Andrew's Rocketry Shop, Crazy Cluster

Introducing the Crazy Cluster from Andrew's Rocketry Shop. This was a fun little build. His direction packet is well written. That parts came all packed nicely.

Stats:
2.6" Diameter
3- 24mm Cluster
53" Tall
18 oz. Without motors




Started with the motor mount. The three tubes have each a thrust ring. Glued into plywood centering rings. No motor retention comes with the kit, and is intended to use friction fit.



After it was glued in, I started with the fins. The fin tabs go through the body and epoxy to the MMT.



I used a template from payloadbay to eyeball everything straight.

It wasn't included, but is made two coupler bulkheads into a baffle in the first coupler.

The second coupler also gets a bulkhead so we aren't pressurizing all three tubes for ejection. Original plans only pressurize the bottom tube.

This kit came with 2oz of clay nose weight. So I pressed that in the nose.



I put some 15 minute epoxy fillets on after I double checked everything was straight.



This kit came with 1010 buttons. The lower was installed into the lower centering ring, and the top screwed into the baffle bulkhead. Both with CA on the screws.



A couple days later I started priming and sanding. The fins received 3 layers of prime and sand. The tubes received 2 layers.

Nice and straightforward
Is Andrew back in business or is this what's on top of your build pile?

Then I started applying color. The different colors, fading and clear coat all happened in a 2 hour window. Allowing coats to dry about 10 minutes before continuing.



The blue was a lighter shade then I wanted, so it received a black base coat.



Paint drying in the "oven". It will be in the heat for 48 hours before I transport it. Spray paint stays soft for weeks, so hopefully baking will accelerate that.



Finished product. I'm happy with it.





I will fly it this Saturday the 23rd. First flight is going to be one three D12-5's.
I'll post picture after.

Nytrunner said:

Nice and straightforward
Is Andrew back in business or is this what's on top of your build pile?

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I think he just stopped selling components. But he was still selling kits. This is a new one that he will release soon. I just received it a week ago and it was moved to the top of the build pile for this weekend's launch.

Nytrunner said:

Nice and straightforward
Is Andrew back in business or is this what's on top of your build pile?

Click to expand...

We've only stopped selling components.

We're still releasing rocket kits, and this one is going to be the newest one.

I've also been working on the new ARS parachutes as well, which will range from sizes 9"-60"





Thanks,

Thanks for doing the build thread, Eric!

I really appreciate it!




Thanks,

Eric said:

Then I started applying color. The different colors, fading and clear coat all happened in a 2 hour window. Allowing coats to dry about 10 minutes before continuing.


View attachment 375357

View attachment 375358

I will fly it this Saturday the 23rd. First flight is going to be one three D12-5's.
I'll post picture after.

Click to expand...

nice job on the faded paint. that can be tricky with rattle cans. ...and you are dead on about the paint being soft after spraying. I let mine sit for at least 7 full days before I touch them. I didn't have that patience when I was younger, but it sure does pay off now.

Looks great, Eric. Andrew, you should be proud! Good luck with the launch. Glad you aren't putting E9s in there.

Bat-mite said:

Looks great, Eric. Andrew, you should be proud! Good luck with the launch. Glad you aren't putting E9s in there.

Click to expand...

First flight on Three D12-5's went great.


Andrew posted video of the flight on Facebook.

Very nice!! You have a winner Andrew.

blackjack2564 said:

Very nice!! You have a winner Andrew.

Click to expand...

Thanks!!





Thanks,

I'll be sending a kit up to Randy of eRockets tomorrow.

The Crazy Cluster could be released as early as Thursday, but no guarantees yet.


I'll be sure to post an update as to when it's available.





Thanks,

To be released tomorrow at eRockets.biz!







Thanks,

OK - The kits were released today, but they sold out very quickly.. Sorry about that, but I wasn't expecting to sell them that quickly..
I will send a couple more up to eRockets, and they should be available sometime later next week.

Also, I'd like to note that most of these kits will come with the new ARS Extreme parachutes.. These are strong, lightweight chutes, and these are another great addition to the new rocket kits!






Thanks,