1/7th scale Project 463 scratch build.

[Ambivalence]

When I got into rocketry as a kid way back in the early 90's, one of the first rocket videos I watched was that of LDRS XIV and Balls 005. I fell in love with Chuck Sackett's 43-foot tall monster, Project 463. Although the rocket's first and only flight was far from successful, the rocket fascinated me. While I have never met nor spoken to Chuck, I was always curious about the completely original shape and paint job. What was the inspiration? Why the weird colors?

I can't find any info on Chuck since his Fat Cat Rockets went under, so maybe I will never know.

Either way, I decided to build my own (smaller) version.

 

[rocketgeek101]

Cool project, I'll be following. At 1/7 scale I'd guess it would be around 2.5 - 3" in diameter? It's hard to say what size the original rocket is from the picture.

 

[Ambivalence]

My project Project 463 is based around this Loc solid balsa 4" to 5.35" transition. The main stage of the original 463 was 36" in diameter, so my model will come out at a bit larger than 1/7 scale and 77" tall.

 

[Ambivalence]

Cool project, I'll be following. At 1/7 scale I'd guess it would be around 2.5 - 3" in diameter? It's hard to say what size the original rocket is from the picture.

Thanks. The original rocket was 43 feet tall. Mine will be 5.35" transitioning to 4", 77" tall.

Making the oddly shaped nosecone will be fun. I will likely employ the foam/ply disc method.

 

[Ambivalence]

Also if anyone has pictures of the original Project 463 or Chuck Sackett's contact info I would appreciate it. I basically have every image of the rocket available on the web and it isn't that many. Rocket Dungeon had most of them.

 

[3stoogesrocketry]

Chuck is outta Orlando FL . Here's his contact info .

Sackett Charles E Machine Shop
(407) 298-5540
5500 Old Winter Garden Rd, Orlando, FL 32811



Eric

 

[Ambivalence]

Chuck is outta Orlando FL . Here's his contact info .

Sackett Charles E Machine Shop
(407) 298-5540
5500 Old Winter Garden Rd, Orlando, FL 32811

Eric

Thanks Eric. I don't know if he is still into rocketry...I wonder if he would mind me calling and asking? I could use more pictures.

 

[Ambivalence]

So I spent about two hours building the 1/7 scale Project 463 in Adobe Illustrator in full 1/7 scale. This will help me with nosecone profiles, fin shapes, decals, etc.

Again, my source material is pretty limited but I am trying to be as accurate as possible. Even getting colors close is tough because what I see in the photos and few videos of the launch are all a bit different.

 

[modeltrains]

Looks like something Zooch and Flis would have been involved in styling

 

[Ambivalence]

Looks like something Zooch and Flis would have been involved in styling

You're right, it does lol.

 

[jimzcatz]

Chuck is also on Facebook.

 

[Ambivalence]

Hi Jim. Do you have a link to his profile? I searched but came up empty.

 

[jimzcatz]

I guess he removed his profile,he was once in my "friends" list,but not anymore. Sorry

 

[Ambivalence]

No worries. Guess I'll have to do it the hard way and call him.

 

[Ambivalence]

Placed a huge order with Apogee for all of my tubing and centering rings. I am going to shoot for a central 38mm motor and two 29mm outboards in the booster and a 29mm in the upper stage (original had a P and two N's in the booster and an N in the upper stage).

 

[dixontj93060]

Nice project. I'll be following with interest.

 

[Ambivalence]

I gave Chuck a call today and, despite being very busy, he talked with me for a while and was able to provide me with the missing information I was after. Evidently he had also built a 1/7th scale model of his huge version too, which he still has. He told me he will try and dig it out and get me some photos.

It was really nice of him to give me some of his time.

 

[Ambivalence]

Also, I got my huge box of tubes from Apogee. I started cutting tubes to throw a mock-up together. Note that nothing is glued, it is just stuck together to make this project more tangible.

I found out that I won't be able to do a central 38mm and two outside 29mm's, there just isn't enough room with the boat-tail at the end. I will have to settle for either a single 38 or a 54. Any input in that regard? This rocket certainly won't be a lightweight.

Anyway, pics!

 

[sodmeister]

This is going to be a very cool looking rocket when done...I`m liking this build !!

Take care


Paul t

 

[Project463]

Greetings minions, I have been contacted by Chris for technical help with this project. I must ask the rest of you to please do not call me at my shop ( unless you have something that needs to be repaired. As soon as I noodle out this computer stuff, I'll put up the proper avatar (you know what it is , so don't go thieving it). Also, due to events beyond my control, I am no longer on facebook. Those who know me in the rocket community know that I do have an odd sense of humor...I haven't gotten better. Anyhoo, The Sleeping Giant is AWAKE...for now. Chuck Sackett TRA #463(retired)

 

[Ambivalence]

The man the legend! Thanks again for your help here Chuck. Now the pressure is on, heh.

Now I know why it was Project "463" too!

 

[Ambivalence]

I found out I was short a few 29mm tubes so I decided to focus on the nose cone instead of the main airframe. I wasn't looking forward to it as I figured it would be a pain, but what you see here only took about 2 hours. I came across this method and I think it works pretty darn well. I just used my scale drawing to cut out ply disks at the transition points, than stacked on 1" foam.

Worst part is the mess; you are basically shaving down and sanding the heck out of a foam shish kabob.

Still needs some final shaping, a tip and a shoulder, but I think it looks pretty close.

 

[Ambivalence]

Of course it will be glassed as well. Not sure on the cloth weight, maybe a couple layers of 2 ounce.

 

[jimzcatz]

Chuck Sackett is indeed a legend. Its great to hear from him again. Chris, this thing is screamin for a 3" motor mount!! C'mon,you know you wanna!!!

 

[Ethan]

Not to derail the thread, but if Chuck would post any information about his other, lesser known, Stratospheric dreams project that would be awesome. Many years ahead of its time.

 

[rocketgeek101]

This is one heck of a cool build! Keep up the great work!

 

[JPVegh]

I remember this rocket! It was the biggest prang I've ever seen.

 

[patelldp]

You definitely want to put a 54mm mount in this. An adapter won't add much weight, even if you only fly it on 38mm motors. This would probably fly very well as a single stage on 54mm motors.

 

[Ambivalence]

You definitely want to put a 54mm mount in this. An adapter won't add much weight, even if you only fly it on 38mm motors. This would probably fly very well as a single stage on 54mm motors.

I think I agree with you. I can always use an adapter.

 

[Ambivalence]

I got my custom cut fins today from PML, but unfortunately they messed up the sustainer fins and put the tangs in the wrong location. This was a happy accident though, as the 1/8th inch I had them use was way too thick and heavy. I thought it would be fine when I ordered them, but it wasn't until I got them that I realized how heavy they are.

So I am having the whole set re-cut in .093" instead, with the sustainer fins being replaced by PML due to their error.