Brainlord Mesomorph
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2018
- Messages
- 266
- Reaction score
- 26
Hi guys!
I’m new here but I’m back to rocketry after a 40 year absence. Haven’t launched anything (since I was 12), but I am jumping back in with both feet.
So right now, I have a couple of hundred dollars worth of kits, motors, and the Big Box o’ Estes parts on their way via snail mail. I picked a local park via Google Earth. I’ve got Open Rocket, and was able to remember that last design I was working on when I was 12. And I’ve had Open Rocket “optimize” that design (that is SO cool) to a stability of 3 cal(ories?*) and an Ap of 800 ft on the good ol’ C6-5.
I’ve been watching Youtube videos and think I’m pretty much up to speed on modern construction techniques (I already ordered the acrylic floor polish) but I do have some questions:
1. What happened to dope?
In the 1970’s we *had* to coat all our rockets in airplane dope. No one is doing that now. Is it just that modern paints and primers (or acrylic floor polish) make it obsolete? We were told the paper tube and wooden fins would catch on fire if not for the airplane dope. Was that just a scam?
2. Tell me more about the wood putty and the wood glue.
In the 1970’s Elmer’s white glue was *the* material of choice not just for gluing parts but also for building up fillets and any other areo-smoothing things. (I don’t think Elmer’s wood glue or putty existed then.) I see you’re using wood filler on the tubes. What about wood filler fillets? Anyone know the relative density (weight) and strength of these products?
3. Laminating fins in paper?
Good idea, but why not laminate entire sheets of balsa (like foamboard), and then cut the fins? (seems more direct)
4. Open Rocket help
*yes, I know its Caliber, but what does that mean? Can someone point me to they right Wiki that explains that ?
I’m new here but I’m back to rocketry after a 40 year absence. Haven’t launched anything (since I was 12), but I am jumping back in with both feet.
So right now, I have a couple of hundred dollars worth of kits, motors, and the Big Box o’ Estes parts on their way via snail mail. I picked a local park via Google Earth. I’ve got Open Rocket, and was able to remember that last design I was working on when I was 12. And I’ve had Open Rocket “optimize” that design (that is SO cool) to a stability of 3 cal(ories?*) and an Ap of 800 ft on the good ol’ C6-5.
I’ve been watching Youtube videos and think I’m pretty much up to speed on modern construction techniques (I already ordered the acrylic floor polish) but I do have some questions:
1. What happened to dope?
In the 1970’s we *had* to coat all our rockets in airplane dope. No one is doing that now. Is it just that modern paints and primers (or acrylic floor polish) make it obsolete? We were told the paper tube and wooden fins would catch on fire if not for the airplane dope. Was that just a scam?
2. Tell me more about the wood putty and the wood glue.
In the 1970’s Elmer’s white glue was *the* material of choice not just for gluing parts but also for building up fillets and any other areo-smoothing things. (I don’t think Elmer’s wood glue or putty existed then.) I see you’re using wood filler on the tubes. What about wood filler fillets? Anyone know the relative density (weight) and strength of these products?
3. Laminating fins in paper?
Good idea, but why not laminate entire sheets of balsa (like foamboard), and then cut the fins? (seems more direct)
4. Open Rocket help
*yes, I know its Caliber, but what does that mean? Can someone point me to they right Wiki that explains that ?