Mercury Redstone Scratch build: Potential L2 bird

[MasonH]

That TAC-1?

One member of my school's rocket club bought a 48" TAC-1 and we found it utterly useless except for as a drogue on a BIG rocket. Unless something has changed, it's bulky enough that any rocket that it would lower at any reasonable speed would have to be enlarged in order to fit the parachute. It takes like 18" of 3" tubing.

I folded mine so that it fits in 9" of 4" tubing with just the swivel hanging out of the kevlar shield. I agree that it is bulky, but it is such high quality and almost the perfect size for this rocket.

 

[lawndartman]

Mason,
The TAC1 48" chute will be just what you need. They are super strong. The chute will do this project and many more to come. I have flown them in 3" and 4" and larger birds for years. They never fail. Period. You can wash them a few times and they get a little softer, but you should not have any problem with a 4" tube. If you have any problem with space let me know, I have several 44" to 50" smaller chutes. They are not as nice as the TAC. You have not started your body tubes yet, so if you need to you can add a few inches, 2 or 3 to the upper section, if you need too. The problem comes when you have the tube sections cut. Build for what you have. If you think each step before hand, all will be cool... Tim Thomas L3

 

[MasonH]

I did a test fit of the parachute and nomex into my Little John Rocket, and it fits! It is snug enough that it will not rattle around during flight, but loose enough that it should still slide right out during deployment.

On another plus side, it weighs the Little John down just enough that it stays below the 2000' HPR waiver at CATO on an I154 smokey...I know what I am flying next month!!

Edit: before I put the chute into Openrocket on the Redstone, does anyone know its Cd?

 

[Quaranta]

Cool project. Love the capsule. Your G-dad did great work. Can you post a pic of the Parachute?

 

[MasonH]

I will post a picture of the inflated parachute when the winds pick up outside.

It's winter, how hard is it for winds to pick up!!??

Edit: well, the winds picked up and here is the photo as promised:

 

[MasonH]

While I wait for the winds to pick up, I got a box in the mail that had something very cool in it. I bet nobody can guess what it was.


(it was the capsule!!!)

Now that I have it and know how sturdy it feels, I do not plan on glassing it. It is smooth and hard enough that it will not take much finishing and will not need much strengthening. I still plan on glassing the fins, however.

 

[ziggle3]

While I wait for the winds to pick up, I got a box in the mail that had something very cool in it. I bet nobody can guess what it was.

View attachment 115591View attachment 115592
(it was the capsule!!!)

Now that I have it and know how sturdy it feels, I do not plan on glassing it. It is smooth and hard enough that it will not take much finishing and will not need much strengthening. I still plan on glassing the fins, however.

It looks like a giant...Mercury Redstone Capsule! Gorgeous. I can't wait to see it for real!

 

[MasonH]

Well I got my composites materials in the mail today, and fins should be done soon. If not, then I know who NOT to do business with in the future.

Hopefully I can get the capsule filled, sanded, and coated with some epoxy by the end of this week. I hope to finish this and glassing the fins by the launch in 2 weeks, if the weather cooperates.

 

[MasonH]

I HATE SANDING. Others hate paint or fillets, I hate sanding. Painting is tolerable, fillets slightly more so. But I hate sanding.
Here are photos of the capsule with a coat of thinned wood filler before sanding and after sanding. I only got the lower transition and main shroud done tonight, and will try to get the rest done tomorrow. I laid it in my lap and used the sandpaper like i was shining a shoe. Next comes the laminating epoxy to fill the rest of the pinholes and give it some strength. It will be brushed on with a brush and as much of it will be wiped off as possible, leaving only a thin coat to protect it.

 

[MasonH]

Got some work done on the capsule today. I finished sanding everything, wiped it clean with mineral spirits, and them put a layer of laminating epoxy on the whole thing, excluding the shoulder. Picked all of the fibers out with a toothpick, per a recommendation from Alex.

 

[Spooks]

Looking good!!

 

[sodmeister]

Got some work done on the capsule today. I finished sanding everything, wiped it clean with mineral spirits, and them put a layer of laminating epoxy on the whole thing, excluding the shoulder. Picked all of the fibers out with a toothpick, per a recommendation from Alex.

View attachment 121101

I like using a finish cure epoxy on my wooden nosecones and tail cones etc. also ,helps to keep the wood fibers bonded to each other ,gives a bit of protaction and hardness and sands nicely for a smooth finish.

Looking good buddy !



Paul T

 

[MasonH]

Sorry, I know I have been slacking on this thread. I hope this makes up for it: