Tom Corbett' Polaris

BruceS · Nov 13, 2019

I love the Tom Corbett Space cadet books when I was young and I've always been fasting by the rocket. I've decided that I'm going to build my own version of the Polaris. Unfortunately in the books that I have there are three illustrations of the Polaris and all three are completely different and none match up the descriptions perfectly in the book. So I decided to go with the second photo, three fans three landing struts and I'm basing it off of the Semrock VF261 as it has the right overall profile. Step one is to come up with a usable landing strut. As apparently these are supposed to be hydraulic not spring-loaded I'm just going to put rigid ones in and hope for the best. I'm starting with quarter inch dowling that I am turning down in two stages to simulate the hydraulic. Wish me luck.

BABAR · Nov 14, 2019

Good luck!

BruceS · Nov 15, 2019

Progress report: Fins and landing struts attached. Strut stabilizers and feet next.

mbeels · Nov 15, 2019

That's looking good so far, how did you turn down the legs? Do you have a lathe?

BruceS · Nov 15, 2019

mbeels said:
That's looking good so far, how did you turn down the legs? Do you have a lathe?

Chucked the dowel in my cordless drill and used an x-acto chisel blade. Then medium, fine, and wet/dry sandpapers. My lathe can't handle anything that small.

BruceS · Nov 16, 2019

struts complete

neil_w · Nov 16, 2019

Those struts look great... I'm trying to figure out how they're going to survive a landing though. How are they anchored into the body?

BruceS · Nov 17, 2019

Just glue right now. Going to reinforce with epoxy and plan on a good sized chute.

scadaman29325 · Nov 17, 2019

Wow, that is nice!

BABAR · Nov 26, 2019

neil_w said:
Those struts look great... I'm trying to figure out how they're going to survive a landing though. How are they anchored into the body?

Another option would be a removable external attachment of the shock coming out the tail.

Basically a small Kevlar loop sticking out the motor mount. Attach a fishing swivel with a Kevlar thread line when you launch it, run it up the side with the launch lug or buttons when you launch it, tuck it away for display.

BruceS · Nov 26, 2019

BABAR said:
Another option would be a removable external attachment of the shock coming out the tail.

Basically a small Kevlar loop sticking out the motor mount. Attach a fishing swivel with a Kevlar thread line when you launch it, run it up the side with the launch lug or buttons when you launch it, tuck it away for display

BABAR said:

Another option would be a removable external attachment of the shock coming out the tail.

Basically a small Kevlar loop sticking out the motor mount. Attach a fishing swivel with a Kevlar thread line when you launch it, run it up the side with the launch lug or buttons when you launch it, tuck it away for display.

Click to expand...

Planning on having them mount into the boattail on the next version. They would sit on the blast deflector and remain behind at launch.

John Taylor · Nov 27, 2019

Nice project! Can't wait for more.

BruceS · Dec 13, 2019

Created a dummy nozzle for the engine cluster. trouble is I don't have a 3D printer and getting 8 of these little things from a commercial printer is more than I want to spend.

BruceS · Dec 20, 2019

So I found a printer at a nearby library. Came out great, but twice as large as I need. Need to make some adjustments to the middle then back to the printer!

Scott_650 · Dec 20, 2019

BruceS said:
So I found a printer at a nearby library. Came out great, but twice as large as I need. Need to make some adjustments to the middle then back to the printer!View attachment 401205

And now, after you build the first version, you’re all set for an upscaled one!

BruceS · Dec 28, 2019

Second try. Half the size needed.

BruceS · Dec 28, 2019

Third time's the charm! All 8 perfect. Now to sand and mount.

BruceS · Dec 30, 2019

Mounted with Rocketpoxy.

mbeels · Dec 30, 2019

I have to admit, that wasn't quite where I expected the nozzles to go. Now I'm even more curious to see the final rocket. I like the attention to detail, this is a very unique rocket!

BruceS · Jan 1, 2020

Needed to leave a gap for the launch rod.

BruceS · Jan 2, 2020

Primed, ready for final painting.

mbeels · Jan 2, 2020

Looking good, do you know what your paint scheme will be?

BruceS · Jan 2, 2020

Sticking with the book description: shining silver. Am going to try THE WORLD'S SILVERIEST SILVER from Culture Hustle with some black detailing.

neil_w · Jan 2, 2020

BruceS said:
Am going to try THE WORLD'S SILVERIEST SILVER from Culture Hustle.

Wow, you're not messing around. Am eager to hear your experience with this paint. Are you going to brush or spray?

BruceS · Jan 2, 2020

Airbrush

BruceS · Jan 7, 2020

Rocketship Polaris, reporting for duty. Tentative launch date: 1/11/2020

mbeels · Jan 7, 2020

Ah, that is indeed very silvery! Now I understand the engine bells and nozzles. Good luck with the launch!

Mugs914 · Jan 8, 2020

That is great!!

BABAR · Jan 9, 2020

BruceS said:
View attachment 402967 View attachment 402968 View attachment 402969 View attachment 402968 View attachment 402969 View attachment 402967 View attachment 402968 View attachment 402969 Rocketship Polaris, reporting for duty. Tentative launch date: 1/11/2020

Looks great
Hope you get a straight trail, a short walk, and a soft landing!

neil_w · Jan 9, 2020

BABAR said:
Looks great
Hope you get a straight trail, a short walk, and a soft landing!

Emphasis on the "soft landing" part. Those landing legs will be in my prayers.

Tom Corbett' Polaris

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