I want all the details Andrew. It would be great to see! Maybe a pic or two?
Well it went! It was a near dead calm day with pure sunshine. I went to launch with WSR NAR 703. The field is nice and big!
I should have trusted my gut and went with the E12 as it was a very calm day. I have
never had any problems with them but people keep talking about them blowing up. At the moment I had to choose the motor, I had visions of my new Saturn 1B blowing up before it made it off the rod!!!
I went with the RMS E18W. I should have gone with the F12 (softer thrust) or the BP E12. The launch with the E18 went well. But as it got to full speed it started to wiggle a little. I also chose this motor because I also did not want it to "lumber over" and go horizontal. I cannot stand under powered - lame flights. Also, even though I properly adjusted the delay (been doing it for years). It went long and it ejected a late. This made the nose hit and knock off a fin.
I used a very long shock cord and an oversized chute. I did this because it (the chute) makes it come down slower AND once the booster lands the bigger chute makes the nose section slow down
even more before touchdown. This idea worked great and my escape tower escaped damage and landed without a scratch despite is being 20 degrees and landing on frozen ground.
I will say this kit does fly and coast well. Build light and the E12 will be plenty. I bet an F12 would also be a good option.
As you all may know this rocket is delicate. Check the ground carefully before picking it up as the fins are tiny and hard to see on the ground. Also have a nice smooth and loose rod. I was very nervous about how Estes made the lugs. If it is not going fast and straight enough, the lower lug is small/short enough to make it bind on the rod. I am thinking of a work around for the next one I make.
All in all it was a good time.
I truly wish Estes would sell spare parts for this kit! It would be great to purchase another tower and most importantly
FINS. As more people fly these kits, the fins will be breaking off and lost. As for now, I have to try and make one out of some bass wood and shape it properly. I have attached a photo before the flight. My video is bad.....I cant take launch videos to save my life!