star Blazer as if there were never any other model by the same name but as we've seen there sure was. So I added the suffix -I and -II to my micro T4 downscales.
The two designs are so different I don't know why Estes didn't come up with another name for this one...We'll just deal with it LOL!!!
Between the two this one is the better flyer but not by much. Again my photo On the field skills just seem to never get any better with these darn digital cameras.....See this fuzzy shot is typical of many:(

[Micromeister]

Cruising the Dollar stores one saturday afternoon the better 2/3rds ran acrosss a string of Crayon party garland. Made up of a gross (144) of these tiny .320" dia. x 1.625" what turned out to be solid plastic crayon shapes in 5 colors.
For a buck she said...I'm sure you can do Something with them!
Well when we got home I took the string apart, bagged the little crayons by color and set them aside. About a week later the misses ask what was going on with the Teeny Weeny Crayons... that was it! I just had to try converting one into the smallest Flying Crayon I've ever seen.
As mentioned they turned out to be some sort of very cheapy acrylic mix that smelled to high heaven while I was trying to hollow one out. ended up melting the first couple in the process. the OD of these are only .320" while I needed to pass AT LEAST a .250" od motor. That only leaves about .035" of wall...
My second attempt with a little larger end cutter did the trick after about an hour of very delicate plastic remover I had a sort of hollow plastic tube that will just fit a MMX-I or II motor. Nose cone was cut off first then a tiny piece of styrene tube was added as a shoulder. fins are .020" Styrene made to resemble Mosquito fins. The tiny NC had to be hollowed slightly to allow room for 4 #9 Lead shot nose weight. because of the extremely limited space only 24" of 50lb kevlar shockline was used anchored externally in a fin/body joint fillet and a tiny 1/4" x 10" teflon yellow streamer added to TRY to give use a prayer of seeing this thing on the way down.
total Ewt= 2.0g LOWt: 3.1g.

When I presented this with the flight card at check-in the check-in guy couldn't find the model...it had disapeared under some other papers on the table. RSO give me a lot of grief about Nano rockets and such LOL!!!
Launch officer's count down went something like 5-4-3-2-1-Wow! It was teleported to about 130feet where we heard the faint Pop and someone yelled I've got it! sure enough that little streamer came fluttering down about 50feet from the launcher! I've only flown it twice since... as I just know one of these launches it's gonna get lost.

Still I think it is in fact the smallest Crayon Rocket I've every seen:) and the second smallest Micro rocket in my fleet.

[Micromeister]

the Next two models 309a & 309b are downscales of I believe a Dick Stafford Odd-Roc design.
Sort of a helicopter Up and down these Bodytube beams with offset canted Spin fins and either a single or Two 30° canted motor MMX-II motors make these Whirlygigs truely Odd-Rocs.
I prefer the twin clustered version which is Super quick off the pad. with a very very short launch rod required.
Just Plain Funny to watch is about the only thing I can say about these motor burners:)

[Micromeister]

Keeping on the same Spinning Odd-Roc kick, the next three models are a micro downscale of Scott Branche 13mm creation from back in the day. I modified the design slightly to use a single MMX-II motor on Micro Spin Ring Thing-1 motor just for fun. after loosing the first Micro Spin Ring Thing-2 motor on top of a building. Thing-2 motor-b was constructed a bit heavier using a different 2.005" OD Coupling.

These flying rings with 8- 60° tiny canted fins are very fast off the pad, Way to fast to catch anything but blurs with the camers. Get way up in the air quickly then come down nearly as fast spinning maddly all the way. At 6.8, 9.4 and 6.3grams LOWt. they are still coming down fairly briskly after burnout as attention to their flight path really needs to be followed.

Pretty neat Odd-rocs but need a controlled recovery area devoid of personal for max safety;):2:

[Micromeister]

This one I classify as an ODD-Roc simply because of size.

a minimum diameter T2+ (.281") and only 2.0" long and only 2.9g of liftoff mass, this model was for awhile my smallest Micro model. I call it the No See-Em as I expected it to teleport into never-never land on the first flight. I have to say to my surprise not only did I somehow catch a photo of this thing taking off, it was also recovery for a 2nd and 3rd flight. it's still in the fleet awaiting another opportunity to fly.

Sometimes we just like to see how little they can get LOL!!!

[Micromeister]

Single disc spool rockets have always fasinated me... when I saw this model somewhere I really can't recall where... I knew I had to build a couple in micro scale. I think the original was standard CD disc size, so I was kind of torn as to weather I'd be 3X downscaling the CD model or 3X Upscaling a full size carpet tack LOL!

T2+ body (.281" dia) pin, on a .030" x 1-3/16" dia disc head with an overall length of 9/16". it's a funny looking micro model rocket to be sure.
with motor hanging out the back 1/2" it's overall length is a bit over 1" Like the nano-dot we'll look at a little later I've yet to recover one of these tiny models:( which by design are supposed to spool like tumble recovery. So far I've made, flown and lost 6...now #7 is sitting in a baggie waiting for another chance to be "seen" on the way down.

Funny to watch the kids at launches searching the sky and grass after they intently stare... 5-4-3-2-1--woosh...pop! GONE!

[Micromeister]

Back in the late 60's early 70's the full size Estes Falcon BG was sort of a beginning & frustrating point for me with Boost Gliders. I won't bother with the story except to say building this model per the instructions will give you grey without the help of Mr Mark Bundick! Just a couple years back Mark told me about adding 2° incidence to the forward edge of the wings on these models to correct a transtions problem that had confounded me for years.
Same holds true for the micro model...adding these tiny 2° slivers truely make the difference between a model that boosts and transitions to glide and one the doesn't.
By oversizing the motor pod just slightly using T2++ .316" OD tubing a 3/4" x 3" surveyor's tape streamer can be taped directly to the motor casing which also makes the motor casing kicking glider Contest compliant.
Once Trimmed these little Jewel gliders turn in some very nice glide times...just watch out for thermals or you'll be building another after watching it raise compeletely out of sight. I'm now on my 5th LOL!
Of all the downscale gliders I think I like the one the most.

[Micromeister]

Moving into another Odd-Roc set, Looking at many of the Landmarks around the world..some seem like they'd make decent and Funny Flying Objects.
To that end the Eiffel Tower all cardstock model was my first excursion into this Phase.
The Seattle Space needle, Washington monument, Big Ben, Empire State building, a Pyrimid and several others are all in various stages of design build.

the Eiffel towel flys just like you'd expect..draggy as it is not very high but feather light is takes longer to come down then go up LOL!!!!

[Micromeister]

Heres an Oldie that really great for adding to your Night Flying micro collection.
built around Pratt Hobbies 10.5mm super light weight vacuum formed nosecones with a .444" clear Polyethylene mailing tube payload section the Micro Constellation can handle three 1-1/2" Cylume fishing lure light sticks or a custom LED light package.
it's a very nice flying Micro model at T4 size. because it's a bit slower you might even catch a lift off shot every now and then:)

[Micromeister]

What could be more fun then micros.... combine em with Clustering of coarse LOL!
really this one I did just cause I had to see what it would do. At BT-20 this is one of my largest diameter Micro models. As a 3 fin, 3 Motor cluster it's not a bad flying model either.
Empty wt is 23.8g Liftoff is 27.1g even so it Screams off the pad.
With all that surface area it was really fun to paint and decorate as well.

[Micromeister]

This 2.4x downscale was a ture labor of love... This Design has been a favorite for decades and just had to be done with micro power.
I first wanted to try to make it work on a single MMX-II motor but with all the transitions add-on parts and multi-color paint it came out just a little heavier then I wanted.
Yes, it flew as a single stage model but only to about 10-12 feet just not good enough for this Majestic classy model. My first inclination was to just increase the size of the three outboard rocket booster pods to T2+ making the model a 4 motor cluster but that would change the outline more then I wanted so I decided to build a second lower section with a built-in two motor cluster.
This worked out well making the model more the fight worthy getting respectable 35-45 feet on a pair of MMX-II's.

[Micromeister]

when first laying out this Downscale I wasn't sure it would work at all. Back in my First Fleet days I had one of these very Neat flying MPC models.
Downscaling to T3 made this model pretty good size but still quite light weight loaded it's only 9.3grams.
Even trimming small gliders like these was not the chore I expected. I'm very happy to report this is a fantastic flying Micro! Gets very nice 70-80foot altitiude on a single MMX-II motor. At ejection both gliders tend to stay in the vacinity of the long streamer recovery core vehicle. Both gliders are generlly within 10feet of the core on the ground.
It is as much fun flying as I remember the original MPC model with far less of the wide ranging recovery headache.

[Micromeister]

Most 13mm BT-5 (T5) size models can be converted for MMX powered flight. the question is which ones are worth the trouble. The General rule of thumb for this decision is "Can I expect to Loose this model on a 1/2A3-4T motor? If the answer is yes Micro Maxx conversion is often a pleasant flying surprise.

Estes Quark is such a model. the addition of the Nosecone anchored 90lb Kevlar shockcord and T2+ to T5 motor pod makes and gives plenty of room for a good sized 3/4" x 18" Teflon Streamer attached to the motor pod between the centering rings. With this method it is possible to use other Streamer materials without fear of melting or burning. By adding the Shockline it also helps somewhat de-stabilize the quarks Lawndarting recovery tendancy. Still comes down somewhat nose first but not quite as ballistic.

