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Finally removed mine from the package earlier this week. The forward section wasn't joined to the coupler. Fixed with epoxy. Have yet to fly and we're in for a wet weekend here.
See my post #144 on this thread at YORF. It's tacked with two spots of glue. Good to check and fix before launch to prevent any mishaps at ejectionThe forward section wasn't joined to the coupler. Fixed with epoxy
BTW don't know if this was previously mentioned, but Flightsketch has parts to adapt a 24mm motor to this kit. 3D printed and non permanent, you can switch between 18 and 24mm motors. Very reasonably priced at $7. Saw it while browsing this morning.
https://flightsketch.com/store/catalog/1200-saturn-v-24mm-motor-mount_129/
Edit: Just saw Russ' posting on the previous page. I wonder if you could use the gray Estes 24mm screw on retainer and lock on the fin unit to this adapter? That would be perfect.
The mount itself is pretty close in weight, but the motor is a good bit heavier. My plan is to balance back to where the original CG was with the C6-3. Not sure what it will take yet.
It looks like Estes has updated the 2160 Saturn V instructions on their website:
https://estesrockets.com/wp-content/uploads/Instructions/002160_SATURN-V.pdf
This takes into account getting the motor seated properly in the model.
Launched ours today on a C6-3, perfect flight, estimate about 150-200 feet high and ejection slightly past apogee. Would not hesitate to fly again on a C6-3.
What was the wind speed at launch?Launched ours today on a C6-3, perfect flight, estimate about 150-200 feet high and ejection slightly past apogee. Would not hesitate to fly again on a C6-3.
Did not know there was an addendum.Curious if you used/followed the motor insertion instruction addendum?
Almost no wind, say less than 5 mph.What was the wind speed at launch?
I just read the addendum from the link. We double checked the motor install and recovery, since it was a demonstration for my son's summer class. No issues with the flight.
Have flown mine twice more - once on a C6-3 and once on a C12-4. Both flights were as they should have been. The model now has seven flights on it. Five of those have been on Q-Jets. There has been no heat deformation of the upper motor mount ring.
...then the motor retainer won't be on all the way and the fins will be loose - whether or not the motor is properly aligned. There is no way to screw the retainer all the way down without the motor either being properly seated or physically shortened.
Well, if the aft bulkhead in your model will actually flex far enough to allow you to do that then it's cracked. Have you actually tried to do this? You have also refused to post a picture of your "distorted" upper motor mount ring. Is it really distorted? If so, show us. I've posted several pictures of the insides of the one of these I've been flying.Nope, not true the aft bulkhead being made of plastic will flex or bow towards the retainer.
Again if Estes had used a typical motor tube in their design this would have been a non-issue even for us ignorant "experienced L0, L1, L2 and L3 flyers"
I think maybe we can take this as a win for Estes and the Rocketry forum. Estes came out with a cool rocket. Yeah, by Estes own engine chart it is a bit underpowered, but it apparently flies okay with the engine mounted properly. Some marginal flights or worse were reported on the forum, looks like murphy’s Law, if there is a way to mess it up, people will find it. Problem with getting engine properly seated recognized, Estes acknowledges it, hopefully message gets out to everybody by July 20, and there will be lots of great flights on the anniversary.
Reference Estes Engine chart which for C6-3 engine lists Max. Lift Wt. as 4 oz / 113 Grams
Quote from this chart currently on Estes web site:
“• Do not fly a rocket/engine combination whose lift-off weight exceeds the recommended maximum lift-off weight.”
https://estesrockets.com/wp-content/uploads/Educator/Estes_Engine_Chart.pdf
Reference Estes Saturn 5
Quote
“Estimated Weight. 5 oz. (141.7 g)”
https://estesrockets.com/product/002160-saturn-v-1200th-scale-ready-to-fly/
I think we’re just seeing the results of production variations of what is, in the larger scheme of things, a collection of relatively inexpensive injection molded plastic parts. My only caveats are to launch in as still air as you can with a BP C6-3 and make sure the fin unit doesn’t wobble. Much too nice of a rocket to crash or put in a tree or on a roof topI’ve got 2 RTF Saturns, one for each of my sons. We haven’t had any issues whatsoever. Each rocket has flown 5 times, because I can’t fly one child’s rocket without the other wanting to fly his. Every flight has been on a C6-3 with little to no wind. Every flight has had a straight boost and recovery with no damage.
I let the kids load the motors and put the retaining cap on. They haven’t had any trouble getting the fin unit on tight. Not sure why others are having trouble, but that’s my anecdotal evidence FWIW.
N=10.
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