RW James
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- Mar 15, 2012
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I was just reading a thread about the Astron Farside. It got me reminiscing again... back in 1966-ish, when my friend and I were building and launching rockets as fast we could - I think he had the Farside. But I found a plan in one of the Estes newsletters that I just had to build.
Anyone else remember those little motors made from 1/2A's and 1/4A's Estes made by cutting the casing in half? This was before the 13mm motors. These were very small and lightweight - but I think they had a better thrust curve than the 13mm because the casing was still 18mm.
Anyway, the plan was for a minimum diameter bodytube - the same length as the motor, which I guess was 1-3/8" - at least for stages 1 & 2. The sustainer stage was a bit longer and as I recall, I put in a 6" black parachute. I think the plans called for a streamer, but I thought I would have a better chance of seeing it with a parachute. I was right. I have no idea how high it went, but I could see a tiny black dot up there - and it never came down. I lost stage 2 as well. I think I recovered stage 1. Luckily it was an inexpensive rocket, but it was an incredible amount of fun. Well worth the sacrifice.
I suppose that kind of a modification of a 1/2A motor would be greatly frowned upon now.
Anyone else remember those little motors made from 1/2A's and 1/4A's Estes made by cutting the casing in half? This was before the 13mm motors. These were very small and lightweight - but I think they had a better thrust curve than the 13mm because the casing was still 18mm.
Anyway, the plan was for a minimum diameter bodytube - the same length as the motor, which I guess was 1-3/8" - at least for stages 1 & 2. The sustainer stage was a bit longer and as I recall, I put in a 6" black parachute. I think the plans called for a streamer, but I thought I would have a better chance of seeing it with a parachute. I was right. I have no idea how high it went, but I could see a tiny black dot up there - and it never came down. I lost stage 2 as well. I think I recovered stage 1. Luckily it was an inexpensive rocket, but it was an incredible amount of fun. Well worth the sacrifice.
I suppose that kind of a modification of a 1/2A motor would be greatly frowned upon now.