L3 build - 8 inch Madcow Pike

The last of the kit parts arrives today so expect dry fit pictures soon. I still need finalize some parts for mods with UpscaleCNC and order some hardware before building starts. A few stats: 142 inches tall and 8.0 inch diameter, 98mm motor mount.

op:

This is the picture from the website

I like that picture.

Did they send you the outfit to pose in too? If so I will wait for the second flight to see it go up.

This is going to be great rocket when done. Where do you plan on flying this beast? I could definately see road tripping to Asa to see that one go up.

No outfit, don't worry. I am planning on Asa for several reasons including Marlin's help and massive launch tower.

I got to see Gloria from AMW send her's up for her L3. Awesome rocket!

I would be interested in any details on the flight and build.

Flight was on an O3400 to 14,900 feet @ 810mph. she documented the build somewhere but I can't find it...
here is another pic I got.

It was on FB someplace but I can't find it either. email rob he may have it someplace...

op:

Nate

Very cool build project.

Details please! I am building the 5.5 in. version.

My avatar is my 5.5 Pike. Some pictures from the last flight are at https://plus.google.com/photos/1022...74108065025?banner=pwa&authkey=CN_DqoPJ_MDeOw ( only the Pike in the pictures is mine) and there is a two part build article in the back issues of The DARS newsletter.

I am having problems with posting pictures that I will sort out later.

This picture was taken by Robert Watson aka PyroBob

Almost forgot about that picture. Can't wait to see how the build turns out!

I think I rotated and cropped a little for a more ballistic flight path.

pyrobob said:

Almost forgot about that picture. Can't wait to see how the build turns out!

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I am working on the rocksim file with actual weights . Still some custom parts and hardware to add in and with no allowance for adhesives and the empty weight is over 1000 oz. Dry fit pictures coming on Saturday.

Man that thing is a sexy BEAST! And no offense I mean the rocket not you Robert.

While I was taking the dry fit pictures I had few of the neighborhood kids tell me they had sisters or cats that want to be astronauts. I guess this thing looks really big if you are five. Progress report: I met with one advisor and sent a "snapshot " of my documentation to my TAPs this week-end. I am waiting on some hardware and custom parts before construction really begins.

Tomorrow I will start marking hole locations an making a fin alignment jig. Still waiting on some parts but lots to keep me busy.

I am along for the ride.

I spent Friday hand sanding and fitting parts, nothing that lends itself to interesting pictures but it was very satisfying. Also started marking hole locations and laying out the fin jig plan on paper to be transferred to plywood. The assembly starts next Friday and I will post pictures then.

Not exactly a build update but I made hotel reservations and mailed a check for Balls 24. I am planning my L3 flight at Black Rock, about as good as it gets. Parts I was waiting on are on the way, expect progress this week-end.

Some of the parts from Nat at UpscaleCNC , a 1/2 inch plywood anchor ring for the thrust plate, the interlocking rings and strakes to form pockets around the fin tabs, pre-drilled bulkheads for the tracker bay in the nose, and a 1/2" plywood ring paired with a FG ring and twin 3/8" U-bolts. The stakes need some hand fitting and some holes to lighten them. This is going to take a lot of measuring and test fitting. The holes in the rings will allow an inspection camera to examine fillets and allow me to foam the fin can when I am ready.

robertv2 said:

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I'm glad you told me the 5" Pike was your avatar...I was starting to think, either the rocket magically grew, or the people in the photo shrank!

The_Lone_Beagle said:

I'm glad you told me the 5" Pike was your avatar...I was starting to think, either the rocket magically grew, or the people in the photo shrank!

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Shows what a little water and fertilizer will do.

robertv2 said:

Not exactly a build update but I made hotel reservations and mailed a check for Balls 24. I am planning my L3 flight at Black Rock, about as good as it gets. Parts I was waiting on are on the way, expect progress this week-end.

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So...Very...Jealous!!!!!!