An "R"-powered rocket build

When Dave Bell in Melbourne was building his 1:1 patriot for Thunda, I was telling my brother (who’s a highway cop) to keep an eye out for it driving north, and to make sure he pulled it over for a pic...

My brother just laughed and said:

“You think I need to be *told* to pull over a full size model Patriot missile for a look and a photo?!?”

levi seaton said:

Chuck. That thing is awesome! What day do you plan on arriving at Argonia?

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Levi I’m thinking of arriving Thursday afternoon the 29th. If you can swing it your help (and several able-bodied rocketeers) in getting this rocket onto the rail and into launch position would be awesome.

To all reading this if you’re there and see a big red rocket don’t hesitate to stop by and offer assistance. Definitely a team effort.

Chuck C.

Chuck: I’ve been offline for quite a while, and I can’t believe how well this has progressed!!

All I’ve got to say is: wow!

Rail Dawg said:

Levi I’m thinking of arriving Thursday afternoon the 29th. If you can swing it your help (and several able-bodied rocketeers) in getting this rocket onto the rail and into launch position would be awesome.

To all reading this if you’re there and see a big red rocket don’t hesitate to stop by and offer assistance. Definitely a team effort.

Chuck C.

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I’m planning for Thursday afternoon arrival too. Happy to lend a hand. Strong backs with weak minds are always good to have around, right?

jpoehlman said:

I’m planning for Thursday afternoon arrival too. Happy to lend a hand. Strong backs with weak minds are always good to have around, right?

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Join the club lol.

Chuck C.

Very cool to see all the pieces (rocket, trailer, launcher) together

Chuck, I need some time with you 1:1 during LDRS regarding this beast. Thanks in advance!

pondman said:

Chuck, I need some time with you 1:1 during LDRS regarding this beast. Thanks in advance!

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Absolutely.

Chuck C.

Chuck,

How is the painting coming along ?

Did you conduct the tests of the charge cannons ?

What is left on the "checklist" of items to be completed ?

Thanks,

Dave F.

Out of paint shop on Friday. Bright red and silver.

Going to work on charge cannons after that.

The airframe to AvBay screws need to be installed. Also the rail guides.

It’s pretty much ready to fly. Be fun to take it to LDRS.

Chuck C.

I'm excited to see the paint!

Rail Dawg said:

Out of paint shop on Friday. Bright red and silver.

Going to work on charge cannons after that.

The airframe to AvBay screws need to be installed. Also the rail guides.

It’s pretty much ready to fly. Be fun to take it to LDRS.

Chuck C.

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Chuck,

Maybe this is just me, but I would have tested the charge cannons, installed in the unpainted rocket, to establish the needed charge weight.

Testing them now, after the rocket is painted, there is a good chance of the finish being damaged, during "live fire" testing.

Dave F.

Ez2cDave said:

Chuck,

Maybe this is just me, but I would have tested the charge cannons, installed in the unpainted rocket, to establish the needed charge weight.

Testing them now, after the rocket is painted, there is a good chance of the finish being damaged, during "live fire" testing.

Dave F.


View attachment 391034

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Wanted it painted for LDRS. The clearcoat can handle quite a bit during testing.

Didn’t want to rush anything if it’s not flying this month.

Chuck C.

Rail Dawg said:

Wanted it painted for LDRS. The clearcoat can handle quite a bit during testing.

Didn’t want to rush anything if it’s not flying this month.

Chuck C.

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Chuck,

Since it's called the "UpChuckR", see if you can get a supply of "Airsick Bags" to pass out, while it's on display . . . LOL !

Dave F.

Good news the complete 10’ motor casing is going to be delivered to LDRS 38. Am glad because that will afford a chance to fit it in the rocket. Not expecting any issues at all.

Going to bring some of the final parts to complete the rocket to the launch. Give me something to do while watching everyone else fly lol.

Sounds like the KloudBusters are putting on quite a show. Do your best to make it!

Chuck C.

What do you guys think of the paint job?

Chuck C.

Rail Dawg said:

What do you guys think of the paint job?

Chuck C.

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Chuck,

She's pretty, but can she cook ? LOL !

That's a nice, bright red . . . Should be very easy to see !

Dave F.

Chuck. That thing is slick. You should be proud of all your hard work and effort. I can’t wait to see it in person. I’ll catch you next week

In the words of Jaw's... 'I think we need a bigger truck..'

Rail Dawg said:

What do you guys think of the paint job?

Chuck C.

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Chuck,

I just noticed something . . . In the 3rd photo . . . Why was the airframe, below the Fin Can, left unpainted ?

Thanks,

Dave F.

Beautiful rocket! Wish I was going to LDRS to see it in person! Great work!

Very nice Chuck! See ya there!

Ez2cDave said:

Chuck,

I just noticed something . . . In the 3rd photo . . . Why was the airframe, below the Fin Can, left unpainted ?

Thanks,

Dave F.

View attachment 391352

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Metal band will go there.

Helps transfer thrust from thrust plate to fin can.

Chuck C.

Rail Dawg said:

Metal band will go there.

Helps transfer thrust from thrust plate to fin can.

Chuck C.

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Incredible job and planning! I know my son and I would love to see this fly, but we don't arrive till at least Friday. (15 HR drive to LDRS and I work Thursday till 4pm). Please post video if you got the go pedal before we get there.

Fantastic job!!!

Astounding!

Looks good. Any close ups?

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Sure has been a lot of fun to build.

Learned some good lessons and wrote down my mistakes so as not to do them again. Also created a type of checklist for the next build.

KloudBusters wants me to set up the rocket near the entrance to the launch site in order to have more room. Once Levi Seaton (the designer/builder of that wonderful launch trailer) arrives we’ll work on loading the rocket onto the rail and getting it into the launch position.

Am going to need several fellow rocketeers to help with the loading onto the rail. If you’re passing by and have time please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello. Many of you have had some outstanding inputs into this project and it’s appreciated.

I’m thinking we’ll be pulling into the Rocket Pasture around noon on Thursday. It’s going to be quite hectic for the LDRS 38 organizers and I want to be as flexible as possible. There’s no rush to find a spot and set up. It will work itself out nicely I’m sure.

You all getting excited? I sure am! Going to be fun hauling this big red rocket from Houston to Argonia.

Thanks!

Chuck C.

Incredible build. See you there Chuck!

I should be there sometime Thursday afternoon Chuck. Will give you a hand if you don't already have it done by the time I get there. Looking forward to checking this bird out!

fyrechaser said:

I should be there sometime Thursday afternoon Chuck. Will give you a hand if you don't already have it done by the time I get there. Looking forward to checking this bird out!

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That’s great Jim! Looking forward to seeing you.

The rail guides are thick Delrin that fit perfectly into the rail. Mike at Binder Design did a great job. They will be attached to the rocket with 3/8” black-oxide bolts into 3/4” thick birch plywood along with 1 1/2” diameter washers.

They don’t have to carry the full weight of the 325 lb rocket. Before lifting the rail we’ll get the rocket strapped onto it nice and tight.

What’s funny is the rocket weighs 325 lbs empty but once loaded will push 600 lbs!

Now THAT is a lot of fuel lol.

Chuck C.