Off Grid Gecko
Well-Known Member
Alright, I said I would try to start this thread up tonight, so here I am.
Little background. Since I heard of people launching the Estes Mean Machine on G motors (some win, some lose, seems to be the failure point on the stock model) I've wanted to try this. I actually wanted to try something similar a long time ago with a 2.6" thin-wall kraft tube, but that's another story.
I've bashed up my Mean Machine kit and launched the first piece, the "Mini Meanie," on a D motor last weekend. Winds were too high for me to attempt the E12.
Anyway, there's plenty of 41.6mm tubing in this kit (which is why I bought it). I purchased a nosecone 3-pack with what looks like a 9" ogive included. Still figuring out the other parts, they look like they are payload adaptors or something. The design will be similar to "Mini Meanie" in outward appearance, but the guts are quite different. Here's a sketchup:
I'm hoping that this design will endure G motors easily, and possibly some H's as well. I didn't stuff that 29mm tube in there to look at it, but testing will need to be done on some smaller motors before I attempt anything too crazy. In theory, this should be go for an I, just need to figure out a way to track it at that altitude first.
Not in the picture is the payload assembly, which is kind of optional, but I'll be running DD on the bigger motors. Actually, that's what this bird is being built for, a solid introduction and experience fountain for rocketry electronics and DD. At least, a simple setup DD bird. Perhaps a reflective streamer for the drogue and a 12" - 15" chute for the main, depending on how heavy the motor is.
As the second derivation from the kitbash, this was going to be named "Mean Monster," but after finding a Monster energy sticker to use as a decal, I think I'm simply going to call her: "Monster" Designation GP007
Pictures incoming of the build process. This message will self destruct in thirty seconds.
Little background. Since I heard of people launching the Estes Mean Machine on G motors (some win, some lose, seems to be the failure point on the stock model) I've wanted to try this. I actually wanted to try something similar a long time ago with a 2.6" thin-wall kraft tube, but that's another story.
I've bashed up my Mean Machine kit and launched the first piece, the "Mini Meanie," on a D motor last weekend. Winds were too high for me to attempt the E12.
Anyway, there's plenty of 41.6mm tubing in this kit (which is why I bought it). I purchased a nosecone 3-pack with what looks like a 9" ogive included. Still figuring out the other parts, they look like they are payload adaptors or something. The design will be similar to "Mini Meanie" in outward appearance, but the guts are quite different. Here's a sketchup:
I'm hoping that this design will endure G motors easily, and possibly some H's as well. I didn't stuff that 29mm tube in there to look at it, but testing will need to be done on some smaller motors before I attempt anything too crazy. In theory, this should be go for an I, just need to figure out a way to track it at that altitude first.
Not in the picture is the payload assembly, which is kind of optional, but I'll be running DD on the bigger motors. Actually, that's what this bird is being built for, a solid introduction and experience fountain for rocketry electronics and DD. At least, a simple setup DD bird. Perhaps a reflective streamer for the drogue and a 12" - 15" chute for the main, depending on how heavy the motor is.
As the second derivation from the kitbash, this was going to be named "Mean Monster," but after finding a Monster energy sticker to use as a decal, I think I'm simply going to call her: "Monster" Designation GP007
Pictures incoming of the build process. This message will self destruct in thirty seconds.