Lakeroadster's Lifting Rocket

[lakeroadster]

So, just a comment...
Next to diagram labeled "5" please let me know what an 'ignition wipe' is

No idea... but I bet Bill Gates knows.

However, when you take a pdf file, and zoom out to see the entire drawing, then make a jpg... it's an "ignition wipe". When you zoom in on Detail B and make another jpg... it's an "ignition wire".

Technology marches on.

 

[Rktman]

Extremely meticulous, creative and well-thought-out build. Ever consider designing for or contracting out to outfits like Estes or Apogee?

 

[lakeroadster]

Extremely meticulous, creative and well-thought-out build. Ever consider designing for or contracting out to outfits like Estes or Apogee?

Thanks. I'm retired. I'd consider it if there were no deadlines. But that's rarely the case.

 

[lakeroadster]

Started applying Gorilla Glue fillets to the fins yesterday. I'm making them as small as possible, then plan to stain the wood with Spar Urethane.

Anybody ever stained / coated balsa with Spar Urethane? I'm still working on final paint scheme, but at this point I'm still thinking "Steam Punk" but with a NASA Gemini Salvage Yard Twist.

 

[neil_w]

Anybody ever stained / coated balsa with Spar Urethane?

My standard recommendation would be to try it on a test piece, see if you like the look before you commit.

Looking forward to seeing this thing in pigment!

 

[lakeroadster]

Here's my 1st draft of the paint scheme.. Comments or Suggestions?

 

[BABAR]

Nice. What kind of camera you gonna put in the tail?

 

[neil_w]

That'll be very spiffy indeed.

 

[lakeroadster]

Nice. What kind of camera you gonna put in the tail?

I'm not sure at this point. I'll be working on the revised Cargo Bay design today. The new design doesn't have the BT-80 to BT-60 transition.I want the motor mount to be removable, probably via screws. This will allow a bolt in camera mount, or bolt in mounts for other stuff too.
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Proposed Cargo Bay

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Previous Cargo Bay

 

[lakeroadster]

Started gluing the internal fin can fillets today. Also redesigned the Cargo Bay and did a couple rendering of the new paint schematic.

 

[Rockyt]

Here's my first try @ staining rocket fins. I loved the way it turned out. It was left over minwax from another project. The strip below the nosecone was a laminate sheet meant for scrapbooking, but you really can't tell the difference.

Here's my first foray into Steampunk, and yes, I was another one inspired byt Fatboy's ACME'punk builds.
View attachment 248197
View attachment 248198

Completed Pics:
View attachment 253043
View attachment 253044

Clearly, I'm a fan of your 'salvaged' rocket look. I love the weathered look a wash of black/brown for the silver sections, but a light wash of thinned down black would really make them pop, assmiung you are going for a 'shinier' rocket feel.

Just, don't use a sponge brush...I'd recommend a paper towel or small flat brush to do it.

 

[lakeroadster]

Here's my first try @ staining rocket fins. .....

Thanks for posting. That is indeed awesome. How did you do the rivets and steel straps?

 

[Rockyt]

The rivets are 'pearl' stickers of varying sizes from the sticker/scrapbook section of hobby lobby (Took a few trips as the 40% coupon is a 'one per day thing') and the straps are just cut strips of manila folder or cardboard, depending on thickness I wanted. They were glued to the rocket with a small gap that was then filled by CWF and sanded smooth. You can see the remnants on the collar in the first 2 pics of my quote above.

 

[lakeroadster]

The rivets are 'pearl' stickers of varying sizes from the sticker/scrapbook section of hobby lobby (Took a few trips as the 40% coupon is a 'one per day thing') and the straps are just cut strips of manila folder or cardboard, depending on thickness I wanted. They were glued to the rocket with a small gap that was then filled by CWF and sanded smooth. You can see the remnants on the collar in the first 2 pics of my quote above.

Thanks again Rockyt..

Spent "Day 2" on the internal glue fillets. Looking good thus far.

Here's a photo, with a CAD view of the MM for reference.

 

[lakeroadster]

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends...

Finished the Fin Can. Glued the rear centering ring in. I've been weighing the Fin Can sub-ass'y each day since I glued the internals... it keeps getting lighter as the internal glue fillets dry.

Started building the Cargo Bay today. It sure helps to have extra materials on hand. I used a C-60, BT-60 and Centering rings to help align the bulkhead to the BT-80.

P.S.: The candle holder that is holding up the Fin Can is called "Circle of Friends" gives new meaning to the term "Light The Candles".