[Micromeister]

A pretty nifty design I wanted to downscale this Custom rockets creation for a while.
bought a couple of the kits and went for there. I've alway likes tapered body rockets and this one does not disappoint.
Based on T3 body tubing this little jewel is very quick off the pad, draggy as all gee-wiz it doesn't go all that high before kicking the motor and feather weight floating back to the ground.

[Micromeister]

Another of the All time Classic's from the 60-70's is the Estes Trident.
Just a super design and well thought out unique ejection venting idea.
The venting techinque works so well i've used it on several Cluster conversions with outboard boosters. I have to admit at this scale it is somewhat tedious, but the end result has been worth the effort.
it's a very large micro model 11.75" in length and spanning more the 4".
even with those large dimensions the Painted and decaled model LOWt is only 14.3grams.
Flys nicely on a single MMX-II motor recovering under a 5" mylar chute.
I'm very happy with the way this model turned out.

[Micromeister]

In the MicroMaxRockets yahoo group we've discussed at length how sometimes miniaturization of certain things does not always work as well or sometimes at all like the full size version.

The Wee Wacky Wiggler seems to be one of those occurrences. While building much attention was paid to fit and finish of the original 7 section all plastic model. While The finished model Looks as close to the original as practical in flight it just will not seperate into all seven segment. Generally is pops into only 4 sections. Still wiggles and wobbles on the way down but just not as KEWL as the bigger rocket;)
Truth be told it's also a PAIN in the backside to prep and get on the launch rod at this scale LOL!!!
If lost I'd build another just because of the silly factor but as a flying micro: Flight is pretty good (50-60 feet) but recovery isn't as wiggly:)

[Micromeister]

Halloween Odd-Roc's are always fun! Micro Maxxing them is no less of a joy.

Take a 1" diameter styrofoam micro Sputnik, cover it with a little Fabric Stiffened cheesecloth and Bam! you have a Spooknik flying ghost. Add a couple little googly eyes and your done.
Fly...sure it flys just like the larger ghosts fly. DRAGGY Super slow and fairly low (about 20feet). But FUNNY as all gee-wiz.
Getting the igniter/motor in the thing is a little bit of a trip but with some igniter extension leads it's not a deal breaker.
Great little crowd pleaser.

[Micromeister]

George Gassaway gave us a very unique "qualifier" for most Helicopter Duration NAR competitions with his "NO MOVING PARTS" HD entry The Tasmanian Devil. I don't actually recall if the original was designed for 13 or 18mm motors? I've only built a couple over the last 4 decades mostly 13mm versions.
When I started looking at HD for the 1/8A motor class I naturally wanted to also offer a "Qualifier" to our MMX flying club members so I downscaled "Tas" to T3 body with proportional rotors 3-1/8" long.

Much to my surprise when I first launched the MM model on a MMX-II, immediately after an A3-4T powered 13mm version The got almost the Exact same flight time.
I thought HUMM prehaps I can increase the alitude a bit by reducing the Rotor span so I built a second T3 based Micor Tas with 2-1/8" rotors. while it did slightly increase the altitude the Flight time remains just about the same. LOL!
These are super fun to watch spin up, flip over and spin down. A great Design George...Thanks for allowing us all to share in the fun:)

[Micromeister]

Another version of Helicopter Recovery is what many refer to as Maple Seed spin recovery.
In this scheme the model usually seperates into at least 2 pieces each of which then transition into a flat spinning Autogyro decent.
This T2+ minimum Diameter MM version works just like other 10.5, 13 and 18MM versions i've seen.
Because of it's size and EXTREME Altitude gain...no more Transports to at motor ignition, it's best to have several extra sets of eyes on it at launch.
Very Quick off the pad. Get a lot of head snapping "Wow's".

[Micromeister]

Just a great looking, fun flying downscale.

[Micromeister]

Many may not realize the recently "re-released" Flutter-by Estes is selling is actually a 70's Centuri design.
A year or so back while I was trying to get a group of Mapleseed type Helicopter recovery models together and downscaled for micor maxx flying. The Ol'E Flutter-by had to be included.
This one was to be sure a challange to get balanced and beefed up enought to take the mighty micromax motors initial kick. during testing I must have lost a half dozen lower units either to out right OUT OF SIGHT lose or shreading during boost.
the model pictured is the final form, having flown only once so far...even with the silver and fluorescent Yellow/orange coloring it's was a bear to follow and recover. Thank goodness for the flasing of the silver in the sun. Had it been overcast I'm sure i'd have lost the upper half.
sorry no flight pics as this little 2.5" long x 1.75" wide model is just toooooo quick to stop with my digital.

[Micromeister]

the Only "Deuce" I have in my fleets is this one.
At BT-5 (.544"OD) it's really pushing the outside of the body size for a two motor micro. If you get this model it should be built as light as practical and finished Sparingly. I went HOG-wild with the spraypaint and to be honest the model suffers for it. With a lift off weight of 12.6grams even with both motors she's just a little on the heavy side. Getting OK altitude as finished would have been better with a few fewer layer of paint, which would most likely have kept the model at or just under that magic 10grams mark:)
I love flying it anyway it's has very interesting smoke trails.

[Micromeister]

Another super design from Fliskits is the T3/T4 TOG. Super KEWL space design model.
A good skill building kit, with the usual super instructions and superior parts. I large model at .448" OD and a tad over 10" long but even when well finsihed (some might say overfinished) it's a very good flying model with a LOWt of 11.2g.
As has been my practice, I replaced the light weight kevlar thread with a heavier 30" x 90lb shockline and installed a 1/2" x 10" yellow teflon streamer/wadding in place of the supplied mylar streamer that requires adding wadding for each flight.
Which ever way it's built, the Micro TOG is highly recommended.

[jflis]

Some GREAT shots of the TOG in flight :) I love that little beast! It was one of the first micro models I designed that was designed AS a micro model. Popular demand resulted in the US (up scale) TOG that is also popular :)

[Micromeister]

Some GREAT shots of the TOG in flight :) I love that little beast! It was one of the first micro models I designed that was designed AS a micro model. Popular demand resulted in the US (up scale) TOG that is also popular :)

Thanks Jim! The Tog always gets a lot of attention on the field...regardless of size. A really outstanding design.
I wasn't aware it was designed as a micro first...that makes it even KEWLER LOL!!!

Ok! stepping away for kit models for just a bit. One of the only TRUELY tumble recovery designs I can recall is the Estes SCOUT the very earliest version and a bit later the Scout-II as well had a unique kick-back motor retainer hook the changed the after motor burn CG making the model unstable allowing it to really tumble slowing it's decent greatly. I wondered if this effect would "SCALE down" so I built a T3 version hoping the slightly larger size would allow the model to be seen during it's hopefully tumbling decent.
A 3-3/8" long with a 1-9/16" finspan it was going to be a challange to see so bright fluroescent Red to orange paint was chosen. With a lift off weight of only 3.5grams Micro Scout-1's first flight was on an MMX-I motor across the street from my house.... Wow! super quick off the pad but I was able to catch the smoke trail & see the pop whick allowed these old eyes to follow her to the ground. I knew the second flight with a MMX-II motor we'ed need as many extra eyes as we could possibly have so I scheduled it for a club sport launch.

Set up and count down....5,4,3,2,1, Wow! did that thing Teleport or what! Heard the faint Pop Way Up There but have no idea of the altitude, didn't see the smoke trail or ejection cloud. We all scanned the sky for what seemed like forever...looking.....Looking there it is! someone shouted, then another, then the better 2/3rds found the model tumbling down and I caught it about the same time. Yup it flies and tumbles just like the original LOL!!! but is a LOT harder to see during flight! A very nifty little downscale.

[Micromeister]

TRF's Own Sandman put out a few of these small combination BT-5 bodytube wrap kits a couple years back. One is this Micro T5 Little Joe-II kit. a pretty neat little package. Overall about 4" long it ends Up with a Ewt of just at 3.0g. flys well for it's girth.

[Micromeister]

While paper and Cardstock are often used construction and detailing materials, I've not often one who builds the entire model from them.
the Free down-load fliskit Midnight Express is one I wanted to add to the Micro Max fleet. To that end I played around with the full size patterns to get the full size layout to print at T4 size which on my printer turned out to be 55%. I chose 67lb light cardstock and just followed Jim's excellent instructions, adding a 1" T2+ motor tube and a pair of his super T2+/T4 centering rings, with 30" of 70lb kevlar and a 1/2" x 9" teflon streamer. flys like a champ and seems to withstand the ejection heat and gas well by adding a layer of Chrome Trim Monokote to the inside inch just above the forward centering ring. The model has 11 flights on it and still looks pretty good... tip of the Nose is a bit blunted from landings but seems to be sound in the cardstock body.

Another quick and easy addition to the Micro model fleet if ya want one;)
Sorry about the fuzzy photo..it's the only one I have of this model. the rest are super fuzzy liftoffs of the smoke trails which I won't bother you with LOL!
I really must remember to get this model out of the range box and snap a static shot.

