OKTurbo’s Arapahoe X project

[OKTurbo]

I wasn’t sure how I was going to do this. Just build it then post details when I’m done, or start a post and let ya’ll go along for the ride.

I decided to go ahead let you see the process.

Rather than just go with an upscale of the original Thrustline Arapahoe E, I thought I would try an updated high power Arapahoe. It’s now just a pile of parts and some sketches. Will probably start by fiberglassing the tubes. Parts are from LOC, Sandman nosecone, Aeropack retainer, etc.

I have some ideas on the graphics, but chime in if you have ideas / thoughts / criticism. I’m feeling it should be flat black, gloss black nose cone, maybe some gloss grey highlight stripes, big X on the logo will be yellow or bright orange.

Here’s the start..

 

[mbeels]

I love those graphics you drew up. I like your variation on the Arapahoe, with the angularized lines, very original! That will look fantasic!

 

[neil_w]

Oh, this should be fun. Great drawings, agree with Marten that your angular mods should look great.

That nose cone is a beauty, what kind of wood is it?

 

[OKTurbo]

Oh, this should be fun. Great drawings, agree with Marten that your angular mods should look great.

That nose cone is a beauty, what kind of wood is it?

Thanks Neil. The nosecone is balsa. I gave it a good coating of Smiths penetrating epoxy several weeks ago to harden it. I may cover it in fiberglass for a little extra strength.

 

[neil_w]

That's a heck of a chunk of balsa. Can't tell is that 2.6" or 3"? Then I'm done with questions for now and will await the build.

Paint scheme idea sounds good, although that's where I'd normally start previewing in OR so I'd know for sure.

 

[mbeels]

Can't tell is that 2.6" or 3"?

Looks like 3" Loc tube.

 

[OKTurbo]

Looks like 3" Loc tube.

Yes. 3” LOC tubes.

 

[mo2872]

. Neato!!

 

[Tobor]

I dig your interpretation of the Arapahoe. Graphics and all. Subscribed!

 

[OKTurbo]

Did a little work in this project. Fins are cut. First time using an Aeropack tailcone retainer. Get it figured out before I mix the epoxy.

 

[OKTurbo]

A few more pics of my progress. Tubes cut and slotted. First dry fit. Next will be the strakes.

 

[OKTurbo]

Working on the strakes. These are a big part of the Arapahoe design. I want to make sure they look correct.

 

[Greg Furtman]

Working on the strakes. These are a big part of the Arapahoe design. I want to make sure they look correct.
View attachment 443631View attachment 443632View attachment 443633

Plywood?

 

[OKTurbo]

Plywood?

Yep...

1/8”, 5-ply voidless birch aircraft plywood. The good stuff. I used balsa for the conduit/strake on my big Stiletto. Even after hardening with CA it got all kinds of hanger rash. The plywood should hold up better. They should also add a ton of stiffness to the tubes. That’s why I’m not fiberglassing it.

 

[Greg Furtman]

Good quality, thin plywood is amazingly tough. Nice stuff. Are the fins 1/8" also?

 

[OKTurbo]

Good quality, thin plywood is amazingly tough. Nice stuff. Are the fins 1/8" also?

Yeah. Same material. I got it from Balsa USA.

 

[OKTurbo]

Current state. Some pics of the strake details.

 

[neil_w]

Ooh, the notches in the strakes are an interesting touch. Are they going to stay open like that or do you have further plans for them?

 

[OKTurbo]

Ooh, the notches in the strakes are an interesting touch. Are they going to stay open like that or do you have further plans for them?

I’ve had a couple of ideas, but i’m not sure how they would look.

If I thought I could pull it off, i’d put Clear plastic with some mini led lights in there. Orange plastic that lights up would be cool.

 

[OKTurbo]

Here’s what I’ve gathered. Can’t remember where I got these...I think it was an after Christmas sale last year. The package has a ‘try me’ button that lights them up on 3 coin cells. There is a good space under the tailcone retainer I could use. I might give the lights a try....

 

[OKTurbo]

The strakes are glued on. Fins and MMT just dry fit. I still need a plan on the recovery harness before I glue in the motor mount. This is the progress for today....time to get the turkey in the oven.

 

[Greg Furtman]

I really like the notches in the strakes. Fits right in with the whole Arapaho theme.

 

[OKTurbo]

Fin can is together and in the body tube. I went with old school titebond II wood glue on this one. Recovery harness will be 1/4” tubular Kevlar. 1/4” tube to make it easily replaceable. I will tie a loop around the mmt under the tailcone retainer.

 

[shawn_rocket]

Any updates to this build @OKTurbo? Such a cool looking rocket. Love the Arapahoe lines...

 

[OKTurbo]

Any updates to this build @OKTurbo? Such a cool looking rocket. Love the Arapahoe lines...

Sorry. Life got in the way. Polar vortex shut down the OKTurbo shop for a bit, then my daughter got married. This weekend we're moving furniture for one of my adult sons. I've been in major Dad mode.

I'm hoping things will slow down and I can get back on it. Right now it's still on the workbench, so that's a plus

 

[shawn_rocket]

No worries! Dad mode is a good thing!

 

[mo2872]

Sorry. Life got in the way. Polar vortex shut down the OKTurbo shop for a bit, then my daughter got married. This weekend we're moving furniture for one of my adult sons. I've been in major Dad mode.

I'm hoping things will slow down and I can get back on it. Right now it's still on the workbench, so that's a plus

Plus all our launches are being weathered out! Boo!!!!

 

[dhbarr]

Plus all our launches are being weathered out! Boo!!!!

Argonia this weekend....

 

[Jay Rairigh]

...excuses, excuses.

No, looking forward to it!

 

[cwbullet]

Nice design. This design would be a great level 3 bird.