astronboy
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2002
- Messages
- 2,618
- Reaction score
- 2
Hi Gang,
I have been musing over various threads concerning building techniques for BP model rockets, an I want to state right out of the gate that this thread is not meant to be critical, but I am just curious about what others are thinking/building.
I am pleased with the advances in building techniques, and glue-technology. I use yellow glue, CA, and a bit of epoxy here and there.... I have however seen what I see as a trend of overbuilding of BT-60 and smaller modrocs.
Although most of us on the forum fly for fun vs competition, I personally have no desire to glass tubes and cones, add G10 fins, have epoxy laden fin cans and motor mounts for BP powered sport rockets under 2" in diameter.
My impression of model rockets is to build an inexpensive, lightweight rocket for max flight characteristics, including altitude. The heavy duty techniques borrowed from Mid and HP do add considerable strength, but they also add a ton of weight to a BP powered rocket.
Yes, I am sad when I prang a nice project, (I just bounced my BT-60 Blue Bird Zero clone when it hung on the launch rod.) But on the other hand, I just thisweekend launched and recovered my first rocket: a 1971 Gobln that my dad built for me when I was 6. (That is a small bird for a D engine).
Of course, glassing a 'touring' rocket that will be hammered by UPS and launched by many hands needs a bit of extra strength. I also feel that if you are going to fly a modroc on AP motors, then you need to boost your construction accordingly.
I was just wondering how others feel about 'heavy duty' building of modrocs.
I have been musing over various threads concerning building techniques for BP model rockets, an I want to state right out of the gate that this thread is not meant to be critical, but I am just curious about what others are thinking/building.
I am pleased with the advances in building techniques, and glue-technology. I use yellow glue, CA, and a bit of epoxy here and there.... I have however seen what I see as a trend of overbuilding of BT-60 and smaller modrocs.
Although most of us on the forum fly for fun vs competition, I personally have no desire to glass tubes and cones, add G10 fins, have epoxy laden fin cans and motor mounts for BP powered sport rockets under 2" in diameter.
My impression of model rockets is to build an inexpensive, lightweight rocket for max flight characteristics, including altitude. The heavy duty techniques borrowed from Mid and HP do add considerable strength, but they also add a ton of weight to a BP powered rocket.
Yes, I am sad when I prang a nice project, (I just bounced my BT-60 Blue Bird Zero clone when it hung on the launch rod.) But on the other hand, I just thisweekend launched and recovered my first rocket: a 1971 Gobln that my dad built for me when I was 6. (That is a small bird for a D engine).
Of course, glassing a 'touring' rocket that will be hammered by UPS and launched by many hands needs a bit of extra strength. I also feel that if you are going to fly a modroc on AP motors, then you need to boost your construction accordingly.
I was just wondering how others feel about 'heavy duty' building of modrocs.