[Micromeister]

another just for fun Odd-roc. Had an empty K-Mart brand chapstick tube about to go in the trash when I said...HUMMM I wonder....a little bit of scrap tubing and basswood later I had another addition to the Trash flying series:)

[Micromeister]

Can I downscale a Spool Rocket? Will it back tumble like the full size CD spool rockets? Had to find out..
My Micro Spool consists of two 1-1/2" x .040" Clear Polycarbonate discs covered with adhesive backed Party pack metalflake mylar. core tube is standard T2+ with an outer sleeve of T2++ between the discs covered with silver adhesive backed mylar. epoxied the discs at the ends of the motor tube with the spacer sleeve epoxy mounted between the disc. 3/16" T2 motor stop allows the MMX-II motor to extend 1/8" for the 1/8" projecting T2+ motor tube allowing friction and external taping.
a simple .052" hole beside the OD of the core tube aligned in both disc's serve as Launch lugs. Total Ewt = 3.9g LOWt: 5grams. Max altitude 25feet and yep at apogee it flipps backwards, spinning wildly all the way to the ground. KEWL in any size;)

[jflis]

another just for fun Odd-roc. Had an empty K-Mart brand chapstick tube about to go in the trash when I said...HUMMM I wonder....a little bit of scrap tubing and basswood later I had another addition to the Trash flying series:)

I'll dig my "chapstik" rocket out and get some pix. I used clear fins. Problem is, several times now, I've picked it up, popped the nose cone off and ripped the fins off trying to open the darned thing to apply the chapstik... man... LOL

[Micromeister]

I'll dig my "chapstik" rocket out and get some pix. I used clear fins. Problem is, several times now, I've picked it up, popped the nose cone off and ripped the fins off trying to open the darned thing to apply the chapstik... man... LOL

I know what ya mean! I had the Wood finned K-Mart chapstick sitting on the table while working on preparing another model for flight. One of the Kids at the launch came over. while talking to me about the the model I was working on picked up the chap-stick Opened it and was trying to put some on LOL!! snapping a fin trying to turn the bottom...I mean really she couldn't see the fins???

[Micromeister]

Since we have the only know remaining example of the Atlantic Research Iris sounding rocket outdoors locally at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This model is particularly special to me.
It was a couple years ago now that Per Karlsson (Balltip of TRF) did a wonderful build thread on his all Scratch built model using most of the dimensions I took from the above mentioned full size vehicle.
He also did a very Nifty T2+ minimum Diameter (1:44.7 Scale) paper wrap and fin micro model page. It's a wonderful flying model I enjoy flying often.

[Micromeister]

While I'm not much into paper wraping bodytubes TFR's own gpoehlein supplied Another fun MM Bt-5 body warp of the old red,white & blue color scheme Alpha from back in that day.
To use another Home make Slush mold formed Resin hollow PNC-5V made by rockitflite I just had to combine the two along with my own brand of internal building to make a fairly light nice flying BT-5 micro model. Even with the hollow cast resin NC the model ended up only weighing 7.2g.

[Micromeister]

OK I have to admit this one was in fact done because I was told by a club member I couldn't possibly make it work. At almost 100grams I wasn't sure if we'ed get enought altitude to be called a flight but by gosh I was gonna make the thing flyable.
An In-line 6 motor cluster it is the largest "In-line" micro cluster i've done. The Lindburg model at 1:180 scale is fairly compact lending it's upper deck to only accepting a T3 .375" diameter body tube making recovery system room pretty scarse. the original intent was to use a 6" heavy mylar chute. After completion of the fabrication and painting I know that was simply not going to be big enough. a lighter weight 10" chute was placed in exchange.
Over all this model is 5/8" OD x 11.5" in length with a 7-3/4" windspan. as working landing gear that can be pose wheels down for display and retracted for wheels up flight. the Ewt went up slightly with the larger chute from 92.4 to 95.0grams. adding the 6 MMX-II motors liftoff weight was 101.6grams.
Which makes it by far the Heaviest model in the entire Micro Maxx flying model fleet.
To be perfectly Honest; As a flying model it sucks! getting only 10-12 feet of total altitude, popping the chute just in time to prevent disaster, but did snap a wing tip on a hard landing. but She did fly, eject and deploy.. and could...perhaps will fly again:) But it LOOKS SO darn KEWL!

[Micromeister]

Another Mapleseed recovery type model is Estes Tornado.
I decided to add it to the mapleseed helio recovery downscales to round out the group.
At T3 it did provide a bit of a challange getting the mating halves to stay together. with .032" Basswood fins reinforced with a vary small amount of .5oz glass at the joints it's proven to be a very Nice Spinner. If you build on be very clear about the need for fluorescent colors on the parts and at least two pair of eyes on the models during boost/seperation. It's a tough job as she's Super fast off the pad. Once seperated both parts tend to stay pretty close on the way down usually landing within 10-15feet from each other.
Great flying model with an Ewt. of only 3.6grams LOWt. 4.7 it's GONE. I've yet to catch more the a smoke trail...but super to watch on the way down

[Micromeister]

OH this was a FUN downscale. the original design and flight tests were done by TRF's own Bohica aka Gerald Wallace. Truely a unique look and somewhat spooky looking beast to the RSO LOL!!!

My T3 downscale is no less so. .375" in diameter and 8-3/4" long is Ring fins make it really stand out at check-in and on the pad. .052" holes carefully aligned in at the fin/body joint serve as Launch lugs giving the model are very clean almost "stand alone" look on the rod. does take a good bit of noseweight to get the thing to swing and fly right but even at 12.9g LOWt it's quick off the pad.
I painted this model before realizing there is no way to protect the Chrome silver Highly reflective finish. But it looked great for awhile.

[JAL3]

Heres an Oldie that really great for adding to your Night Flying micro collection.
built around Pratt Hobbies 10.5mm super light weight vacuum formed nosecones with a .444" clear Polyethylene mailing tube payload section the Micro Constellation can handle three 1-1/2" Cylume fishing lure light sticks or a custom LED light package.
it's a very nice flying Micro model at T4 size. because it's a bit slower you might even catch a lift off shot every now and then:)

What is the original prototype nam and manufacturer?

[Micromeister]

What is the original prototype nam and manufacturer?

Constellation by Estes mid 70's I think:)
One of Sandmans favorite models.

[Micromeister]

Next three models are all Fliskit "Micro to the Maxx" kits:)

This first one is one of my favorite Demo micros because of it's unique tab fitted triangular self aligning fin unit. As a first micro or First model rocket period this is one of MY NUMBER ONE recommendations. large enough for small fingers this T4 (.448") OD model is almost 7-1/2" Long. Great balsa Nose cone as usual with laser cut fins that tab together into a slide on unit that just can't be easier. The kits T2+ motor tube and centering rings are about the only really small parts.
As is my usual practice the kits laser cut motor stop was replaced with a 3/16" length of T2 (.246") tubing. I've replaced the provided shockline with 36" of 90lb kevlar and swapped the proved mylar streamer for a 3/4" x 10" Red military grade Teflon Wadding/Streamer. Painting is all rattle can fadding after some time was taken to completely eliminate fintab pockets and grain. Ho yeah I also Added a water slide Doo-Hickey decal just for fun.
Model finished with all that extra paint is still only 10.0g so it flys great as well.
If you're looking for a first Micro or one that gets attention at the table or on the field I strongly suggest the Doo-Hickey!

PS; The 13mm and 18mm motor verisons I won't waste the typing space for the names are equally fun to build and fly LOL!!! Goooo Fliskits!

[Micromeister]

I guess I'm a semi-Trekie as I recognized the Star Trek eposide reference as soon as I saw the kit.
Almost added a decal likeness drill-thrall miss Pettyjohn but thought it might be a bit to racy for the intended audience LOL! but I digress...

Another super fun to build "Micro to the Maxx" Fliskit offering the Teeny Triskelion can be a challange to get the alignment and colors right, but at this T3 (.375") Scale is a super flying fun thing when complete. My only alterations are the usual extended shockline line, changing the mylar streamer to a 1/2" x 10" yellow military grade teflon wadding/streamer and making a Waterslide kit Name decal for easy identification:)
You'll hear all kinds of Wow's at ignition for this little model it's quick off the pad and a nice high flyer.

[Micromeister]

The MudWasp is a pretty big 6-fin model that just seems too heavy as a single MMX motor model.
Granted I did add some mass by completely filling the grain in all those fins and Nose cone, the extra length 90lb kevlar shockline & 3/4" x 10 Red military grade teflon streamer... but at just a little under 8 inchs (7.92") with a 3.32" finspan, an Ewt of 14.7grams, LOWT of 15.8g is just a little much with all the DRAG of the outer T3 body tubes and fins.
I'm looking at adding a few (2 or 4) T2+ motor tubes with stops to the inside coretube side of some outer T3 tubes to turn the model into an in-line 3 motor or a (core+4) 5-motor cluster. Either set-up should help with the very low altitude performance flight problem.
Just trying to decide if I want to extend the T2+ almost the entire length of the outer T3's, capping and side venting them back down the strap-ons or leave them minimum length and open top, hoping the burn thru with vent backwards in flight. Tis a puzzle???

[Micromeister]

Just another MMX conversion the Estes often 1st flight Lost BT-5 size 220 Swift makes and Excellent single motor conversion.
After paint and Decals this little model came out with an easy flying 7.1 Ewt. adding the MMX-II motor we had 8.2grams at liftoff and fine flights to 60-70 feet. 1/2" x 10" Yellow Teflon Wadding/streamer brings it back every time:)

[Micromeister]

Halloween is the better 2/3rds and my favorite Rocket fly'in Holliday. on of the all time great Theme Estes releases was "The BAT".
Just a 3F&NC model but the Decals were SO darn KEWL!!!!
I just had to downscale it to T3 then completely redraw the decals to fit. being all white they also have to be printed on an Alps printer.
At 6.5grams it's a great flying Micro model as well...Spooky:)

[Micromeister]

What A HOOT! This is currently my smallest, lightest and least likely to ever be seen again Micro Model.

