rocketgeek101
Well-Known Member
Welcome to my first HPR build!
Intro:
At the last club launch I attended, someone recommended that I attempt to achieve my HPR certification(s). I couldn't see any reason why not too. I have the funds, and had already been toying with the idea. All I needed was a little push in that direction.
I've always liked the look of the Wildman Shape Shifter, and I suppose I mentioned it to my parents, because for my 17th birthday a few days ago, they got me said rocket! Thanks to them, my level 1 project has just become a whole lot cheaper!:grin: (And I may now be able to free up some cash for one of those new iPad minis!)
Now I must say, I am really pleased with the kit! upon opening, I was pleasantly surprised to find that all of the components are made out of black fiberglass (not mentioned on the website), and that the nose included an aluminium tip (again not mentioned). Did I just get lucky and get a share of a limited run of kits, or is this how all of Tim's kits are made now?
I have plenty of experience with F & G motors (though for some reason I have yet to fly an E:blush, and feel that I am now ready to undertake this project.
I should point out that in Canada HPR certification levels work a little differently:
Level 1 = H impulse motors
Level 2 = I impulse motors
Level 3 = J, K, and L impulse motors
Level 4 = M, N, and O impulse motors
In this thread when I mention cert levels, I'll be referring to the Canadian (Canadian Association of Rocketry (CAR)) ones; so if I say level 3, I'm referring to J, K, and L impulse (which is equivalent to an NAR or TRA level 2).
Before I get started on the build, I'll need to order some stuff such as: a good quality epoxy, Aero Pack retainer, parachutes, and the stuff needed to build the avionics bay.
In Canada the written test is with level 1, not level 2 like most of you guys down in the states, so I have recently started studying for that.
Since I'm still under 18 (and by the time my 18th birthday comes 'round next year It'll be building season), I'll be getting a Jr cert. Bill Daigle, who is the CAR area director for my region has agreed to be my mentor.
This rocket would be capable of getting me up to a level 3 certification. I kind of like the idea of doing the first 3 levels on this rocket, but on a J it would go pretty high and would need to be flown at Rage at the Gage (our biggest launch of the year, which takes place on military training grounds on labour day weekend), as our smaller flying field doesn't have a waiver that's big enough), so I'm still undecided about that. I'm thinking I'll definitely try to get level 1 and 2 with this rocket though.
If all goes well I'm looking to have the level 1 and 2 flights in the springtime next year, and if I decide too, level 3 at Rage at the Gage (though the level 1 and 2 might just end up getting pushed to Rage if I take too long with the build or the weather doesn't cooperate in the springtime (which is a good possibility)).
Now for the questions:
[*] Can Aeropoxy be tinted black? I'm thinking I might not want to paint this beautiful Carbon-like glass; in which case I would like the fillets to be black (though I might just end up painting it, since I'm not the neatest when it comes to epoxy... It just seems to get everywhere...) Also would a pint size of Aeropoxy be sufficient for this build, or would I need a quart?
[*] How does Rocketpoxy compare to Aeropoxy? Is one better (stronger) then the other?
[*] What size parachutes are you guys using in your Shape Shifters? I know my ideal chute size will depend on the final weight, but I would like to get an idea of what works so I can order the chutes with the other stuff and not pay shipping charges multiple times.
[*] What is the absolute best sandpaper grit to use when roughing up the fiberglass surface for epoxy adhesion? I've heard some say it's 60 grit, while others say it's 80, and yet others say its 100 or even finer...
That's all of the questions I have at the moment. But I'm sure I'll think up many more along the way...
Now on to the pictures!
The kit as it comes packaged:
The obligatory parts shot:
This thing is a lot bigger then my only other Wildman rocket; the Mini Eagle Claw:
I just love this beautiful long and black filament wound nosecone with the sexy aluminum tip!
Please feel free to comment at any time during the build. Constructive criticism is also welcome.
Sebastian
Intro:
At the last club launch I attended, someone recommended that I attempt to achieve my HPR certification(s). I couldn't see any reason why not too. I have the funds, and had already been toying with the idea. All I needed was a little push in that direction.
I've always liked the look of the Wildman Shape Shifter, and I suppose I mentioned it to my parents, because for my 17th birthday a few days ago, they got me said rocket! Thanks to them, my level 1 project has just become a whole lot cheaper!:grin: (And I may now be able to free up some cash for one of those new iPad minis!)
Now I must say, I am really pleased with the kit! upon opening, I was pleasantly surprised to find that all of the components are made out of black fiberglass (not mentioned on the website), and that the nose included an aluminium tip (again not mentioned). Did I just get lucky and get a share of a limited run of kits, or is this how all of Tim's kits are made now?
I have plenty of experience with F & G motors (though for some reason I have yet to fly an E:blush, and feel that I am now ready to undertake this project.
I should point out that in Canada HPR certification levels work a little differently:
Level 1 = H impulse motors
Level 2 = I impulse motors
Level 3 = J, K, and L impulse motors
Level 4 = M, N, and O impulse motors
In this thread when I mention cert levels, I'll be referring to the Canadian (Canadian Association of Rocketry (CAR)) ones; so if I say level 3, I'm referring to J, K, and L impulse (which is equivalent to an NAR or TRA level 2).
Before I get started on the build, I'll need to order some stuff such as: a good quality epoxy, Aero Pack retainer, parachutes, and the stuff needed to build the avionics bay.
In Canada the written test is with level 1, not level 2 like most of you guys down in the states, so I have recently started studying for that.
Since I'm still under 18 (and by the time my 18th birthday comes 'round next year It'll be building season), I'll be getting a Jr cert. Bill Daigle, who is the CAR area director for my region has agreed to be my mentor.
This rocket would be capable of getting me up to a level 3 certification. I kind of like the idea of doing the first 3 levels on this rocket, but on a J it would go pretty high and would need to be flown at Rage at the Gage (our biggest launch of the year, which takes place on military training grounds on labour day weekend), as our smaller flying field doesn't have a waiver that's big enough), so I'm still undecided about that. I'm thinking I'll definitely try to get level 1 and 2 with this rocket though.
If all goes well I'm looking to have the level 1 and 2 flights in the springtime next year, and if I decide too, level 3 at Rage at the Gage (though the level 1 and 2 might just end up getting pushed to Rage if I take too long with the build or the weather doesn't cooperate in the springtime (which is a good possibility)).
Now for the questions:
[*] Can Aeropoxy be tinted black? I'm thinking I might not want to paint this beautiful Carbon-like glass; in which case I would like the fillets to be black (though I might just end up painting it, since I'm not the neatest when it comes to epoxy... It just seems to get everywhere...) Also would a pint size of Aeropoxy be sufficient for this build, or would I need a quart?
[*] How does Rocketpoxy compare to Aeropoxy? Is one better (stronger) then the other?
[*] What size parachutes are you guys using in your Shape Shifters? I know my ideal chute size will depend on the final weight, but I would like to get an idea of what works so I can order the chutes with the other stuff and not pay shipping charges multiple times.
[*] What is the absolute best sandpaper grit to use when roughing up the fiberglass surface for epoxy adhesion? I've heard some say it's 60 grit, while others say it's 80, and yet others say its 100 or even finer...
That's all of the questions I have at the moment. But I'm sure I'll think up many more along the way...
Now on to the pictures!
The kit as it comes packaged:
The obligatory parts shot:
This thing is a lot bigger then my only other Wildman rocket; the Mini Eagle Claw:
I just love this beautiful long and black filament wound nosecone with the sexy aluminum tip!
Please feel free to comment at any time during the build. Constructive criticism is also welcome.
Sebastian
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