New scratch build, the Plasma Fart

[qquake2k]

For the nose weight, I started with 3-1/2 ounces of 10-24 nuts. Put them in the nose cone and lit it up with a flashlight so I could mark the level of the nuts. Drilled 5/32" holes through the tip and inserted pieces of bamboo skewer through perpendicular to each other. This will keep the weight from dislodging after the casting epoxy sets. I cut a 2-1/2" hole in a piece of 1/8" Masonite to hold the nose cone suspended upside down.

That dark spot on the wall is actually dust on the sensor in my digital camera. It's a point n shoot, so I can't clean it. Bummer.

[qquake2k]

I mixed up 40ml (total) of the casting epoxy, and poured it in. It was just about the right amount. Heeding the advice of several members of the forum, I put the nose cone tip in water to keep it cool while it sets. I wrapped the tip with Press N Seal (didn't have any Saran Wrap) to keep the water from creeping into the nose cone. The nuts and epoxy together added 4.8 ounces of weight. Just about right, according to Open Rocket.

[gdjsky01]

Nice! Reminds me a little of a Public Enemy Fatboy

[qquake2k]

Nice! Reminds me a little of a Public Enemy Fatboy

Yeah it does! I've never seen one of those before. I guess I'm going through a short fat stage.

[qquake2k]

Using my signature messy epoxy technique, I installed the aft centering ring. I also epoxied in a piece of coupler to strengthen the aft end. And got the retention clips made.

[Eat, sleep, and Fly]

It still amases me how neat and clean your builds are. This rocket looks really cool, and the name...

[o1d_dude]

Using my signature messy epoxy technique, I installed the aft centering ring. I also epoxied in a piece of coupler to strengthen the aft end. And got the retention clips made.

If you use 15 minute epoxy, you can apply your fillet, slide the coupler piece into place, and then add another fillet to the coupler. Solid, man. Solid.

If you can do this quickly, 5 minute epoxy will work, too. On complex maneuvers, I like the longer open time.

I was thinking your bird looked a lot like one of those Binder Gangsta rockets but minus the rounded fin tips. Now that Jeff mentions the Fat Boy, I can really see it. Shadow Aero is rekitting it and I want one.

[Eric1]

Yeah it does! I've never seen one of those before. I guess I'm going through a short fat stage.

Yea, me too

It started around 43!

[qquake2k]

It still amases me how neat and clean your builds are. This rocket looks really cool, and the name...

Well, thank you! I've never thought of my builds as clean, though. I think they're rather messy.

[qquake2k]

If you use 15 minute epoxy, you can apply your fillet, slide the coupler piece into place, and then add another fillet to the coupler. Solid, man. Solid.

If you can do this quickly, 5 minute epoxy will work, too. On complex maneuvers, I like the longer open time.

I was thinking your bird looked a lot like one of those Binder Gangsta rockets but minus the rounded fin tips. Now that Jeff mentions the Fat Boy, I can really see it. Shadow Aero is rekitting it and I want one.

I like the Gangsta. But what are the other two?

[qquake2k]

Yea, me too

It started around 43!

[qquake2k]

I drilled and installed the forward rail button without a problem. But I wasn't paying attention on the aft, the drill bit wandered, and missed the boss. I had to fill it with epoxy and re-drill it.

[qquake2k]

I used a brad point bit this time, so it wouldn't wander. Worked well.

[MrGneissGuy]

Good lord, I step away for a bit and you're already two pages into another build thread? I like it.

[qquake2k]

Good lord, I step away for a bit and you're already two pages into another build thread? I like it.

Time's a wastin'! So many rockets, so little time!

[qquake2k]

I got the skewers in the nose cone tip sanded flush. You can't see it in the photos, but I put two coats of sanding sealer on the fins and sanded them smooth. Then put two coats of primer on the rocket and nose cone.

[qquake2k]

I wanted to get the Fart done today so I could fly it at the LUNAR launch tomorrow, but it wasn't to be. Wouldn't you know it? More paint problems. I sprayed on two coats of fluorescent yellow, but it went on powdery and rough. I don't know if it was because my paint was old, or if that's just the way that kind of paint is. I sanded it smooth, so I could re-primer it.

