Fairly old AT F50-4T

So around 1997, I purchased a couple of Aerotech kits... an HV Arcas and an Astrobee D. Back then an F50 was mailable w/o incurring a ridiculous fee (sigh) so I got one of those expecting to use it in the "D" as it was a recommended motor. Well here it is 2018... the HV Arcas is flying and the D just had it's primer coat sanded down. An F50-4 isn't usable in the HV Arcas unless it comes with bonus delay (I've used Estes F50-6's because a couple were available locally).

This F50-4 I have has NO molded casing, a paper ejection retainer (stamped 5E1AB). I've even still got the copperhead igniter...

So what is the likelihood that this thing will simply immediately CATO on ignition seeing how it is 20 years old or better?

Will it even light??

Any thoughts are welcome....

Old Blue Thunder motors work well...probably cato at a lower rate than comparable modern day motors even!

I have several F60T's from the mid-to-late 80's. They were renamed F50T's in the late 80's. They burn as well today as they did back then.

Enjoy!

Used that exact motor combo from 1998 at the last launch. flawless. paper BP cover and all. 3D printed Minions on oarachutes went for a great ride in a Leviathan. No issues, no bonus delays.

Found the video... straight and true. It was a Craigslist motor find!

Motors are like old ammo, as long as they are stored properly they'll work. I have tons of 75-80 year old paper hulled shotgun shells that work great. Keep the humidity down they'll store forever!

Thank you all! That does boost my confidence level on this one!

APCP motors last for decades as long as they weren't stored in high heat, direct sun, or a damp basement.

Your motor was born on 4/27/1994. My experience with motors this old is that the delay will run long. About 6-7 seconds instead of 4 in this case. Unlike White Lightning, Blur Thunder ages pretty well and does not swell up as much as WL, especially in the humid Southeast. I would recommend putting composites in an air tight container with silica gel to absorb any moisture.

mwtoelle said:

Your motor was born on 4/27/1994. My experience with motors this old is that the delay will run long. About 6-7 seconds instead of 4 in this case. Unlike White Lightning, Blur Thunder ages pretty well and does not swell up as much as WL, especially in the humid Southeast. I would recommend putting composites in an air tight container with silica gel to absorb any moisture.

Click to expand...

Hmm, that would make it good for the Arcas...... I er... uh... guess!