The Native American statue in the photo is made from ash... from Mount St. Helens.​

 

[Crawf56]

Using cereal box cardboard to make conic wraps? Brilliant!

Is there a method for a fit, or is it trial and error?

By the way, I used to mess around with old cars (1955 Dodge Royal). In a pinch, used cereal box cardboard for gaskets.

 

[OverTheTop]

Rocket is looking spectacular .

By the way, I used to mess around with old cars (1955 Dodge Royal). In a pinch, used cereal box cardboard for gaskets.

+1. Works a treat and I have never had a problem when I have had to resort to this.

 

[lakeroadster]

Thanks for the comments

Using cereal box cardboard to make conic wraps? Brilliant!

Is there a method for a fit, or is it trial and error?

Good timing on that question... I just finished installing the forward cone this morning on the Cargo Bay. Here are some photo's that show how I make the conical transitions.

I use this online calculator to develop the template: https://craig-russell.co.uk/demos/cone_calculator/

I cut the template, lay it on the cardboard, mark around the exterior and then use scissors to cut out the template.

After the cone is finished and glued onto the rocket I scuff up the colored portion with sand paper and then apply superglue to the surface to stiffen it up. Then lightly sand again before priming.

 

[lakeroadster]

Dry fit of all the components. This thing is a beast.. well, a LPR beast anyways.

 

[Crawf56]

Excellent description. Greatly appreciated.

 

[lakeroadster]

More design changes. The Cargo Bay doubles as a carrier for a motor mount. This allows either a 24mm motor, or cargo. I wanted a bolt in motor mount. That lead to a bolted faux motor nozzle extension.

Here's the end result.

 

[lakeroadster]

More progress today on the Cargo Bay. Installed the studs into the bulkhead and fabricated the motor mount and the motor nozzle extension. Not done yet but pretty pleased with the end product thus far.

 

[neil_w]

Sorry if I missed this earlier... do you have an estimate what this thing is gonna weigh?

 

[lakeroadster]

Sorry if I missed this earlier... do you have an estimate what this thing is gonna weigh?

I just weighed it. It's currently 1 lb 0.4 oz.

Open Rocket says 1 lb 3.7 oz.

I'm guessing it'll actually be about a 1-1/2 lbs

 

[BABAR]

I just weighed it. It's currently 1 lb 0.4 oz.

Open Rocket says 1 lb 3.7 oz.

I'm guessing it'll actually be about a 1-1/2 lbs

Sooo, at least two D engine better light!

Curious, will open rocket simulate the flight with only two engines?

 

[lakeroadster]

Sooo, at least two D engine better light!

Curious, will open rocket simulate the flight with only two engines?

Yes it does. I have multiple simulations, from (1) D-12 motor up to (4) D-12 motors, and even (3) Aerotek E30's.

(2) D12 Motors in the cluster firing gives an altitude of 281 feet and a flight duration of 19 seconds.

(1) D12 Motor produces a lawn dart that ejects the laundry on the ground.

I may end up using an Aerotek E-30 in the Cargo Bay, along with the (3) D's in the Cluster. Lots of options

 

[neil_w]

Woohoo, 3xE30 baby. You may want to try 3xE15 as well, I love those motors.

What are you doing with the ejection charge in the cargo bay motor? Is it vented out somewhere?

 

[lakeroadster]

Woohoo, 3xE30 baby. You may want to try 3xE15 as well, I love those motors.

What are you doing with the ejection charge in the cargo bay motor? Is it vented out somewhere?

The bolt in motor mount has a long BT-50 tube that mates with the empty motor mount in the fin can. Therefore even if all the cluster motors don't fire, the ejection from the cargo bay motor will deploy the chutes..... at least that's the plan.

Please explain your experiences with E-30's and E-15's... what do you like or dislike about them?

 

[neil_w]

Please explain your experiences with E-30's and E-15's... what do you like or dislike about them?

Haven't used the E30 yet. I tend to like longer burns rather than high thrust. The E15 has enough to get all my 24mm (and my 29mm Trajector) moving nicely off the pad without teleporting. I have no doubt the E30 is great too, E15 just works better for a larger number of my rockets.

 

[lakeroadster]

Haven't used the E30 yet. I tend to like longer burns rather than high thrust. The E15 has enough to get all my 24mm (and my 29mm Trajector) moving nicely off the pad without teleporting. I have no doubt the E30 is great too, E15 just works better for a larger number of my rockets.

I like it, less of a kick in the pants. And it works well with the D-12's also. An E-15 in the Cargo Bay and no cluster motors might be a good initial shake down run.