Not ready to actually fly mid power yet but want one! Thoughts?

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RocketMike

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I'm getting back into rocketry for the third time now! I did a lot of it in my teen years and early adulthood flying low power then I decided to get back in a few years ago but personal setbacks and lack of a launch site kind of pushed me out again. Now third times the charm, I hope...
I'm trying to get hooked up with some people and have dug up my LP collection as well as started on a small back log of unopened new kits I have. I'm an experienced builder when it comes to LP. Even though I have no place to launch, hopefully that's in the works.
The point is, I'm just looking to get an MP kit to build, finish and put on display to give myself motivation and something to aspire to. Right now I've got my eye on a Madcow 2.6 Momba that I like a lot but I thought I'd post here and get some thoughts and suggestions. Soooo???
 
Basically, MPR is the same as LPR, only with larger motors.

Personally, I'm into scratchbuilding upscales and downscales... You could find any number of rockets that you like from LPR and upscale the, or HPR rockets and downscale that to fit your needs.

How about tackling one of my Binder Design sims?




 
I too am looking to move up to more Mid-Power rockets. For me, the problem is that most of what I see are 3FNC variations or scale missiles. While I enjoy scale, I want futuristic rockets like the Mars Snooper II, Andromeda, U.S.S. Atlantis, Alien Invader, or Orbital Transport. Finding rockets like that in mid-power sizes seems impossible. I’ve all but resigned myself to making scratch-built upscale clones.

But I sure would love a kit.
 
The fantasy scale rockets get harder as the power and weight increases. The increased size of the fiddly bits makes much heavier rockets when upscaled directly. Some may require different build techniques than their original scale sizes.

All of this translates into increased cost as well (especially if made from anything other than wood/cardboard)
 
I too am looking to move up to more Mid-Power rockets. For me, the problem is that most of what I see are 3FNC variations or scale missiles. While I enjoy scale, I want futuristic rockets like the Mars Snooper II, Andromeda, U.S.S. Atlantis, Alien Invader, or Orbital Transport. Finding rockets like that in mid-power sizes seems impossible. I’ve all but resigned myself to making scratch-built upscale clones.

But I sure would love a kit.

Not quite in the same category as the Mars Snooper, but some other-than 3FNC mid power kits

ASP That Tube Rocket (29mm)

Pemberton Technologies

... The point is, I'm just looking to get an MP kit to build, finish and put on display to give myself motivation and something to aspire to. Right now I've got my eye on a Madcow 2.6 Momba that I like a lot but I thought I'd post here and get some thoughts and suggestions. Soooo???

I'll echo K'tesh. If you were looking for a rocket to take you from mid-power to high power, or if you wanted to fly right up to limit of high power, there might some be some things to recommend one kit over another. Otherwise a rocket that will fly on an F or a G doesn't doesn't have to be different in construction from a rocket that will go up on a C or a D. The Estes Pro Series II rockets are mid-power capable. Lots of folks have flown PSII kits -- with varying amounts of modification -- on G and H motors.
 
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Go for it!! that's the best advice I can give you.
There's a lot of kits out there to try....find the one that tickles your fancy.

We have a lot of scratch builders, and I admire their passion. It may not be the best for the first build and can be more costly. On the plus, you can do whatever you want without constraints. Up to you.

My first midpower was the LOC Nuke Pro Maxx, which flys great on Gs thru J's.... the only request I'd have for them is RAIL BUTTONS as most clubs have switched.

JMHO. we all know what that's worth :>
 
I was interested in a few of the Estes PSII kits before I got sidetracked, specifically the Levithian, Nike and Mega Der Red Maxx but all are discontinued now. I was especially disheartened to find out I'd missed out on the Maxx when I came back as it's one of my all time favorites. I found at least one clone out there but I think I'll wait on it right now. No opinions on the Mad cow Momba? I kind of like the fatter body tubes. I have Rocksim and can plug the different designs in but honestly, right now I think I'm more motivated by looks rather than performance. That being said, I'm still leaning towards 3FNC, 4FNC sport designs.
 
