How do you transport rockets to launches?

The Rocketry Forum

Help Support The Rocketry Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Last edited:
Another sorta newbie question here.

I brought 1 rocket to the last launch that I attended and I kept it in a long, skinny cardboard box for the some hour ride. I'm planning on attending another launch soon and I plan to bring 3 rockets this time. All are low powered and relatively small, ranging in size from 13.5" to 33.5" with the standard 18mm & 24mm engine diameters.

Do 3 long skinny boxes work just fine? I keep worrying that the fins will break in the boxes, but perhaps that just represents paranoid newbie thinking?

I'm still primarily at the low power end of the scale, but typically have a number of smaller rockets to transport to a given launch, especially when I have my grandsons' rockets coming along. I use a U-Haul Dish Barrel Box, the companion U-Haul Cell kit and small sections of slotted foam pipe insulation pieces to secure the rockets. This makes for lots of compartments for individual rockets and keeps them nice and secure.

Can't handle lengths over 28", but otherwise works well!

IMG_2034.JPG IMG_2033.JPG Model Rocket Packing.JPG
 
For as long as I can remember, I just throw a thick blanket down in the back of the SUV and lay the rockets on top of that with room between them so they don't bang into each other. If it's a long trip i'll lay a sheet or something over them to keep them from moving around.

Never had an issue with damage but, like others, I have Epoxy with me just in case I need to fix something.
 
20181102_073855.jpg
Had a special flight case made to take my rockets as checked baggage on a plane. The exterior dimensions (L + W + H) have to be under 62" (158 cm) to qualify as a "suitcase". Flew with this to Thunda in Australia last April.
 
Converted my 7.5' x 18' racing trailer into a mobile rocket laboratory, close to it any way.
Made a rocket rack, made a counter to hold tubs, with old folding table tops.
Now I get to work inside without a bunch of tents. Below is final assembly of my 9" Patriot before the transport takes me out to the away cell.
20190410_090050.jpg
 
Better shot of "The Rocket Rack", tent/chair rack and motor rack.
 

Attachments

  • 20171205_091943.jpg
    20171205_091943.jpg
    69.6 KB · Views: 116
  • 20180413_140851.jpg
    20180413_140851.jpg
    74.9 KB · Views: 118
  • 20180727_133557.jpg
    20180727_133557.jpg
    113.5 KB · Views: 119
20389796883_857fcb65dc_b.jpg
 
Back
Top