Gemini -Titan 1/54 scale scratch build

[Raptor 2]

Always wanted to build a Gemini-Titan model but had no way of attaching fins to the model. Checked out Estes oop model 1978 which had a plastic fin can which was screwed to the bottom. So.....came up with a way to do fins without ruining the look of the model. I constructed a fin can which houses thru the wall clear plastic fins and an engine mount. The fin can can be inserted into the bottom of the sustainer up to where the fins protrude. It’s locked in place by two engine clips secured to exterior of the sustainer. This keeps the fin can in place when the ejection charge goes off.
I have used the paper modeling man web site where they have posted a 1/48 scale cardstock model. I printed the cardstock wraps at 90% so they fit perfectly around the circumference of the BT-70 tube. Built the Gemini capsule from the same plans on that site. Put an extra layer of cardstock on the interior of these transitions for strength. Capsule still has to coated with gloss acrylic finish. Sustainer wraps will be secured using 3M double sided tape. The 48 mm of protruding fin can will be finished on the exterior to match the Titan role pattern.

 

[user 35280]

Do you think this fin can, from Estes, would work?
https://estesrockets.com/product/071060-saturn-v-clear-fin-unit/

 

[Bravo52]

That is an outstanding looking model! I would love to have one in 1/72 scale or even 1/96. Seems the easiest way will be to take the route you have. Look forward to a flight report!

 

[Raptor 2]

Do you think this fin can, from Estes, would work?
https://estesrockets.com/product/071060-saturn-v-clear-fin-unit/

At 1/200 it’s diameter is 50.29 mm a bit smaller than the BT 70 Tube at ID of 55.4 mm. Could work but would have to come up with a way to secure to the model. The piece isn’t expensive but they don’t ship to Canada. Would Be pricey if they did.

 

[Raptor 2]

That is an outstanding looking model! I would love to have one in 1/72 scale or even 1/96. Seems the easiest way will be to take the route you have. Look forward to a flight report!

First flight will be on an Estes D or E before trying an Aerotech E30 and will post results.

 

[Raptor 2]

Wraps secured to sustainer. Just have parachute anchor, launch lugs and exterior conduits to install and this Titan ready to join the fleet.

 

[dpower]

Nice fleet!

 

[Raptor 2]

Nice fleet!

Thanks The Titan III C has flown twice. The other two are waiting for spring. will post flight results.

 

[seabeeadp]

Wraps secured to sustainer. Just have parachute anchor, launch lugs and exterior conduits View attachment 506310to install and this Titan ready to join the fleet.

Saw that LJII back there, and became more envious. .

I am just getting the itch to get back into rocketry after 1979. (think last launch i did in Navy using an Alpha Rocket simulating a “land to air missle”. patrols were going about and had to spot my location or i would set off a “missle attack”. No one saw it, but when exercise was over, the unit flew it couple of times. 3rd launch i just let it rip into air and drift in the woods. Now i’m trying to figure out what i used or a launch pad. did I make one or have one i lost. still have my old Centuri one at parents house in NY

My dad had a Gemini Titan II from early 70s with dual engines. my first cluster. young then- didn’t know about the plastic fins- was “interesting”. but the Titan and LJII and Saturn series are my must to “clone”.

good job.

 

[Raptor 2]

Thanks Seabee. Welcome to TRF. My interests in rocketry are making scratch built scale models. The Saturn line and Titans are favourites of mine also. Presently working on aTitan III E model that launched the Voyagers and planning an Artemis and Delta IV Heavy, both scratch builds.

 

[Bravo52]

Did you fly the GTII yet? If so, how did it fly on the D/E?

 

[Raptor 2]

Did you fly the GTII yet? If so, how did it fly on the D/E?

Not yet. More concerned with getting theTitan MOL off the ground. Next launch date the Titan Gemini will be going up. Am making some modification to the sustainer to install an altimeter. Also want to get my Ariane V off the ground. Will post when they go up...or not.

 

[Raptor 2]

Finally flew the Titan Gemini on August 29th.
First Flight on a D12-5 with an apogee of 486ft.
Second flight on an Aerotech E30-4 with the apogee appeared to be doubled although the altimeter read only 490ft. The force of the ejection charge ripped the anchor eyescrew out of the capsule assembly which came down without a chute but landed with no damage. The sustainer came down on the 22" chute. All in all pleased with the performance.
View attachment IMG_3072 Titan Gemini D12_Trim.mp4
View attachment IMG_3075 Titan Gemini E30_1.mp4

 

[modeltrains]

The force of the ejection charge ripped the anchor eyescrew out of the capsule assembly which came down without a chute but landed with no damage.

What's that famous old saying, something like "Fortune favors the lucky"?