[qquake2k]

Got it re-primered. It turned out much more smooth. I went ahead and put a couple coats of the fluorescent green on the nose cone. Everything was going well, until...

[qquake2k]

I HATE BUGS!!! Can you believe it? Three bugs landed on the wet paint one after the other, all within an inch of each other. Geez! Can I get a break? I had to sand it and primer it yet again. Hopefully I'll be able to get it done on Sunday. I did get the vinyl decal in the mail today, and it looks good!

[GrossApproximator]

I HATE BUGS!!! Can you believe it? Three bugs landed on the wet paint one after the other, all within an inch of each other. Geez! Can I get a break? I had to sand it and primer it yet again. Hopefully I'll be able to get it done on Sunday. I did get the vinyl decal in the mail today, and it looks good!

This is a bug hunt, man, a bug hunt! Game over man! Game over!



---Yes, I know the quote doesn't quite fit.

[[POW]Eagle159]

Maybe you should move the wet painted parts somewhere in-doors?

That would be better than sitting out side......

[o1d_dude]

By the way, fluorescent paint is generally flat. I clear coat my fluoro birds so they are shiny. The clear coat also keeps them clean.

If it were me, I'd just launch it as is. My big Steppin' Razor II still lacks the usual metallic black tubefin trim and clear coat yet I fly it on a regular basis...like tomorrow, hopefully. Think of it as a work in progress. I make my birds earn their shiny paint jobs, that is, they have to demonstrate that they can fly before I invest a lot detail work in the final paint.

[gdjsky01]

Public Enemy Fatboy circa 1998/99

[Scotty Dog]

Have you ever heard the saying.."All over you like flies on stink".?
With a name like Plasma Fart..its no wonder they showed up.....

[cjp]

I HATE BUGS!!! Can you believe it? Three bugs landed on the wet paint one after the other, all within an inch of each other. Geez! Can I get a break? I had to sand it and primer it yet again. Hopefully I'll be able to get it done on Sunday. I did get the vinyl decal in the mail today, and it looks good!

First let me say I like your latest rocket,I have some BTH80 tubes left over from a Semroc order and might make something like yours if you don't mind.Second,I had the same thing happen to me when I painted my Blue/Red Bird Zero.A japanese beetle landed on the rocket right after I was done painting and had gone into the house to get something to drink(very warm day).But I just touched it up later and from a distance it looks fine.Also like the fluorescent paint,do you find that it comes out on the thin side?Not like the thicker 2X paint?Looks great,you will not have any trouble seeing it.

[Rocketbuilder]

Maybe you should move the wet painted parts somewhere in-doors?

That would be better than sitting out side......

No it wouldn't; it would spoil the milk in his refrigerator.
Maybe hanging a bug zapper near by might help?

Nice looking rocket, by the way. I like your choice of colors and the name!

[BABAR]

Maybe you should move the wet painted parts somewhere in-doors?

That would be better than sitting out side......

Perhaps temporary use of the guest bathroom, with the fan running?

[sodmeister]

I mixed up 40ml (total) of the casting epoxy, and poured it in. It was just about the right amount. Heeding the advice of several members of the forum, I put the nose cone tip in water to keep it cool while it sets. I wrapped the tip with Press N Seal (didn't have any Saran Wrap) to keep the water from creeping into the nose cone. The nuts and epoxy together added 4.8 ounces of weight. Just about right, according to Open Rocket.

May I ask you where you bought the casting epoxy ?

Thankyou

Paul T

PS- Yup.....bugs in the paint ,that old chestnut

[qquake2k]

May I ask you where you bought the casting epoxy ?

Thankyou

Paul T

PS- Yup.....bugs in the paint ,that old chestnut

I bought the casting epoxy at Michael's. I love those coupons!

[qquake2k]

Public Enemy Fatboy circa 1998/99

Wow, it certainly does look similar!