I've named it the NANO-DOT. minimum diameter .281" OD x 1.60" long with a fin span of .9375" this little T2+ ring, Computer paper printed fin & hi-density foam NC model tips the scales at .8g
I made up an entire computer page of folded fins and strips that can be rolled into the motor retainer rings but I find it is just as easy to cut a 1/8" & 1/16" side slice of T2+ adding matching size Stirstick Launch lugs you have a model ready to insert a MMX-I or MMX-II in just a few minutes.
I made up 6 in the first batch. Taking them to a Narhams sport launch thinking with 30-50 sets of eyes watching I'd at least get one back.
Not so! After the RSO finially realized there was actually a model out there waiting to launch we called for all hands looking...5,4,3,2,1,....Woosh! gone!
reload and repeat 5 more times still haven't seen one back LOL!!! OH man these little things are super fast. Made one and give it to Jim Flis at NARAM-50 all he could do was laugh! haven't heard if he flew or is keeping it for display:)
If you'd like to try your hand the 1-page plan is in McCoys Micor Plans folders over in the files section of the MicroMaxRockets yahoo group. They are a hoot even just the once:)

[Micromeister]

Going a bit in the other direction from the Smallest, Lightest micor model I let the vehicle weight get away from me a bit on this downscale.
It's such a KEWL looking design I simply wanted to make it as close to the original Space probe as I could. All the centering rings and 12 fins give it some heft and additional DRAG. Turned out pretty well building wise but this little piggy doesn't like to get much altitude on a single motor. Flys OK and recoverys without damage I just wish I had paid a bit more attention to the mass while building.

[jflis]

What A HOOT! This is currently my smallest, lightest and least likely to ever be seen again Micro Model.

I've named it the NANO-DOT. minimum diameter .281" OD x 1.60" long with a fin span of .9375" this little T2+ ring, Computer paper printed fin & hi-density foam NC model tips the scales at .8g
I made up an entire computer page of folded fins and strips that can be rolled into the motor retainer rings but I find it is just as easy to cut a 1/8" & 1/16" side slice of T2+ adding matching size Stirstick Launch lugs you have a model ready to insert a MMX-I or MMX-II in just a few minutes.
I made up 6 in the first batch. Taking them to a Narhams sport launch thinking with 30-50 sets of eyes watching I'd at least get one back.
Not so! After the RSO finially realized there was actually a model out there waiting to launch we called for all hands looking...5,4,3,2,1,....Woosh! gone!
reload and repeat 5 more times still haven't seen one back LOL!!! OH man these little things are super fast. Made one and give it to Jim Flis at NARAM-50 all he could do was laugh! haven't heard if he flew or is keeping it for display:)
If you'd like to try your hand the 1-page plan is in McCoys Micor Plans folders over in the files section of the MicroMaxRockets yahoo group. They are a hoot even just the once:)


Yep, that's a downscale of my Micro-Dot design. And, no, I haven't flown the one you gave me, nor do I intend to... LOL Maybe if I had a 250 foot long launch rod, so it would just slide back down to the pad... :)

[Micromeister]

Yep, that's a downscale of my Micro-Dot design. And, no, I haven't flown the one you gave me, nor do I intend to... LOL Maybe if I had a 250 foot long launch rod, so it would just slide back down to the pad... :)

ROTFL! Yeap I can fully understand LOL!! I've gone through almost the entire first dozen.. with 10 to 30 pair of eyes watching...without a single return... but they are SO Cute and fairly quick to make.
I do hope your Nano-Dot gets displayed somewhere anyway just for laughs.

[Micromeister]

Found this design in a very OLD Popular Mechanics Article found in my Dad's archives from the 60's. While the real Vehicle never got off the drawing boards I thought I might be able to make a Micro model of it fly.
As it turned out it this T3 model not only looks very KEWL but flys well also.
Ewt of 9.5grams.
Well shoot I thought I had a few lift-off shots of this model but apparently they were all fuzzy or smoke trails as i'm not finding them.

[Micromeister]

I have to admit this one was a real labor of love. I had an original KC-8 Centuri Orion back in the day...flying it to death on every launch occasion. It's just one of the super nifty looking Futuristic Mod-Roc designs that just klicks.

To down scale it for micro maxx flying was a chore and a JOY at the same time. Bt-5 (.544" dia) and 6.104" long it's a good sized Micro model with a lot of frontal area to deal with. This does effect flight performance but I really wasn't looking for out of sight flights on this one.
Turned Basswood Nosecones (7), 1/16" basswood fins & pod standoffs along with custome fabricated cardstock corrugation and all the tiny styrene protrusions etc made for some very interesting evening building.
Model recovers on a 3/4" x 12" red teflon streamer after flights to 60-70 feet on good old MMX-II motors. Ewt of 9.2grams gives a LOWt of 10.3grams.
Finished in Rustoleum Silver metallic flake you really have to see this little jewel in the sunlight to appreciate the sparkle... in my best itallian accent "it's a very very nice".

[WizardOfAZ]

LOL Bob!
If he hadn't someone would have....I'm enjoying it:)

Next on the Downscale list Ramjet.

I've been thinking about building something similar. I'd probably make it much larger, but haven't seen anything like this before. My idea is to centre mount a motor mount tube with "stator" vanes, within a cowl (larger body tube). My idea is that if the motor is mounted slightly inside the end of the larger tube (with fire protection of foil or something), could the thrust of the motor actually create an amount of low pressure to suck air in the front and create more forward thrust? Now, the rational part of me says of course not, because the low pressure suction wouldn't even come close to equalling the amount of form drag. Thoughts???

[Micromeister]

I've been thinking about building something similar. I'd probably make it much larger, but haven't seen anything like this before. My idea is to centre mount a motor mount tube with "stator" vanes, within a cowl (larger body tube). My idea is that if the motor is mounted slightly inside the end of the larger tube (with fire protection of foil or something), could the thrust of the motor actually create an amount of low pressure to suck air in the front and create more forward thrust? Now, the rational part of me says of course not, because the low pressure suction wouldn't even come close to equalling the amount of form drag. Thoughts???

I'm sorry Josh! I'm not sure what model your referencing. That said; based on your post above I'm inclined to agree not because of exactly the reason given, not to mention the burn time on these micro motors is quite short.

[Micromeister]

Our club Logo features a rocket that just needed to be built.
For the Naram-50 contestants packet we decided to include a plan for our Logo rocket in both BT-60 and of coarse I had to downScale it to BT-5 as well:) Our section number "139" is the only identifying mark on the model, Finished in Rustoleum Silver Metallic flake it makes a nice looking model in the sunlight.
Flys pretty well for a Bt-5 based micro. 8.1grams empty.

[Micromeister]

In the late 80's the old Estes BT-20 Courier was on of my favorite Non-competition very high flying Streamer recovery models.

When I got into micor's this model just had to be added to my Micro fleet. I have to say it like it's larger counterpart do not disappoint in the flying either. at ignition this little puppy is gone! To date with more then 20 flights i've yet to get anything more then a smoke trail from this minimum diameter .281" OD x 4.375" long screamer. finished with a 1/2" x 10" yellow teflon tape streamer/wadding the bird weighs in a 3.1grams add a MMX-II motor we have a liftoff weight of 4.2grams... WooHoo it's a speedy little bugger LOL!!!

I recently reworked my orginal 1989 courier so I thought I'd include it's photo just for fun.

[Micromeister]

This is another Downscale of a Very Nice flying "high performance" design from the early days of model rocketry. The Drifter with it's sleek body design and long boattail made for a very sweet flying and LONG Distance Drifting PD model if built by the instructions and kept light on the paint.

My Micro downscale in T3 (.375") diameter is just 6 inches long and 4.6grams without motor, giving a 5.7gram liftoff weight. depending on the chute size selected 5" to 14" it also can be a very long time hanging.
Just a Super flying and majestic hanging micro Chute model.
The Better 2/3rds who normally acts as my recovery crew doesn't like me flying this one with a chute... she likes it flown with a 3/4" x 18" red Teflon streamer/wadding that brings it down gently with a much shorter walk.

[Micromeister]

Downscaling models from my early days in the hobby has been fun.
This one was one of my very early models from the mid 60's the Centuri Javelin was a very simple 4f&N 18mm model that I flew to death..rebuilt and wore out again LOL!

For Micro Maxxing I decided to do a T3 (.375") diameter version which gives the model an overall length of just over 6 inches. 1/32" Basswood fins and custom turned basswood NC and alps printed decals finish off the model. recovers on a 36" x 90lb kevlar shockline and 3/4" x 12" red Teflon tape Streamer/permanent wadding.
Finished as I did with my first Javelin in Yellow and Back it's easily tracked on it's 100foot plus flights. Ewt. 4.9g, LOWt; 6.0grams it's been impossible to get anything more then a blur off the pad but i'm still trying:)

[Micromeister]

This is a fun one! not all that difficult to built but just a joy to fly single motor or 3 MMX-II's.
T3 (.375") diameter and 5-7/8" long it's easy to see, a good size to handle, really fun to prep and fly's like a bat! 8.8grams LOWt with a single motor or 11.3 with Three...it' SCREAMS off the pad on three motors with a tiny .3grams pin locked in Nose weight addition. Man I wish we had about 4 second delay motors LOL!
I was too slow to catch the lift off on a single MMX-II, I didn't even try adding 2 MMX-II-NE motors in the outboard cluster;) Very kewl smoke trail though:)

[Micromeister]

One of the early Payload models in first fleet they Centuri Kc-20 Payloader-II was alway a great little 18mm motor workhorse. I used it often at Grade and Middle school flight demos showing youngsters some of the neat things that could be flown (other then animals and insects). Night lighting, acceleration graph/carbon paper plots, Locator buzzers...etc.
My little 2.6X, T3(.375") diameter downscale won't quite allow the same experiments but does in fact have room for a single LED night flying fixture.
At an Empty weight of 7.9grams with it's 1"x 15" Red Teflon streamer it comes back slowly from nice 100foot plus flights.

