Anyone use "Fly-away rail guides? How do you like them?

What's your experience with them? Is there a preferred style? My concern is that the acceleration of the rocket and the speed of detachment of the guide cause a collision of the guide and the fin(s).

Is this a valid concern or am I over thinking it?

It's a valid concern. I have seen it break the FARGs but only minor damage to a fin so far.

The spring + aerobraking is usually quite effective in flinging them away.

It's recommended to place the guides right at the leading edge of fins to prevent this from happening so the rocket is pushing against the guides as soon as the rocket lifts off pad.

I've used them twice. They broke both times. The manufacturer is no longer responding to requests for support.

I’ve used fly-away rail guides (purchased from Animal Motor Works) on my Blackhawk 38 several times with no issues. I place it near the fin leading edge lke timbucktoo mentioned and have not seen any damage to the fins or the guide.

I’ve used Apogee Rockets egglofter FARG on a 24mm MD carbon fiber scratch build. I haven’t tested the CTI Pro24 6G, G-145 motor yet. So far I like them.

For my L2 54mm MD rocket by MAC I’m considering an additive aerospace FARG. Just place the FARG near the leAding edge of the fins as everyone else is saying.

My biggest problem is trying to recover the FARG post launch.

I have the Mayham rocketry version. It looks like addatives are I little stronger.

I tie a ~12" piece of streamer to each half. Makes them more visible when they land in taller grass.

Hey... what happened to that rocket above just after that moment captured by the DSLR?

swatkat said:

Hey... what happened to that rocket above just after that moment captured by the DSLR?

Click to expand...

It kept flying up for a little while more...

I've used fly away guides several times, from different manufacturers and in different sizes. Large motors in a minimum-diameter configuration are normal in my use cases.
I consider them one-time use, as they don't usually survive the impact with the ground after being kicked up a hundred feet or more and falling ballistically. For future flights, I intend to experiment with streamers and small parachutes on the guides, sandwiched between the guide and the rocket body. Despite these shortcomings, I still plan to use fly-away guides, because not every launch needs to include the hassle of a tower.

Recently purchased the 98mm AA fly away guide. I am considering using it on a MD rocket with a N3300. Pad weight is about 45 pounds. Thoughts? Tips or tricks? Is it a bad idea? TIA

38mm, flying Gs, never had one survive a launch. Always wanted to integrate a streamer/parachute

Used them once on a 75mm MD rocket - didn't release -- ripped a fin off and nuked the rocket.
Never again.
Built a tower instead - way cheaper.

Fred, how recent was this?

I should have said that I'm well aware of the breakage rate upon hitting the ground. I care less about that and more about whether I can expect a nominal, straight boost. Manufacturer said he would replace units that break on landing, anyway.

DeeRoc29 said:

Fred, how recent was this?

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Balls 2018

I’ve launched my 29mm fly away rail guides from Apogee 3 times now (2x on F44, 1x G78). It has worked great every time and no damage upon tumble recovery. I put some wax on the surface between the guide and rail and it slides right off. With the wax, the guides also slide down to the leading edge of the fins on their own.