Decisions, decisions.....

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ActingLikeAKid

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So a couple of months ago, I started this thread where I said "OK, next big build, what should I get...?" and everyone had some good advice. I had it down to the Wildman Punisher LDRS special (which, duh. What a deal!) or the PML Small Endeavour (such a sharp-looking kit!)

My wife said as I was choosing, "DON'T GET BOTH. Father's day is coming up...."

So I got the Punisher.

...I was just informed that she held off because she's heard me looking at yet other rockets and doesn't want to get me something I no longer want. And now I'm trying to decide if the PML Small Endeavour is what I really want.

What have you built lately that was really cool?

Right now, I'm still considering the Small Endeavour. Also the PML Bumble Bee or MR-1.
Also the MAC 3FNC
Also the LOC Athena-3

Also ...well, the more I look, the more I think "Dang, ____ is COOL. Maybe I should get that!"

At this point I'd like to avoid true dual-deploy (for a number of reasons, including "I have a Chute Release that works" (which is why I say "true" DD - I think of the CR as "pseudo DD") and "I want to work on building simpler stuff before I make that leap" and "I want to build an Eggtimer to hone my electronics fabricating skills before I start building something that detonates black powder").

I'd like to challenge myself, but I'm not ready for, say, a TLP kit.

I have a CTI Pro29 3g case but I'm thinking I might jump up to 38mm for this.

Any thoughts about the models I listed? Any new "Oh, you have to build this!!!" recommendations?

Maybe I'll just give my wife a list and tell her to surprise me :D
(and I know it won't get delivered on Father's Day, I'm OK with that)

....regardless, it sure beats getting a tie!!!!
:cool:
 
Yeah, probably. Something like going to a motorcycle forum and saying "HEY, WHAT'S A GOOD FIRST MOTORCYCLE?" ;)

I thought by specifying non-dual-deploy, I'd limit the input.....
 
I wanted a "cool" rocket. I have 34, 15 are still in bags in the build pile. And I know, I know, there are some that have 5 times that many. Like Bat-mite said, too many rockets, not enough money or time. Lol
 
(huh, wow. Noffie, that PAC-3 looks pretty cool.....)

Thanks! It comes stock with a 38mm MMT, but Mike at Madcow let me trade him for 54mm MMT and centering rings. That was my L2. And because of the split fins, it has a pretty damn sweet whistle.
 
I love my Wildman Jayhawk - 38mm MMT, looks great, with ~24 oz of nose weight it stays relatively low. Chute release would probably work well - I'm going to try a cable cutter on the salt flats (because I've already got 6 altimeters and 2 cable cutters)

I love the look of the 3D rocketry FS-2 3". You could build stock as a 29mm, or ask Bill to cut the fins for a 38mm MMT - that's my plan, at least. I just have a gazillion other rockets to finish (OK - 4 HPR LOC and a tub of LPR to repair), then another gazillion to start and finish, before I will let myself buy one of these.

Both ought to be a bit challenging, and neither will break the bank.


Good luck! So many good kits, so many great vendors, so little $ and time!
 
Want a cool rocket that is challenging, but does all that you wanted?

How about the giant leap rocketry Mariah 38.

https://giantleaprocketry.com/products/kits_highaltitude.aspx#Mariah_38

Despite being an experienced fliers kit, it is still just as simple as a regular kit to put together and you can fly it single deploy or with your chute release.

Its cool, challenging, and does all that you want.

Hope this helps.


Alexander Solis - TRA Level 1 - Mariah 54 - CTI-I100 Red Lightning Longburn - 6,345 Feet
 
Clearly the next choice is the Wildman Mega Darkstar. You said you wanted a "big build", right?
 
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Yeah, probably. Something like going to a motorcycle forum and saying "HEY, WHAT'S A GOOD FIRST MOTORCYCLE?" ;)

I thought by specifying non-dual-deploy, I'd limit the input.....

GET A SPORTY! ;)

And naw, anything DD can be flown SD on smaller motors. Which is why I recommend a DD kit, just build it with an empty av-bay and wait until you want to go bigger.... then instead of having to build a new rocket, you just drill up a sled, toss an altimeter on it and go punch one.
 
You sound a lot like me on trying to decide what's next. I used to say I wasn't gonna pay 120 or so for a paper rocket such as LOC or Binder, but those two are next on my list. Someone recently done a build thread on a Binder Design 4" Tyrannosaur, the thing is freaking huge. Their Excel iis a nice looking kit as well and for me is tied with LOCs IROC for next purchase. Even if you get a dual deploy kit, you don't have to fly it dual deploy. Just use removable rivets or machine screws to hold the payload section together.

I've gotten to where I look at it like I've got this size and this size, but I don't have this size or a stubby this size. Or that rocket would be nice and low on a 38, but build it for 54 just in case, never know.

Mike
 
I'm a big fan of the Madcow Arcas kit. Can be flown single or dual deploy and can take a L2 motor when you want to go there. One thing I'm not quite sure about is whether it's light enough to fly under FAR 101 (without an FAA waiver) with a G motor.
 