[Micromeister]

As Micro's go this one is on the large size Bt-5 to T2 in diameter and just at 9 inches long. keeping it as light as possible the model tips at scales at 10.5grams. giving a liftoff mass of 11.6grams with a 1" x 18" orange teflon Streamer/wadding recovery.
Still for its size it does get off the pad quickly enough for my slow camera to only catch the smoke trail as usual.

[Micromeister]

Looking back to the Good ole days of rocketry again the early Estes Model K-54 Saros "scale like model is a fairly large Micro downscale in T3 .375" diameter. 9" Long it needed 5 #9 lead shot to get it to fly right.
Ewt: 7.4g LOWt: 8.5g it gets good altitude recovering on a 1/2" x 15" yellow teflon Wadding/Streamer.

[Micromeister]

This one I did just for me... Back in the very early 70's Estes introduced the 13mm 1-3/4" long shorty motors. Along with them were designed 3 "MINI Brute" Models. the FAMOUS Mosquito, mini-Bertha and this model The Mini-Screamer. Wow did these little models GO on those 13mm bp motors!

I just had to add this Micro Screamer to the collection in minimum diameter T2+ (.281") making the over all length 4-3/16". Turned Basswood for the Nosecone and 1/32" basswood fins even with two color paint and a 1/2" x 9" yellow teflon streamer/wadding this little model still only tips the scales at 2.45grams. With a Liftoff weight of 3.55grams it truely is a SCREAMER! if you build one it's very advisable to have several extra pair of eyes watching as it Teleports to very high altitude in a flash! I Give full credit to the streamer/wadding for bringing this model back again and again. If it were only noseblow it would have been lost on the first flight.
After logging over a dozen flights I've yet to get anything other then smoke or it still sitting on the pad before liftoff. When the motor starts it's just GONE.. to well over 200 feet. This one is really fun to fly!

[Micromeister]

Another Downscale of a "Scale like" estes sport flying Missile is the Micro Maxx T3 3.5X Sentinel. Looking sorta like and air to air missile it was a nice build and super flyer.

It's even been used in an "open ping-Pong Ball Spot landing" contest recently just for fun. with a little "alteration to the ball it worked just fine LOL!

[Micromeister]

Just a fun flying little model the Micro Zinger in T3 tubing makes for a decent size 6.0" length model that's also light enough to be a real Head Jurker off the pad.
Ewt: 4.7g give a LOWt of 5.8g fast but still followable to apogee about 150feet up.
Painted this one with Rustoleum Metallic Silver. This particular can seems to have Larger metal flake the most. Giving a really nice deep metal flake finish under a couple coats of Krylon #1305 UV Clear. then a finish coat of future just for shine.

[Micromeister]

A just for fun Micro Scale enhanced downscale of one of the "good O'le days" Estes Semi-Scale models the K-28 Thor Agena-B made a nice change of pace build.

using .030" clear lexan fins this tiny flying replica is a nice flying model in T4 (.448") 10.5mm diameter.
at 5-1/8" long its large enough to follow and light enough at 5.6g LOWT 6.6grams to get very nice altitude. Recovers on a 1/2" x 12" Yellow teflon streamer/permanent wadding.

[Micromeister]

When the Solar Flare was released last year I knew it was gonna have to be downscaled.
I wasn't at all sure we'ed have a booster motor so decided to just make it a single motor downscale. Looking to a Clear payload tube about the right size was one of the main stumbling blocks that kept this model on the drawing board for a long while. clear Polyethylene mailing tube ended up being the closest fit I could find which was just a tab oversized.
Shes on the large side in T3 main body .375" tubing and over 10" long with a BT-55 coupling used as the fin ring. After a good amount of thinning this coupling took a lot of filler and sanding to get s decent finish, which also added a lot of mass. Basswood custome turned nosecone with added #9 shot nose weight and 1/16" fins all added up to a model tipping the scales at 14.1g. add some internal things and a 3/4" x 18" orange teflon wadding/streamer and a MMX-II motor we had a Heavy 15.2 gram LOWt. Just a bit much from this design.
I've redesigned this model for T2+ just haven't gotten around to building it yet.

[Micromeister]

Now that we have a legal (delayed) booster motor MMX-II-NE more and more staged micros are coming into being.
This 2X downscale of the old Estes Midget 2Stage from back in the 70's makes a prefect platform for flying these motor combinations.
It is strongly suggested with any 2-Staged micor that upper stage sustainer be painted with Very bright colors and have a Streamer or Chute to helps in spotting at some very HIGH altitudes.
The upper stage of my Midget has been completely out of sight for 12
+seconds in the past with a 3/4" x 12" orange teflon streamer/wadding. several pair of eyes on both stages is a really good idea:)

[Micromeister]

Ya just gotta LOVE this little 3 model Kit from Fliskits!

Just barely big enough to hold the motor...just kidding! they are minimum diameter T2+ (.281") dia. x 3.25" long with a 1-5/8" fin span. Balsa Nosecone and 1/16" fins keep them super light. I build all three and they all came out 1.9grams each after a couple heavy coats of Fluorescent paints (hoping it would help during recovery).
I should have followed my first inclination to leave the NC loose and add a short shockline and tiny teflon streamer. As I've already lost one on it's second flight:( Even with 30+ people watching the HEAD JURKING liftoff noone saw the model at or after ejection. an extensive search didn't come across the tiny model either. ON it's first flight I happened to catch the model streaming in fairly close to the launch pad.
Fun Flights... with a Capital F! Kid screaming WOW!!! If you don't mind lossing them fairly quickly:)

[jflis]

That's why you git 3 of'em in a package... :D

[Micromeister]

in an effort to fill out the Payload model/motor range the NAR contest Chair and Provisional events chairman ask if I would consider attempting to design a Payload and a few sample models for the 1/8A, 1/4A and 1/2A Payload events.
First a suitable payload was needed so I started off with a 1/4oz paylay actually 7.1grams in a standard 2.75" long T2 dia. tube. filled easily with #9 lead shot....which went over like a lead balloon with the NAR contest committee LOL!!! Has to be a NON-matellic filler they said. So back to the drawing board. it took almost a year to come up with a combination of Play Sand and epoxy that would allow a 3.5grams (1/8oz) payload to be fitting into a standard length 2-3/4" long T2 tube.
This Payload fits quite nicely in a standard T2+ minimum diameter micro maxx body tube, for flight with a MMX-II Motor. gets very nice altitude and should be something the masses can work with.
I've set mine up to eject a streamer the brings the model back at a safe decent rate that can be flown again and again.
1/4A flies with 2- 3.5gram payloads and 1/2A with 3. So far it's been flown a couple times but I haven't hear any results yet.

[Micromeister]

Not sure how many of you would be familar with Robert Edmonds "Deltie Airshow" 4 glider model but it's a real hit weather flown day or at night with a few cylume fishing lure glo-stick CA'ed to the underside of the fuselage.

Well we micro flyer's now have an equally impressive, slightly harder to trim, but very fun to fly...(With LOTS of other people watching) Micro 3 Glider Airshow. Well at least in the daytime....
This model is a real pleasure to build. a little tough to trim, but one they are trimmed (To Circle) just a JOY to watch in the air.
I flew mine on an OLD MMX-I .21 Ns motor for it's first flight with 3 other helpers watching for the gliders and core vehicle. Wow! still very high flight, Pop and all three gliders began circling the streamer recovering mother ship.
We found all three gliders within 6 feet of the streamered core.

I recommend flying this model ONLY with 0-3 mph breeze. On the second flight with a 5-8 mph breeze the model boosted straight as an arrow on a MMX-II motor to perhaps 120-140feet, popped the NC and streamer. all the gliders took off and spread with the wind:( Circling but in MUCH larger arcs. Got the core and 2 of the 3 gliders back but we believe the lost one actually Thremalled UP and away out of sight pretty quickly.
I've since replaced the glider with another but haven't had a still enough air day to try another MMX-II flight.
A very colorful display in the air with little wind:)

[Micromeister]

Heres a pretty easy build, Futuristic design Fun flying kit from Fliskits.
The MMX Flis Dead Ringer is a minimum dia (.281") x 8-5/8"long nifty little rocket. 3 ring fins with elegant support structures make for a good looking model as well.
Completed & painted Ewt for my version came out at 9.8g giving a LOWt of 10.9g after my usual heavy up and lengthening of the shockline and switching to a 1/2" x 12" yellow Teflon streamer/permanent wadding.
Very nice flying model, does tend to weathercock in breezes over 10mph still flys well.

[jflis]

Glad you're enjoying the 3's-a-Charm (http://fliskits.com/products/rocketkits/micromaxx/kit_detail/3s_a_charm.htm)

:) I had a ball putting that kit together but had to fly it about 3 times before I could retrieve all 3 gliders to confirm a good flight LOL

[Micromeister]

When it comes to pretty Nifty designs Jim Flis has come up with some winners.
The Micro Maxx Stinger is another of those kits.