Not ready for mid power.... Pshaw

Mid power needs to be nothing more than just bigger low power. Look at any Estes kit that is designed for DEF engines (a couple links provided below, look in the 'engines' chart column ) and the build is pretty much the same as low power. Same materials, same techniques.
My first BAR rocket was an Estes QEC Explorer which launches on DE motors. Find something you like, build it and have fun!
 
As others have said, don't let the invisible line between low and mid power (where is that line anyway!) put you off. The techniques are generally the same and the flights more impressive :cool:.
 
As detailed over at "The Watering Hole", I'm taking baby steps back into the hobby for various reasons, not the least of which is lack of a good launch site.While I have doubt in myself about a lot of things with my social skills, I have no doubt in my ability to build and fly Mid or even High Power Rockets. Right now, along with the "where" there are some financial barriers to HPR but I eventually hope to get there.
 
I too am looking to move up to more Mid-Power rockets. For me, the problem is that most of what I see are 3FNC variations or scale missiles. While I enjoy scale, I want futuristic rockets like the Mars Snooper II, Andromeda, U.S.S. Atlantis, Alien Invader, or Orbital Transport. Finding rockets like that in mid-power sizes seems impossible. I’ve all but resigned myself to making scratch-built upscale clones.

But I sure would love a kit.

I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve been to 3 high power launches and 99% of the rockets are 3FNC, which I find kind of boring. It seems most people get more excited about the motor than the rocket. I like the rockets.

Have you checked out the kits made by Sirius rocketry? Aside from selling other manufacturers’ kits, they sell their own line. They’ve got a couple 29mm kits that aren’t 3FNC. https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/sirius-rocketry-kits-3/

There’s also the 1.6x mars lander that tango papa sells. I’ve been thinking about getting that one.
 
While I enjoy scale, I want futuristic rockets like the Mars Snooper II, Andromeda, U.S.S. Atlantis, Alien Invader, or Orbital Transport. Finding rockets like that in mid-power sizes seems impossible. I’ve all but resigned myself to making scratch-built upscale clones.

Check out some of the rockets from Sirius Rocketry. And Semroc. They have some sci-fi looking options with 24 and 29mm motors mounts.
 
I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve been to 3 high power launches and 99% of the rockets are 3FNC, which I find kind of boring. It seems most people get more excited about the motor than the rocket. I like the rockets.

Have you checked out the kits made by Sirius rocketry? Aside from selling other manufacturers’ kits, they sell their own line. They’ve got a couple 29mm kits that aren’t 3FNC. https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/sirius-rocketry-kits-3/

Ditto! What SecondRow said.....
 
Guys, I appreciate that you want something more than the traditional 3FNC rocket, one of my favorite rockets of all time is the Estes Interceptor, but right now an MP simpler sport rocket is exactly what I'm looking for. Still seeking specific opinions on the Momba and Madcow in general but also open to other options.
 
Still seeking specific opinions on the Momba and Madcow in general but also open to other options.

Yeah, sorry, your thread went off in a different direction. I don't have experience with the Momba in particular, but Madcow in general is great. They offer some high quality kits with good parts. I notice that the Momba comes with launch lugs, it would be well worth adding a pair of rail buttons.
 
I noticed that too and find myself curious about the lug vs. rail button question when it comes to MP. My thinking is I'd go with the buttons.
 
I noticed that too and find myself curious about the lug vs. rail button question when it comes to MP. My thinking is I'd go with the buttons.

I often do both, on opposite sides of the rocket. I can use the rail buttons at club launches, and a 3/16" launch lug on my own pad when I huck some rockets out to the local park.
 
Basically, MPR is the same as LPR, only with larger motors.

Basically, MPR is the same as HPR, only without the fiberglass or certification.