I'm kind of digging the Giant Leap stuff - the Talon series is really sharp-looking. After a little looking, I think the Mariah may be an "in a few years when I'm better at this" build. Also when I have access to a lakebed ;)
 
I'm a big fan of the Madcow Arcas kit. Can be flown single or dual deploy and can take a L2 motor when you want to go there. One thing I'm not quite sure about is whether it's light enough to fly under FAR 101 (without an FAA waiver) with a G motor.

List weight is 32oz..... if you build it really really light.... maybe. only needs a couple of parts to build it DD. Kind of shocked it didn't get the updated treatment the DX3 got....but it does keep the cost down.
 
Thanks! It comes stock with a 38mm MMT, but Mike at Madcow let me trade him for 54mm MMT and centering rings. That was my L2. And because of the split fins, it has a pretty damn sweet whistle.

saw one fly at Manchester... may just get the big body pac instead of the frenzy massive... hot looking straight flyer too!

fm
 
I'd say go look at my Binder Design .ork files. Of particular interest are the Excelerator, the Raptor, the Exocet, and the Velociraptor.

23902224313_3cdbbc7aed_o.png




26769667434_8d4dd9a44d_o.png


Mind you... the Raptor has some variations that aren't stock, and the Excelerator's paint scheme isn't either.

Remember, the proper number of rockets for the average rocketeer is N+1 (where N = current number of rockets). In my own case, however the proper number of rockets is more like N+30. :wink:
 
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WOW, that's a beautiful and cool-looking kit. I've put together (apart from LPR) two Estes PSII kits and a Wildman Punisher.... how crazy would it be to attempt the Mariah? On first glance, it looks like it's somewhere right at the edge of my abilities....

Well like I said, its not difficult to put together. Just follow the instructions and your all set. Just a couple of positioning, centering, and drilling holes, which is what you'd normally do on a regular kit.

It is not some jigsaw puzzle that has your mind thinking too much.

When you mentioned the chute release, its as simple as switching the chute from the shotgun tube to the main tube and use motor ejection with the chute release allows for a nice dual deployment flight, without the hassle of wires and altimeters for a dual deployment flight.

No complexity, no fuss no muss.


Alexander Solis - TRA Level 1 - Mariah 54 - CTI-I100 Red Lightning Longburn - 6,345 Feet
 
I'm kind of digging the Giant Leap stuff - the Talon series is really sharp-looking. After a little looking, I think the Mariah may be an "in a few years when I'm better at this" build. Also when I have access to a lakebed ;)

Come see us in Winnsboro, LA. We don't have a lake bed but we have a few miles of ag fields and a 10,000 ft waiver, with call in to 14,500. Just no sparkies.:grin:

Mike
 
Come see us in Winnsboro, LA. We don't have a lake bed but we have a few miles of ag fields and a 10,000 ft waiver, with call in to 14,500. Just no sparkies.:grin:

Mike

If I'm ever in the area, I'll look y'all up.
And that signature is perfect.
 
I'd say go look at my Binder Design .ork files. Of particular interest are the Excelerator, the Raptor, the Exocet, and the Velociraptor.
Mind you... the Raptor has some variations that aren't stock, and the Excelerator's paint scheme isn't either.

Remember, the proper number of rockets for the average rocketeer is N+1 (where N = current number of rockets). In my own case, however the proper number of rockets is more like N+30. :wink:

I love the BD stuff, but ... I'm leery about going to 38mm, and I've kind of written off anything 54mm. With Estes BP engines, I can have a fun morning of lots of flights for $20 or $30. With CTI 29mm, that's a flight, MAYBE two if I go with cheap single-grain loads. With 54mm, you're pushing $100 for *a* launch, and I just can't swing that.
 
I love the BD stuff, but ... I'm leery about going to 38mm, and I've kind of written off anything 54mm. With Estes BP engines, I can have a fun morning of lots of flights for $20 or $30. With CTI 29mm, that's a flight, MAYBE two if I go with cheap single-grain loads. With 54mm, you're pushing $100 for *a* launch, and I just can't swing that.

That's completely understandable. We all have our limits, just some limits are higher than others. If your bread and butter is going to be 29mm, I'd take a look at Aerotech if I were you. The reloads are cheaper and most of them can ship without HAZMAT. You could fly a three grain AT motor for $1-$2 more than a single grain CTI. More bang for your buck. Hope that helps!
 