It also make a lot of sense to READ the instructions before building as he sometimes throws in a curve or two LOL!!!
If i'd bothered to read the instrucitons with this first stinger kit I might have seen I was supposed to cut off part of the T3 main body tube. Believe it or not I didn't even notice the difference until the model was completely primed and sanded... I was more involved looking at the rear of this bird and PLOTTING how Stinger-b was going to be a 3 motor in-line cluster.
Still at a tad over 7inch long the Empty weight was still only 9.2grams so I didn't cut off the foreward end. Flys fine just looks a little odd.

The lesson here is to READ the instruction on any kit... the Author almost always cover little things like this right at the beginning LOL!!!

[Micromeister]

I Knew the Stinger would make one heck of a Cluster conversion candidate and as it went I'm sure you'll agree it sure does.
With our fairly new MMX-II-NE (sorta booster) motors we have a perfect opportunity to get a lot better altitude from this classy looking model.

Adding a couple 1" sections of T2+ and Epoxy coated ends of T2+ balsa blocks a bit of careful circle cutting two new ports in the rear bulkhead and reducing the Main fin span by the width of the booster motor tubes and standoff. AND CUTTING THE REQUIRED 1.5" FROM THE T3 BODY TUBE. we only added .5g of mass to the overall vehicle. Just to be sure we didn't alter the CP/Cg relationship I dropped in 5 #9 shot to the hollowed out Nosecone along with a 90lb kevlar loop and a tad bit of epoxy.

Finished this one with the same Rustoleum Silver metallic metal flake base and Copper flake accents.

For the first flight, I used pyrogen tipped Q2 igniters and my rangebox relay setup just to be sure. had Better 2/3rds and daughter watching along with my grandson and quite a few club members. 5..4..3..2..1...WOW! it was just GONE! teleported to about 130+ feet, popped the streamer and was well on the way backdown before anyone saw it! Talk about your head snapper! All I got was a smoke trail....WOW now that was WAY KEWL!!!

[Micromeister]

One of my only Soviet flagged rockets. the Wolverine is a classic design that needed to be built.
A smallish downscale at T3 (.375") diameter, is only 4.5inchs long. Needless to say with an Ewt of 4.5g and a LOWt of 5.6grams this little bugger really moves. Far to quick for my camera to catch anything other then smoke LOL!

Can say enough about Rustoleum #7172 Metallic Silver, What a great Metal flake rattlecan find!
Fun flying downscale!

[Micromeister]

Another Estes downscale from the more recent vintage is the 3.5x reduced T3 (.375") main body Guardian.
5-9/16" long the model has enough presence to really look pretty good in rustoleum Metallic Black,Silver & white. Alps printed decals being transparent colors worked out well over both white base coat and metallic silver fins. Printing over silver foil help the guardian body decal snap over the metallic black.
Light at 4.7grams with a MMX-II Motor our LOWt is 5.8grams making it another neck jurker, Snap quick teleport to apogee flight some 150+ feet about the launcher.

[Micromeister]

This model was a trip to build! it's actually a Downscale of a much Larger (Parts Bash - 6 motor standard size) model built for a club contest last year.

Max diameter of .736 (BT-20) gave me plenty of room for the core 4xMMX cluster, with two T2+ side pods holding MMX-II-NE booster motors. the base unit transitions to T2+ the out agian to T3 in the crew quarters area.
Fins are 1/32" basswood tipped with laser cannon, forward missle pods and other surface detail and antenna arays help give the model the Space transport feel.

As you might suspect with all these parts and pieces this little beasty is on the hefty side. during swing testing 8.3 extra grams of Nose weight had to be added...that's more then most of my single motor Micro models weight before flight LOL. Empty mass with 8" mylar chute. is 26.5g.(.94oz).
Add 4- MMX-II main motors and 2- MMX-II-NE boosters our total vehicle LOWt tips the scales at 33.6grams (1.19oz).

Since completion last October we haven't had a decent change to fly it. Hopefully it should get it's change very soon.

[Micromeister]

Over the winter I added this 2X downscale of Eric Truax 2008 Holiday bell to my collection of Christmas Odd-Rocs.
As with Eric's this one is all light cardstock with the only added Model rocket parts being 30" of 90lb Kevlar and a 1/2" x 12" yellow teflon wadding/streamer.
I have to say these bells are A BALL to fly regardless of size. Goes up like a shot. the seems to ring (if the had a clapper) under the streamer coming down. Very KEWL flight and recovery:)

[Micromeister]

Somehow missed this model back in the day.
It's such an interesting design I decided that I'd downscale it for Micro Maxx flying.
Base on T3 and T5 Standard tubing the T2+ motor mount core tube worked out perfectly.
12 offset fins make the head-on view worth looking at. from the side this arrangement is lost by the distance between the fins.

I've left the PNC-5V Nosecone unpainted to allow future addition of a light weight high mcd LED and tiny Lithium battery for night flying;)
Being a pretty new member of the fleet i haven't had time to fly this one yet....perhaps if we get a break in the weather.

[Micromeister]

Oh man! Back in the early days I wanted the Galactic Pirates models big time. But as with many at the time I had many other things directing time and resources:( As with some others these I just missed.
Recently I decided to do 3x downscale of both the Galactic Priates Patrol cursier Excalibur and Dreaded Dragon Ship-7.
Both based on Bt-5 as Micro models they are on the hefty side.
Patrol Cursier Excalibur finished fully loaded for battle has a Liftoff weight of 11.2g. While I'm not expecting high altitude It'll be great to see it in the air.

[Micromeister]

If ya build one it's only natural to want the other. Back in the day I was never very keen on the Dreaded evil villain Vehicle "Dragon Ship-7".
Since I was doing one in micro scale I figured I'd do both just for fun.
Again 3x downscale brings it to BT-5 size.

figuring out a good way to roll the tiny 1/8" OD exhaust tubes was fun using an 1/16" hardwood dowel as the mandrel, white glued and computer paper stirps. the remainder of the model was pretty much a standard build.

I have to say building both of these micro models was both a challange and really fun right up to doing the Decaling..... producing and applying all those Rivet dot applications was to say a super pain in the rear is putting it very very mildly.
To inhance the sinister look I went with a slighter darker Gray the the Light gull gray suggested. I was hoping it would help the red and yellow flame decals stand out a bit more.
With all the fins and other add-ons this one is truely a little PIGGY. Ewt of 11.4g should give it a LOWt of around 12.5g. Fat and heavy I'm not expecting much in altitude but needs a good flight. Hopefully this weekend.

[Micromeister]

Another of the model kits that were destroyed by vandels in my storage room was the unopend box from Estes Aerospace Club.
Since I never got to build the full size model I chose to downscale it to T3 (.375") diameter and fly it on micro motors.
In my haste to get this model completed I truely didn't catch the mis-spelled word until far after the decals were dried...actually first noticed the mistake while applying future. So you know it ain't gonna get changed anytime soon LOL!!! I did correct the 1-page plan so anyone wanting to build a T3 Viper can do so without the orignial downscaling goof:)

Ended up hand brush painted the magenta nosecone with ONE shot pearlescent enamel as no Magenta rattlecan could be found.

[Micromeister]

One of Aerospace Specialty Products (ASP) Micro scale kit offerings.
a very simple, well thought out kit with good instructions. Not one of my better finishing jobs after having a Liquid mask rubber problem that softened the underlaying rustoleum Gloss White base color. After more then a week the softened white hadn't re-hardened so I decided to remove it to start completely over. the reducer used to remove the paint however started attacking the styrene parts so I had to stop only part way in the process. this left lots of yucky areas that still wouldn't harden or sand with a crap.
Totally frustrated with the thing I said Poopus-Nunee on it...recoated it with the same white and hand painted the black. applied the decals calling it a rocket... Sometimes things just won't work out LOL!!!
the little model should still fly fine, even if it looks like crap on a white rag.

[Micromeister]

Being one who has never been much into Olive drab painted model rockets, I have resisted buying or scratch building many Military Missiles for just that reason.
HOJO is a perfect example. BUT some of the TEST round paint patterns are much more interesting. Fliskit's 1/80th +/- M31A1 Honest John is as usual a very nice basic kit. With just a couple extra tiny add-ons it's even more pleasing.
Adding 3D Spin motor housings to the model and a few paper weld & attachment bands really adds to the overall look of the model. 3 color paint job is a little bit of a pain but worth the time.
Great little model Jim!

[Micromeister]

These next two Micro Odd-Rocs were just Plain fun to design and build.
No they are not metal at all.
MM 378A is a Full Scale 3/8"x 6" Machine Screw, Hex Nut & Fender Washer design built out of mostly standard mod-roc parts.
MM 378B is a Full size 3/8" x 6" Althread Stud, triple Hex Nut & Fender Washer design.
All threaded portions on both models are 3/8" OD Clear Polycarbonate thin wall tubing that was threaded with a standard metal threading die. All Nuts and Hex Head for the MS are 22lb High density Foam laminiated with paper. all three nuts for the stud were tapped 3/8-16 to match the threaded tube Epoxy fixed in place after tightening in position. Finder Washer (Drag Fins) are 1/16" clear polycarbonate.
Both were primed and painted to simulate Stainless Steel hardware.
So far I've only had a chance to launch the Stud.. A semi success as it hung on the rod a bit slowing it's takeoff causing not enough speed to keep the drag fin working. We'll adjust the launch lug holes drilled in the nuts and perhaps have to add a mid point clear LL to help keep everything moving forward LOL!
As mentioned they were both really fun to design and construct, a little on the heavy side with liftoff masses of 9.1g and 10.4g.
They sure got a lot of second looks laying on the launch table last weekend.