I mostly fly MPR. I like the 2-3" diameters. Feels like a nice size in the hand. Fits in the car. I like working in cardboard, paper and light plywood. I like being able to develop techniques like better fillets, through the wall fin roots, foam supported cardstock, av bays, air starts, and electronic deployment on rockets that usually come in around 1.5kg and sometimes don't really need the chute at all when flying over grass and weeds.

I've mostly scratch built mine - while I had easy access to a laser cutter for plywood fins. I printed the last fincan. BT70 and nosecones from Semroc (and then eRockets) made it easy.

Scratch building is easier than you think.
 
I'm certainly not immune to scratch building. I have years of experience with LP kits and I used to build RC plane kits. Also a Model Railroader who has scratched out a few items but I think I'll make this first one a kit. I think why I'm liking the Momba so much is the tube diameter and the fact that it's not super tall. Does anyone ever frame fins and skin them like one would do with a model plane?
 
Does anyone ever frame fins and skin them like one would do with a model plane?

I'm sure that I've seen videos or photos of someone who did something like that for a rocket that wasn't a rocket glider or a boost glider, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it was, but my mental image is of some kind of scale build. Generally speaking though... most people don't.
 
I mostly fly MPR. I like the 2-3" diameters. Feels like a nice size in the hand. Fits in the car. I like working in cardboard, paper and light plywood. I like being able to develop techniques like better fillets, through the wall fin roots, foam supported cardstock, av bays, air starts, and electronic deployment on rockets that usually come in around 1.5kg and sometimes don't really need the chute at all when flying over grass and weeds.

That description fits me to a T. MPR lets me do all fun HPR stuff, like airstarts, dual deploy, etc, but in rockets that could safely come down with a streamer. Plus, it is very cost effective, 24/40 reloads are less than $10 a launch.
 
Does anyone ever frame fins and skin them like one would do with a model plane?

Yes. Lots of examples in various build threads on the forum.

There is this recent thread

Laser / CNC 2D meets 3D in these fins for Ultra Smooth from jeffblack

Also, the PSII Super Big Bertha used balsa skins over plywood as documented here by Pull-and-Twist

ESTES PSII Super Big Bertha - Build Thread | The Rocketry Forumhttps://www.rocketryforum.com › ... › Mid Power Rocketry (MPR)

An experiment of my own -- in progress.

POT8-0fin.png
 
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Thank you jlabrasca, interesting stuff. The thought of doing it that way occurs to me because I really don't have the facility to cut fins from solid plywood unless I'm missing something obvious. I know from my plane days that it's light and strong construction.
As far as a kit purchase goes, I've been looking at rockets all day and I got to say the Madcow Momba sure does seem to be a lot of bang for the buck, short of something like the PSII Big Bertha.
 
If you like the Interceptor, go to Sirius Rocketry and check out their Sirius Rocketry Interrogator G.

Bob
 
I'll add thirds on the Sirius kits. Good options that are far more than 3FNC. In addition to the large Interrogator, there's the Deimos (which is on the small side of MPR) and the Eradicator, which is right in F/G range. Someone brought an Eradicator to the last launch I attended and I have to say it is a really cool rocket.
 
Lots of good advice here. I agree to just dive right into MPR. Like Charles and jlabrasca said, its the sweet spot of sport rocketry.

I built a Momba with my daughter. It needed some nose weight, but it is a great flyer. Here is a photo of my daughter with the rocket (sShe earned the Stickershock wrap for having a good report card.) and the data from a flight on a G80. We love that rocket.

sV02DKgLTnCLStxycXkjlw.jpg Image-1.jpeg
 
Wow BDB, she's really adorable, and so is your daughter!;) Seriously though, you must be so proud of her. I think that picture and the info you posted is removing my last hold up on pulling the trigger on the Momba. I don't have a huge budget though so I'm going to look just a bit more and make absolutely sure but I'm very close. Thanks!
 
Sorry for the earlier derail (and thanks for all the great replies guys). The Momba looks like a good kit, especially if you’re looking to move beyond 24mm engines (D’s & E’s). As for Madcow, my limited exposure says you are unlikely to experience buyer’s remorse.
 
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