CORZERO
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2015
- Messages
- 714
- Reaction score
- 7
Having been out of the rocket game for 20 years, the recent completion of an Estes Black Brant II for sentimental reasons has had me spending more time recently on TRF forums while at work than time spent on actual work itself (please don't tell my boss).
Horrible video, but below is the finished BBII. I had no intention of ever flying this unit, and therefore didn't even install launch lugs to the static display. Again, Sorry about the glare in the video. My goal was to capture the sheen of the urethane automotive clear coat I applied.
[video=youtube;DooW-d3i2MI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DooW-d3i2MI[/video]
Moving on, below is my first ever vertical project:
Old bird!
Time to build another. Purchased on Ebay after several months of watching for this DC'd model. Parts layout upon receipt of the model.
The majority of the stock components will be replaced with aftermarket parts. Initially, my intent for this kit was to go all out stock and just do a nice job on another static display, but then I found all of the cool stuff you TRF forum guys have posted over the years and following suit commenced to acquire parts for a kit that hopefully will prove not only to deliver an eventful launch under CTI G68 power, but also use as a learning exercise utilizing MPR/HPR skills to assemble.
Parts list:
1) Estes Phoenix OOP 1380 kit
2) CTI Pro29 kit
3) 1/8 inch plywood stock for TTW fins
4) 29mm motor mount kit
5) Top Flight 36" ripstop nylon parachute
6) Ten feet 1" nylon webbing
7) Half inch kevlar tubing
8) 6 inch coupler from Apogee Components
Being brand new to the forum, I have learned an incredible amount from the TRF community over the last few months. Thanks! I am by no means a rocket scientist like some of the members, but do share an enthusiasm just the same.
On to the build!
Step one:
Measurements/math.
Planning phase included lots of paperless brainstorming. I wanted to go through the wall and up on the power for this build. This meant cutting my own fins out of the 1/8th inch plywood stock I purchased from the hobby store. Cutting all the lumber for this thing with a razor knife was a pain in the ass, but the cuts turned out well. I had no luck keeping a straight line with a jig saw. Of course tabs were needed to go TTW. Stock fins on left. Freshly cut wood below:
Horrible video, but below is the finished BBII. I had no intention of ever flying this unit, and therefore didn't even install launch lugs to the static display. Again, Sorry about the glare in the video. My goal was to capture the sheen of the urethane automotive clear coat I applied.
[video=youtube;DooW-d3i2MI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DooW-d3i2MI[/video]
Moving on, below is my first ever vertical project:
Old bird!
Time to build another. Purchased on Ebay after several months of watching for this DC'd model. Parts layout upon receipt of the model.
The majority of the stock components will be replaced with aftermarket parts. Initially, my intent for this kit was to go all out stock and just do a nice job on another static display, but then I found all of the cool stuff you TRF forum guys have posted over the years and following suit commenced to acquire parts for a kit that hopefully will prove not only to deliver an eventful launch under CTI G68 power, but also use as a learning exercise utilizing MPR/HPR skills to assemble.
Parts list:
1) Estes Phoenix OOP 1380 kit
2) CTI Pro29 kit
3) 1/8 inch plywood stock for TTW fins
4) 29mm motor mount kit
5) Top Flight 36" ripstop nylon parachute
6) Ten feet 1" nylon webbing
7) Half inch kevlar tubing
8) 6 inch coupler from Apogee Components
Being brand new to the forum, I have learned an incredible amount from the TRF community over the last few months. Thanks! I am by no means a rocket scientist like some of the members, but do share an enthusiasm just the same.
On to the build!
Step one:
Measurements/math.
Planning phase included lots of paperless brainstorming. I wanted to go through the wall and up on the power for this build. This meant cutting my own fins out of the 1/8th inch plywood stock I purchased from the hobby store. Cutting all the lumber for this thing with a razor knife was a pain in the ass, but the cuts turned out well. I had no luck keeping a straight line with a jig saw. Of course tabs were needed to go TTW. Stock fins on left. Freshly cut wood below: