Let me introduce my modified version of the Estes Maxi Alpha 3.
However, I must first begin with a sad story for why I decided in doing the modification. On 1st January of this year my relatives house burnt to the ground. Almost everything in the house was lost. Among the items were 60% of my rockets among others my Estes D-Region Tomahawk, Estes Pro Series II™ Nike Smoke, Estes Der V3 and the MA3.
I enjoy flying the MA3 so I had to have one my rocket fleet again.
Since it is difficult for me to build rockets in the States I decided to build it in Germany where I live.
The main stumbling block was the question of how to carry the rocket in my luggage for transportation to the States. Fully assembled would not be practical, however if I could disassemble the fins then the storage problem would be solved.
Here the MA3 fully assembled ready for flight:
As you can see, no difference to the normal built version.
However this is how it looks in pieces:
The modifications were simple.
First assemble the lower sections as per instructions:
Then add two launch lugs and a stage coupler as anchor to the upper engine tube:
Make a second die cut ring and glue together for added strength. Also cut two holes so the launch lugs pass through.
Place the 3 fins on the lower section and slide the movable top fine ring in place:
Now all that needs to be done is to slide the fin unit in the body tube assembly and twist until it is in a locked position.
One other BIG advantage to this setup that one can easily replace the fins as they are very prone to break
However, I must first begin with a sad story for why I decided in doing the modification. On 1st January of this year my relatives house burnt to the ground. Almost everything in the house was lost. Among the items were 60% of my rockets among others my Estes D-Region Tomahawk, Estes Pro Series II™ Nike Smoke, Estes Der V3 and the MA3.
I enjoy flying the MA3 so I had to have one my rocket fleet again.
Since it is difficult for me to build rockets in the States I decided to build it in Germany where I live.
The main stumbling block was the question of how to carry the rocket in my luggage for transportation to the States. Fully assembled would not be practical, however if I could disassemble the fins then the storage problem would be solved.
Here the MA3 fully assembled ready for flight:
As you can see, no difference to the normal built version.
However this is how it looks in pieces:
The modifications were simple.
First assemble the lower sections as per instructions:
Then add two launch lugs and a stage coupler as anchor to the upper engine tube:
Make a second die cut ring and glue together for added strength. Also cut two holes so the launch lugs pass through.
Place the 3 fins on the lower section and slide the movable top fine ring in place:
Now all that needs to be done is to slide the fin unit in the body tube assembly and twist until it is in a locked position.
One other BIG advantage to this setup that one can easily replace the fins as they are very prone to break
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