[Micromeister]

One of the newest members of the Micro Maxx Fleet is the T3 DarkStar. A Great flying little Downscale.
Nothing really specal about this build Other then the Finishing with a fairly new Anodized Aluminum look metallic rattle can paint from Krylon called X-Metals. Must be used over Shiney metal base or their Metallic fine metal flake Conversion Base coat. but man do these transparent colors Pop in direct sunlight.
Nifty little flying model as will.

[Micromeister]

Just after Quest announced they had the MMX-II-NE motors in for certification. I wanted to see what the average delay would do to a slightly heavier then usual 2-stage micro. I had a bunch of 10.5mm competition PD/SD models left over since the Apogee 10.5mm motors has been pulled from the market.
So a retro fitted a couple with MMX motor mounts and built some Booster stages for use with the test motors I had just recieved.

Seems they work just fine as booster motors as long as you keep the overall mass down... Though that delay can be a heartstopper....seems the average .857 second delay lasts an eternity between burn out and start-up of the sustainer.. but it works LOL!!!

[KHamel]

Partial fleet pic.

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/khamel2008/Rockets/573af7b0.jpg

Micro Onyx

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/khamel2008/Rockets/MicroOnyx2.jpg

Bullseye

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/khamel2008/Rockets/BuckShot2.jpg

Micro Nuke

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/khamel2008/Rockets/MicroNuke2.jpg

A few FlisKits micros

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/khamel2008/Rockets/FlisMMXFleet20071.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/khamel2008/Rockets/FlisMMX4.jpg

[jflis]

OH! You have GOT to bring those to the anniversary launch to fly! :D

[Micromeister]

Some very Nice looking Micros there Keith!
I only wish I lived a little closer to you guys so we could fly lot's of Micro's together:)
Keep em coming, Love to see EVERY micro made and flown.

Ps: I'm working on 3 flistkits myself at the moment;)

[KHamel]

Some very Nice looking Micros there Keith!
I only wish I lived a little closer to you guys so we could fly lot's of Micro's together:)
Keep em coming, Love to see EVERY micro made and flown.

Ps: I'm working on 3 flistkits myself at the moment;)


Thanks John and Jim. Would be very cool to get out and launch. Health right now prevents me from getting to a club launch. I hope to do a little micro launching out on the front lawn this weekend. I agree if we were closer it would be a lot of fun to launch together.

Keith

[Micromeister]

Thanks John and Jim. Would be very cool to get out and launch. Health right now prevents me from getting to a club launch. I hope to do a little micro launching out on the front lawn this weekend. I agree if we were closer it would be a lot of fun to launch together.

Keith

Sorry to hear about the health Issues... Hope they resolve to allow you alot more access to club launches real soon;)

Til then theose front lawn Micro flyings should give the BP fix we sometimes need...I know it sure works for me on the worst days.

[Micromeister]

It's been a couple months since I've had some free time to work on micros. Tied myself up reworking a bunch of Night Launch vehicles and club night launch support items for September 24th. Keeping everything I have two of crossed the weather cooperates for this coming Saturday.

With most of those things out of the way, I got back to working on a pretty nifty DownScale....Snarky. It's been on the boards for a couple years. had a time trying to decide what size would give the best balance between size and flying. T3 or T4 seemed the most likely candidates for the major body & Scoop parts. I must say getting the scoop Angle cutting & opeing guides for this small tube was kind of fun. The cutting proved to be challanging but doable.
Basswood was used for all wing & fins. To keep everything as light as possible these were 1/32" thick and tissued for strength. A stock NCB-3AD fliskit nosecone was hollowed out assuming some nose weight would be required as some point. I'm happy to report the model sims to fly without any additional mass. we'll see after the first flight.
Something I did not see (I've never owned a Snarky) was the tiny dorsal scoop fin. Thanks for the Heads up & help with dimensions Keith! This on was added using .005" waferglass (super thin G-10) just to keep it as thin and low mass as possible.
Motor mount shockcord mount is a standard 1" T2+ with two T3/T2+ fibreboard centering rings with beading wire/90lb kevlar Shockline and 1/2"x 9" Green Teflon permanent wadding/streamer. I've allowed the MMT to extend 1/8" from the rear which changes the exterior profile slightly to allow both internal and external friction fitting of the motor. I don't think this minor alteration will adversely effect the look of the model.

To add an experiment to this models Decal sheet. once recreated in CorelDraw-13, they were printed on inkjet Micro-Mark clear decal paper. After printing first coated with Krylon workable Fixatif #1306 then given a single wet coat of Krylon UV resistant Gloss Clear #1305. This test was to see if the water resistance of this process & durabright ink would keep the decal colors from running if trimmed very close to the actual printed lines. I've instantly destroyed other decals by doing this. It seems the Fixatif seals these water resistant Epson Durabright inks even better then Gloss clear as not turned muddy brown while soaking in warm to room temperature water. I still recomment extreme care be taken using inkjet produced waterslide decals by leaving a bit of margin around entire decal images but in this experiment several of these "Printed line edges" were cut without damage.

So heres the next member of the MMWW Fleet. T3 Snarky.
Sorry for the fuzzy pics I'll try to get some better ones.

[Micromeister]

The ISM was always on my "gotta get around to building one of those ODD-Rocs".. from Way back in the stone ages to the present I've somehow forgotten to add him to my fleet. Until now that is.

Fliskits micro verison ISM has been on my list for some time...I caught a Sale at one of the on-line stores I just couldn't resist and BAM! We had a kit.

As I looked at the little model first I had not realized they were Feather-weight recovery and second they were as tinys as it is.
looking at the raw built model I got to thinking about the Tin man.. then the flat top head sparked images of the Frankensten monster...so hay why not combine some of these.
Heres what I came up with.... I introduce "Frank-In-Space Man" ISM. our 2-faced fly'in friend.

[JPVegh]

This is not an Intergalactic Man of Space or a downscale Astron Spaceman, it's a scratchbuild that incorporates some elements of both. I call it the BARs Wild Ride.

It flies very well and always lands very close to the launch pad. A perfect backyard flier.

It was hand painted with acrylic craft paints, not really my best work. That's my face on the bald head.

[Micromeister]

Now that's a Knee slapper Jeff! very funny...and Micro to boot.

[Micromeister]

Every so often I'll find a good deal on some Model Kits which allow some freedom of expression in the building.
Recently I ran into an on-line sale that I just couldn't pass up which is where I picked up both the ISM & Ulysses Fliskits.
Looking at the Ulysses fins and square styrene accent spars got me thinking about what other interesting modifications I could make without completely changing the original look.
With some Evergreen 1/2 round, a few bits of scrap tubing, some rolled computer paper do-dads and a good amount of tiny Riveting. I think i've added must a bit more interest to the kit. altering flat part of the fin pattern also seem to help my eye. I'm hoping it whistles on the way up:)

[Micromeister]

Next addition to the MMX Fleet is a BT-5 size Fliskit MX020. The Buck Shot.

This Ring Tailed creation just Screamed "I Need Detailing". HO scale Rivet decals, rolled paper, Styrene rings & pipe vents along with same screen matting texture & paper flanges all help add a bit to the vehicle. Personally I thing fabricating 3 tiny 1/8" diameter flanged forward veiw portholes make the model. because most of these additions are very thin paper they didn't add much to the overall mass.
Painting to complete the Steampunk era theme started with a Gold metallic base coat, Lots of custom tiny cut masking, a bit of Silver trim and overall metallic copper topcoat with minimal extra black detail last minute.

Later I'll take a few shots of the other surfaces of this model.

Edit: IT Flys Pretty good LOL!!!

[foamy]

Darn fine job! I like it lots.

[LW Bercini]

Next addition to the MMX Fleet is a BT-5 size Fliskit MX020. The Buck Shot.

In the words of Peter Griffin: "Freakin' Sweet!"

[Micromeister]

Thanks Foamy & LW:
Buck Shot was truely at fun build.

I sure wish I could get other folks to add their Micro's to the Gallery. I Know there are a bunch of our TRF folks building and flying micros... Guess they haven't seen this one? I'm mean really when I started this gallery it was intended for all Micro Maxxer's models.

I'll keep adding to it also as I build em.. Slightly Modifed 1:41.81495 Scale ASP Wac-Corporal is on the building table, along with a couple DownScale Optima varients.

[Micromeister]

Thought I'd post a few of the flight photos from last months sport launch.
Have to add a more nose weight to the DragonShip-7 & Micor Snarky. The Buck-Shot, Ulysses, Frank-In-Spaceman, and several others took to the fine October sky in style.

Got a new digital 35mm camera so I'm excitied to see what I can catch at our Next sport launch this weekend.

[DavidQ]

I sure wish I could get other folks to add their Micro's to the Gallery.
I've moved into the MMax domain as part of my build schedule, too. Do you prefer posts of just kits, or are cardmodels, downscales, etc. of interest? How about repeats of rockets others have done?

[JAL3]

I've moved into the MMax domain as part of my build schedule, too. Do you prefer posts of just kits, or are cardmodels, downscales, etc. of interest? How about repeats of rockets others have done?

