Custom Rockets Bullet Build

[gdjsky01]

A recurring theme. I have not done much since losing my wife of 27 years in April 2023. But as I take a little white pill for depression, I find at least a bit of motivation

This kit is pretty special to me anyway. It was bought during the first year we were together. 1997. Probably in a hobby shop near Mile Square Park in Costa Mesa CA.
Also I was a BAR. Having been on hiatus from rocketry since the early 70's. I knew of Estes and Centuri and even FSI back then. But had never heard of Custom. So it was a treat to get kits from someone other than Estes.
I bought the Bullet, an Engage, an Equinox, a Metra, and a Dynamic Carrier

I built and still fly the DC, and Engage (tho the upper section of the Engage was replaced.

So here we are 26 years later. A widower. I open a box of rockets packed away years ago in storage, going through our stuff , and I find this kit The Bullet. (Along with a bunch I have put on sale).

 

[gdjsky01]

I built the motor mount stock.
The only change is how I attached three times the length of elastic they gave me. I'll be covered in heat shrink tubing on the inside of the body tube.

I left the motor clip stock. I figure it'll go high enough on a D12 or an AeroTech 24/40 reload. No need for an E9 or E12. Beside I am having more and more trouble following high flights.

 

[gdjsky01]

Finnage sealed with eRockets sanding sealer

 

[brockrwood]

A recurring theme. I have not done much since losing my wife of 27 years in April 2023. But as I take a little white pill for depression, I find at least a bit of motivation

This kit is pretty special to me anyway. It was bought during the first year we were together. 1997. Probably in a hobby shop near Mile Square Park in Costa Mesa CA.
Also I was a BAR. Having been on hiatus from rocketry since the early 70's. I knew of Estes and Centuri and even FSI back then. But had never heard of Custom. So it was a treat to get kits from someone other than Estes.
I bought the Bullet, an Engage, an Equinox, a Metra, and a Dynamic Carrier

I built and still fly the DC, and Engage (tho the upper section of the Engage was replaced.

So here we are 26 years later. A widower. I open a box of rockets packed away years ago in storage, going through our stuff , and I find this kit The Bullet. (Along with a bunch I have put on sale).

View attachment 607396

I am so sorry for your loss. Hang in there.

 

[Back_at_it]

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I remember losing my mother and how hard it was. It took a little while to find joy in anything but eventually things started looking up.

As for the Bullet. It's great kit and your build looks great. I love to see old vintage kits being built and used.

I build one back when they were new and flew it a few times. It really is a great flier. A few years back I built an upscale version here on the forums.

 

[OC-Patrick]

Jeff,

Did you launch at Mile Square Park before they turned it into golf courses? I had to bug my dad to bring me there to launch when I was little when we lived in Torrance.

 

[gdjsky01]

Jeff,

Did you launch at Mile Square Park before they turned it into golf courses? I had to bug my dad to bring me there to launch when I was little when we lived in Torrance.

Yep. Late 90's with SCRA. Then... all gone.

 

[OC-Patrick]

Yes - nice when it lasted. BTW, sorry for your loss.

Am also a BAR. Started in late 70s to mid 80s. Stopped because of college, girls and work. Got married, had kids. One day my older boy finds my stash of old rockets about 15 years ago and rekindled the fire. Been going strong (and through my wallet) ever since even though my kids didn't catch on.

But I'm off topic....

 

[gdjsky01]

Fins are one and filleted.
Lines masked where the tubes will be glued.
Also masked where the faux aluminum vinyl will go on the smaller tube section... guess its ready for primer

 

[gdjsky01]

Meant to prime it. But grabbed white satin instead. Oh well. Looks a-ok to me.

 

[ljwilley]

Nice rocket!

 

[gdjsky01]

Not my best work.

 

[brockrwood]

Not my best work.



View attachment 608864

Can you see the defect from 15 feet away (or whatever distance away from the launch pad is required by the RSO)? If not, all is good. Proceed.

 

[GlenP]

Not my best work.



View attachment 608864

Yes, I have that same can of paint here. Makes my rockets look a lot like your driveway.

 

[BABAR]

Not my best work.



View attachment 608864

Looks very red to me.

 

[gdjsky01]

Just about done...

 

[gdjsky01]

So I think this is a wrap.

I placed (and edited) the decals as I saw fit (No U.S. I cut them out, or used them as a 'camera target' - But that would be a different thread with nothing but discord ). I think the gold vinyl, silver vinyl, and the decals turned out okay. I won't clear coat. This, well all, of my rockets are meant to fly. And if I ever have a car again? Who knows they just might!

Side



Top





Yours truly outside putting decals on in the wind... But just feels better to be out than in the shop



Next images will, I hope, be launch images!

 

[neil_w]

Very very nice.

 

[OldGuy1967]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss, and wish for you to find happiness thru this fun hobby. I just picked one of these up, so enjoyed looking at your build. Great colors, and hope you get to fly it.

 

[gdjsky01]

And the launch on a D12-5

 

[dpower]

Glad you found a little motivation, I understand how tough D can be. I find building rockets, and flying them with friends is good therepy. Hang in there, and keep posting.