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

Check out the BT60 thin wall fiberglass kits at:

https://www.mach1rocketry.com/38mm-xl-bt60-fiberglass-kits.html

Lots of other neat kits there also:

https://www.mach1rocketry.com/store/p156/Karman_Line_Transport.html

I love to scratch build and I also like mid powered up scales. The maxi der Red Max nose cone and body tube are currently available from Estes. It would be an easy upscale. Here’s a pic of my 2.6” dia / BT80 upscale. Sorry for the messy shop. And it’s possible to do a true upscale Interceptor. This one flies great on G79 29mm motors.

Pretty unconventional, but I’ve skinned balsa framed fins with carbon fiber for another upscale rocket.

That’s what’s so fun about scratch building....you can try whatever you want.

OKTurbo said:

I love to scratch build and I also like mid powered up scales. The maxi der Red Max nose cone and body tube are currently available from Estes. It would be an easy upscale. Here’s a pic of my 2.6” dia / BT80 upscale. Sorry for the messy shop. And it’s possible to do a true upscale Interceptor. This one flies great on G79 29mm motors.
View attachment 386381 View attachment 386382

Click to expand...

I assume someone out there does the upscale decals for the mega der Red Max? And it should fly on D/E fine?

Standard rail buttons will require the standard big rail, which you may not have and which is not easily portable in some cars.

https://rail-buttons.com/minimicro.html

Randy has mini and micro buttons, and references sources on eBay with rails for both.

I like the minis, and the rail is easily portable. I think it can go over a 3/16 rod, but you might need a buffed up pad stand to support it.

Regarding Mega Der Red Max

These two sites list it as in stock.

I would call and confirm if you consider ordering. I have not used these vendors.

https://store.heavenlyhobbies.com/estesadv.html

https://www.hobbyshopnj.com/catalog/rocketry/

I think Mark at Stickershock can do any scale Red Max decals.

https://stickershock23.com/product/der-red-max/

If built light, it should be able to fly on D or E’s. Especially composite ones.

For the Mega Der Red Max:
The nose cone and tube are available from Estes, as okturbo said (although the tube is currently listed as out of stock).
https://estesrockets.com/product/072415-pro-series-ii-4-plastic-nose-cone/
https://estesrockets.com/product/085868-pro-series-ii-4-od-slotted-body-tube/

The fins are available from Erockets.
https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-las...tes-super-der-red-max-upgraded-sem-fes-9705p/

The decals are available from Stickershock.
https://stickershock23.com/product/der-red-max/

Add centering rings, motor mount, shock cord and parachute from your vendor of choice and voila!

Right now, buyrocketmotors.com has the LOC Viper 3 on sale for only $29. That has to count as the best mid power deal right now as normally it is about the same price as the Momba.

HOWEVER, it is a cluster of 3 - 24mm motor mounts so that may be a little advanced for a first midpower.

https://www.buyrocketmotors.com/loc-precision-viper-iii/

Also, Madcow always has a great Black Friday Sale. Usually the Momba has been on sale for around 33% off, so about $42.



If cost is a concern, why not start with something like an Estes Executioner? Same diameter, but longer. At just over $20 it would leave room in your budget for more motors

https://www.acsupplyco.com/estes/executioner.htm

Good morning! I did a lot of research yesterday and looked at a lot of rockets too. This morning I see I have more to look at! I've been down the road of how to do the Mega Maxx except I hadn't known about the fins. If Estes had the tube in stock, I probably would have ordered at least that and the nosecone and tucked them away. There's also an AMW clone but I didn't check availability. The only thing that has kept me from going ahead and pulling the trigger on the Momba is that I signed up for the Mad cow newsletter which may have some discount codes and I was waiting for the next edition of that to see. I've been looking at Stickershock too and have an idea for some sort of simple wrap that would say "Mike's Momba". I really appreciate all the help and suggestions guys.

I've decided I'm going to order the Momba. Love at first sight I guess. The post from BDB with the picture of his daughter inspired me and I've already contacted Mark at Stickershock about a "Mike's Momba" decal wrap on a budget. I really like a design he already has on his site and it will just involve changing the name. The only thing causing me pause now is that I signed up for the Madcow newsletter and I'm waiting on my first copy wondering if there might be a discount I can use!

OKTurbo said:

I love to scratch build and I also like mid powered up scales. The maxi der Red Max nose cone and body tube are currently available from Estes. It would be an easy upscale. Here’s a pic of my 2.6” dia / BT80 upscale. Sorry for the messy shop. And it’s possible to do a true upscale Interceptor. This one flies great on G79 29mm motors.
View attachment 386381 View attachment 386382

Click to expand...

What is the source of the nosecone for the BT80 upscaled DRM?

SecondRow said:

For the Mega Der Red Max:
The nose cone and tube are available from Estes, as okturbo said (although the tube is currently listed as out of stock).
https://estesrockets.com/product/072415-pro-series-ii-4-plastic-nose-cone/
https://estesrockets.com/product/085868-pro-series-ii-4-od-slotted-body-tube/

The fins are available from Erockets.
https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-las...tes-super-der-red-max-upgraded-sem-fes-9705p/

The decals are available from Stickershock.
https://stickershock23.com/product/der-red-max/

Add centering rings, motor mount, shock cord and parachute from your vendor of choice and voila!

Click to expand...

eRockets has the centering rings too.

https://www.erockets.biz/semroc-cen...estes-super-der-red-max-9705-sem-cr-es-9705p/

JonathanOtt said:

What is the source of the nosecone for the BT80 upscaled DRM?

Click to expand...

Gordon Agnello made the nose cone. He has helped me out on several upscale projects. Fantastic workmanship. His shop goes by the name Roachwerks. https://roachwerksmachining.com.istemp.com/

OKTurbo said:

Gordon Agnello made the nose cone. He has helped me out on several upscale projects. Fantastic workmanship. His shop goes by the name Roachwerks. https://roachwerksmachining.com.istemp.com/

Click to expand...

++1 on Gordon’s craftsmanship. I have from him:
Titan IIIe nose and tail cones
1/35 Gemini capsule
1/100 Gemini capsule and service module
1/5.5 Nike Apache interstage