The qualifications for this gallery are that the subject is a rocket and that it uses MMX motors. Feel free to add kits, cardstock, scratch, kitbashes and probably much I have not thought of.

When you do, I'll probably ask your permission to copy some of your posts to other galleries that apply as well.

[Micromeister]

I've moved into the MMax domain as part of my build schedule, too. Do you prefer posts of just kits, or are cardmodels, downscales, etc. of interest? How about repeats of rockets others have done?

Ditto what JAL3 posted!
I started this thread to get ALL Micro models a good place to be presented. Any model that's Micro Maxx powered is welcome:)

[DavidQ]

MicroMaxx version of the Quest Cobalt. A cardmodel I made to be a minimum diameter MMax rocket.

The nose was made from a piece of plastic I turned on my lathe, and painted Rustoleum Cobalt blue to match my Cobalt paint and printed rocket. I've not yet flown it, as ther weather is sucky, but Rocksim never lies.


When you do, I'll probably ask your permission to copy some of your posts to other galleries that apply as well.
Feel free to move any that I upload.

[DavidQ]

My MMax Freedom Forge cardmodel, downscaled from the Flis Freedom Forge.

The middle one is my goony version, styled as a Freedom Fish.

Not yet launched, as the weather still sucks. The nose for the MMax rocket is one that I cast.

[DavidQ]

This is my cardmodel downscale of the NewWay 2x4. It's all paper, since I didn't need a round, ogive, elliptical, conical, or otherwise non-planar nose cone.

I scanned a piece of balsa, touched it up a bit with photoshop, and used that as the grain for the MMax cardmodel 2x4.

The mid-sized rocket is my goony 2x4, stylized to be a fighter aircraft.

The MMax rocket is still not launched until the weather gets better.

[DavidQ]

This is my Fliskits Ulysses, posing with it's mutant sibling, a goony Ulysses. The goony is the larger one.

The Ulysses is NOT a cardmodel - it's a real model - so I didn't make a MMax cardmodel of it since that would just be copying.

I'll be able to say how it flies once the rain stops.

[DavidQ]

A MMax Wizard cardmodel and its papa, the real wizard.

The nose for the MMax is one that I cast.

[DavidQ]

This V2 cardmodel is from Currell cardmodels, www.currell.net (http://www.currell.net/models/mod_free.htm#v2), made at 1/100th scale.

I use it when I make presentations in classes along side my 1/100th scale Saturns, Mercury's, Gemini's, etc.

I plumbed to fly with an MMax engine, and to be simply break-apart recovery since it's just paper.

The big daddy next to it is the BT-80 V-2 from Estes. I didn't show all of it, because I accidentally broke the top off setting it down on the floor next to me, one time. Yay! A chance to make another V-2!

[DavidQ]

This is my Big Honkin Rocket from Fliskits, which of course flies on MMax engines. The little rocket, that is. The big rocket is a goony of the BHR, scaled directly up. So, it's called Tiny.

[DavidQ]

Of course, the Fliskits Diminutive Deuce is small, and it is already an MMax rocket. It lets you use two at a time!

But, as I've indicated, I make card models and goonies of my kits (unless it wouldn't make sense). The family photo has the big goony, the papa dressed in prototype black as is presented on the Fliskits site, and the tiny blue and yellow rocket is a minimum diameter MMax cardmodel.

The up close photo is of just the two MMax rockets, the real kit with two MMax engines, and the cardmodel with just one MMax engine.

[DavidQ]

Yet another TOG from Fliskits. But, with a goony TOG as well.

I picked colors pretty close to the ones on the brochure and the Fliskits website. I also took inspiration from EchoVictor's paint scheme for his US TOG, here (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/printthread.php?t=1217&pp=40).

When I get the US TOG, the goony will get to serve double duty.

Apparently, the TOG likes to caste a Moire pattern glow when it is photographed. Cool.

[LW Bercini]

If there is a Goony gallery, I think these pictures need to be cross-posted.

[hcmbanjo]

To Mister David Q
Beautiful Micros and great worksmanship!

[Micromeister]

Some Nice Looking Micro David.

[DavidQ]

As a continuation of my building habit of making a model, a goony, and a cardmodel, I present my very recently finished Flis Mudwasp. As you can see in the photos, there is no cardmodel, as the cardmodel would have been the same as the cool Mudwasp from Fliskits, and it would have simply been copying.

For the paint schemes, I must thank WizardOfAZ in the Mudwasp Gallery (http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?p=179473) thread for providing images of real life mudwasps and thunderhawks. (I assume the thunderhawk is in the wasp family. If not, I'd guess that it is from another planet.) I painted the Flis mudwasp (the smaller rocket) in the irridescent blue and black of the wasp. I painted the goony in metallic black and yellow/orange for the fins representations of the wings to emulate the thunderhawk.

The goony was made to emulate the Mudwasp's ring of tubes by using 12 BT5's wrapped around the 6" BT60 body of the goony. This fit almost exact, and only needed some thin shims which I inserted below each of the fins. It takes 18mm engines.

I had read that a micromaxx engine was barely enough to lift the Mudwasp, so I modded it to take 1 or 3 engines. The outer 2 simply blow the ejection charge out the top of the tubes. We'll see how well that works once I launch it.

[jflis]

Nice mod on the Mudwasp (and I LOVE the gooney LOL) Keep us posted on how the extra motors help with the boost!

[Micromeister]

Had a chance to fly some Micros over the weekend. I'll upload a few of the Launch pics as I get them out of my new camera...Sorry I'm still experimenting with this Canon SX-40. Some of the shots were not as focused as I though they should be. F stops and ISO speeds are kicking my but a bit with this one.

Start with the AIM-120 AMRAAM (18.6667 scale) T3 model.

[Micromeister]

ASP 1:50 Scale AQM-37a Jayhawk on an OLD MMX-I 1/8A.2-1 motor...Wow I still couldn't catch it!

[Micromeister]

Micro AGM-12b Bullpup flight. somehow I caught the liftoff. Very pretty flight to 60+ feet. Hoping the flight photos will get better now once I get used to the new camera and it's features. Supposed to have a 8fps burst but haven't figured it out yet.

[kruland]

This is the Excelsior Rocketry Cherokee D MMX downscale. Minimum diameter with basswood fins and water slide decals.

.

[kruland]

This is the Excelsior Rocketry Goblin. BT-5 based with beautiful nose cone, basswood fins and water slide decals.

[JAL3]

This is the Excelsior Rocketry Cherokee D MMX downscale. Minimum diameter with basswood fins and water slide decals.

With your permission, I'd like to copy both of your posts to the respective threads of their prototypes.

[kruland]

With your permission, I'd like to copy both of your posts to the respective threads of their prototypes.

Please do. Same for the Der Red Max in the next post.

[kruland]

This is the Excelsior Rocketry Der Red Max mmx downscale. BT-5 based with nice long nose cone, basswood fins and water slide decals.

I used some old cheap gloss coat which didn't level well and ended up with what looked like hail damage :( I've wet sanded with 1000 & 6000 grit paper and now just need to polish it back up again.

Please mind the "nicht stompen" notice.

[sandman]

This is the Excelsior Rocketry Goblin. BT-5 based with beautiful nose cone, basswood fins and water slide decals.

And extra bats please.:wink:

Nice job!

[Micromeister]

This is the Excelsior Rocketry Cherokee D MMX downscale. Minimum diameter with basswood fins and water slide decals.

.

Kruland:
Good Looking Model bud! but what do you mean "Minimum Diameter" looks to me like the model is at least A T3 (.375" body, or T4 .448"dia. with T2+ (.281") Minimum diameter motor tube sticking out the back. To be considered a Minimum Diameter model the Main body would have to be the Motor size..not larger.

Once we Downscale a model like this it's no longer a Cherokee-D.....it's a Cherokee-Whatever motor you using.. in this case it'd be a Cherokee-1/8A. Which is what I call mine as well;) ever though it's a T4 (.448") model it flying on 1/8A.5-1 (MMX-II) or 1/8A.2-1 (MMX-I) Motors.

Great Looking T5 Goblin & Der Red Max as well.

[kruland]

Kruland:
Good Looking Model bud! but what do you mean "Minimum Diameter" looks to me like the model is at least A T3 (.375" body, or T4 .448"dia. with T2+ (.281") Minimum diameter motor tube sticking out the back. To be considered a Minimum Diameter model the Main body would have to be the Motor size..not larger.


Argh! you are right, it is T4. I wasn't thinking. As you can tell, I didn't get the red cone right. I might go back and paint that since it really makes the model.

[kruland]

And extra bats please.:wink:

Nice job!

Thanks. They were a blast to put together. I fussed as much as I could to get the paint nice and smooth.

The extra bats were done at the advice of my 5 year old. You included them on the sheet, they should go to use, no?

[Micromeister]

Couple more Micro Flight Photos for your viewing.
The Club held a second Launch last weekend but I haven't had a change to even look at what I did and didn't catch..
These are still from our 11-19-11 Sport launch.

After 4 flights I' finally got the nose weight right and got a very decent 35feet flight out of the downscale. it is a Hoot to see zip off the pad.

[Micromeister]

While we were at it, I added a full 1g of nose weight to last months not so successful MM Airborne Surveillance Missile. Had the better 2/3rds Hook it up this time jusr for luck. Happy to say the nose weight fixed the stablility problem giving a fairly decent 25-35ft arrow straight flight.

[LW Bercini]

Here are my 3 newest micros - all Leading Edge classic repros.