Do what gives you the most enjoyment.
I think I'm going to try to design a kit for you, based on your statement that you think you are not ready for a TLP Kit.
I'll put together a combination of top quality components, and even a set of instructions, then send you the whole mess to figure out.
You don't even have to build it if you get it and don't like it, but if you do enjoy it, that will be great too.
I will base the kit on my experience with TLP kits, but take all the TLP-ishness from it, and make it a TopRamen Original based on a real missile with fins.
You are level one now, so you want to fly powerful motors when you can, so I can make it 38mm if you want, but it would still be entirely light enough to fly on a 29mm with an adapter.
It will give me a chance to use my newly found mastery of carbon fiber, and you'll get a kick out of the rocket at the very least.
In our conversations via PM, you strike me as plenty intelligent enough to handle a TLP kit, but I like seeing you be so active on the forum too asking great questions that make me think.
Anyhow, PM if you are interested. We could do something scale, like a Sparrow AIM 7F, as I already made fiberglass gussets at BT-80 Scale for RobMartinez702, using a process that created three sets per batch. Two for him, and one for me.
He might never use those either, but I had a heck of a great time learning to glass paper parts that provide structural support doing it.
I could rightly learn a lot from assembling a kit of easy to assemble components.
I've been doing a lot of foam/carbon fiber/fiberglass experiments lately, and corresponding with a lot of folks here that are at the top of their building game.
The rockets and stuff I build today could not even be imagined by me a couple of years ago, but I got schooled real good by spending time here and trying to digest every single thread for tips and tricks to building rockets. Somewhere along the line I went "off the rails" as they say, and became obsessed with building rockets. With so much encouragement and material support from the folks here, I feel that I can create a unique and appealing rocket kit, and that it will be hard to screw up or make it fly in an unsafe fashion.
TLP Kits are notorious at that.
I never even flew my first TLP kit. I ended up disecting it to admire everything I'd done wrong in great and minute detail.:)
I'm actually going to be making my first mold from this section, since everything is at least nice and straight. I modified the TLP rear fins because I accidentally cut slots that were too long.
I did not even know about composites at the time, but now I have a hard time looking at stuff that does not have layers of glass and CF.

TLP ALARM MOLD POSITIVE 2016-06-17 001.jpg
 
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I love the BD stuff, but ... I'm leery about going to 38mm, and I've kind of written off anything 54mm. With Estes BP engines, I can have a fun morning of lots of flights for $20 or $30. With CTI 29mm, that's a flight, MAYBE two if I go with cheap single-grain loads. With 54mm, you're pushing $100 for *a* launch, and I just can't swing that.

I know that if I were to get another 29mm performance kit, I'd take a really hard look at the Madcow mini line. I got to see some kits in person and they were beautiful. A Mini Frenzy or Tomach would be a real trip on something like an I200W, but should also sport fly really well on smaller $12 29mm loads. Until then I actually need to finish my first 29mm performer, the same Punisher that you have.

Another option would be to get one of those one size bigger with the 38mm mount and use a 29mm adapter, until you're ready to punch it with a 38mm.
 
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I love the BD stuff, but ... I'm leery about going to 38mm, and I've kind of written off anything 54mm. With Estes BP engines, I can have a fun morning of lots of flights for $20 or $30. With CTI 29mm, that's a flight, MAYBE two if I go with cheap single-grain loads. With 54mm, you're pushing $100 for *a* launch, and I just can't swing that.

Aerotech 29/40-120 and Loki 38/120 are pretty cost effective per flight ( and also gateway drugs ). No L1, no Hazmat.
 
If I'm ever in the area, I'll look y'all up.
And that signature is perfect.

And its true! I can screw up anything if I put my mind to it. :bangpan:

Just because your rocket CAN fly on a 38mm doesn't mean it has to, and because you can now fly Level 1 motors doesn't mean you have to. My truck isn't always in 4 wheel drive and I rarely pump that third round into my shotgun. I would get annoyed because the bigger diameter rockets didn't have 29mm holes, but it makes more sense to put a bigger hole in there, it's more versatile. You can always adapt down, but not up. You can move the adapter from rocket to rocket.

You are already ahead of me actually, I have yet to get my L1. I simply didn't want to put an H in my Wildman and never see it again, or walk a mile to get it. But I am soon continue on my way into L1, first I have to decide NAR or TRA. I have a bird in the works just for that purpose and hope to fly it in the fall. The rocket I am building can be flown in single or dual deploy configurations, with or without the payload section, on 29mm G's all the way up to 38mm I's, and possibly a J, but that will be pushing the design as it sims at .88 Mach.

When it comes to prices, I am right there with ya. And I like to get more bang for my buck. Compare the prices on Aerotech 29/240 and 38/240 reloads. They are the same. You can build your rocket to handle the 38's and adapt down to 29's. That way when you get a little money stashed back and you have that perfect launch day with clear skies and no wind, stick a bigger 38 in there and send it up. And you can fly a 54mm for 50 bucks, if you have the hardware. But I agree, it is hard to justify. But when I build my "big" rocket, I plan to put a 54mm in it, just in case I talk myself into shelling out the cash to fly one that big.

But it is all what you like. Lots of people fly nothing but LPR birds, and my favorite flights so far has been with my Big Daddy. I think you could probably save money by investing in the AT 24/40 case. They are cheaper than the larger BP motors. The 29/40-120 is good, the 'F' loads DO incur HAZMAT shipping though.

Mike
 
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