3" Darkstar revisited

jpummil · Jan 4, 2014

JDcluster said:
I'm just about start on building mine.
I went looking for the Roc Sim file of the 3" version and all I came up with is; a Space Cowboy from Rocket Reviews.
It was even labeled as a DarkStar 3.0"
Does anyone have a bone stock file that they could post or upload to Rocket Reviews?

Thanks!

JD

JD,

This is weighed out to match mine during the build...and the performance was very close on Open Rocket...

Built in OR, I just saved you a copy in .rkt format...

View attachment Dark Star 3%22.rkt

JDcluster · Jan 4, 2014

Thanks!

I my suspicions were right; the rocket is too long.
I'll probably trim mine down a few inches.

JD

DizWolf · Jan 4, 2014

I'm actually wishing I had a few more inches on mine to fit the new loki case

blackjack2564 · Jan 4, 2014

DizWolf said:
I'm actually wishing I had a few more inches on mine to fit the new loki case

That's an easy fix! Just take.....lets say a 12in section of airframe & use rivets to attach to bottom of av-bay [just like payload]
Then glue a coupler in the aft end side...voila! you just made a removable extension for your DS!

Done this a few times on older kits that only had 48in fin cans & motors were 43in...... before you could get 50-66in tubes.

Cheap & dirty fix! No permanent marks or dis-figuration of the original other than a few holes in the Av-bay/coupler that no one sees .

DizWolf · Jan 5, 2014

Was kinda thinking something like that, but more of an overly complex hollow avbay. That's a much easier solution. Now to just save up for the case

Thanks for the drawing makes it very clear

JDcluster · Jan 11, 2014

I bought mine through Wildman Virginia at last years spring Red Glare.
It turns out that the booster is actually 45" long.
I was thinking of trimming it down to 40" but, still leave enough room for a 2550 casing.

JD

DizWolf said:
I'm actually wishing I had a few more inches on mine to fit the new loki case

Chilli · Jan 11, 2014

I liked this rocket so much I snagged the last one WildmanVA had in stock just before Christmas. I originally purchased it to attempt my L2 down the road as I'm just getting into the hobby but I'm seriously considering running this without the upper tube or DD for my L1 Cert later this year. Stability and performance look real good on rocksim with a variety of L1 motors in this configuration. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

JDcluster · Jan 12, 2014

This kit definitely needs an Aer-Pack tailcone retainer!
I put one on my 4.0" Extreme Dark Star.

JD

Chilli said:
I liked this rocket so much I snagged the last one WildmanVA had in stock just before Christmas. I originally purchased it to attempt my L2 down the road as I'm just getting into the hobby but I'm seriously considering running this without the upper tube or DD for my L1 Cert later this year. Stability and performance look real good on rocksim with a variety of L1 motors in this configuration. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

michigander · Jan 12, 2014

currently building a 3" darkstar with chrome tailcone set fits like a glove

set is $41.00 from Wildman the body is bigger than regular 54mm set

DizWolf · Jan 12, 2014

Chilli said:
I liked this rocket so much I snagged the last one WildmanVA had in stock just before Christmas. I originally purchased it to attempt my L2 down the road as I'm just getting into the hobby but I'm seriously considering running this without the upper tube or DD for my L1 Cert later this year. Stability and performance look real good on rocksim with a variety of L1 motors in this configuration. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

I've flown mine short on a 38mm. Stability is fine. I used an H178DM. I'd recommend keeping it in the I range for L1 motors though.

JDcluster · Jan 12, 2014

Why do most people glue on the retainer before installing the motor mount into the air-frame?
I like to do the opposite.

JD

michigander said:
currently building a 3" darkstar with chrome tailcone set fits like a glove

set is $41.00 from Wildman the body is bigger than regular 54mm set

View attachment 158965 View attachment 158967

DizWolf · Jan 12, 2014

I did it to ensure spacing. Sure you can do it without....but that's just the way I do it.

JDcluster said:
Why do most people glue on the retainer before installing the motor mount into the air-frame?
I like to do the opposite.

JD

GRIFFIN · Jan 12, 2014

DizWolf said:
I did it to ensure spacing. Sure you can do it without....but that's just the way I do it.

Same

JDcluster · Jan 18, 2014

Here are 3 progressive shots of my Dark Star 3.0".

The only thing that hasn't been completed is the nose cone bulkhead attachment point.

JD

DizWolf · Jan 24, 2014

finally got some color on mine....

rocketgeek101 · Jan 24, 2014

DizWolf said:
finally got some color on mine....

That's awesome! Looks really good

Sent from my iPod touch using Rocketry Forum

DizWolf · Jan 24, 2014

rocketgeek101 said:
That's awesome! Looks really good

Thanks! I hid it in the photos, but its in desperate need of a clearcoat. Hopefully spring comes soon.

Highpowerrocketyahoo · Jan 25, 2014

Patiently waiting for a PR Nike Apache to re-release.

Drew

stealth6 · Jan 25, 2014

rrrrrrg.
I've been SO close to posting my completed (and slightly kit-bashed) 3" Darkstar. But I've been in paint h*ll for the past few weeks. I've been trying to finish the painting and just keep running into problem after problem. I've screwed it up and restarted more than enough times already.

But soon, soon I hope, I will be posting mine here.
Wish me (better) luck, s6

o1d_dude · Jan 26, 2014

Mine is still in the kit bag. Bought last spring but haven't got to it yet.

With the extended drought and no launches since last April (9 months ago), rocket building enthusiasm is at a low ebb.

~sigh~

robbdm · Jan 26, 2014

o1d_dude said:
Mine is still in the kit bag. Bought last spring but haven't got to it yet.

With the extended drought and no launches since last April (9 months ago), rocket building enthusiasm is at a low ebb.

~sigh~

Build it.... LUNAR has a 2/1 HP lunch scheduled and you could take a trip to TCC .....

Wayco · Jan 26, 2014

o1d_dude said:
Mine is still in the kit bag. Bought last spring but haven't got to it yet.

With the extended drought and no launches since last April (9 months ago), rocket building enthusiasm is at a low ebb.

~sigh~

I was having a similar problem until yesterday when we went our the first TRAPHX launch. Perfect conditions and a 50k waiver. Came home and looked at the build pile, I think the itch is back!
Didn't take the Blackstar to the launch, due to lack of propellant. But I just got tracking data from Wildman, 64 lbs. will be here Thursday!

fyrwrxz · Jan 26, 2014

Wayco said:
I was having a similar problem until yesterday when we went our the first TRAPHX launch. Perfect conditions and a 50k waiver. Came home and looked at the build pile, I think the itch is back!
Didn't take the Blackstar to the launch, due to lack of propellant. But I just got tracking data from Wildman, 64 lbs. will be here Thursday!

Wadda AP animal! Going to ROC in Feb?

Wayco · Jan 26, 2014

fyrwrxz said:
Wadda AP animal! Going to ROC in Feb?

I just can't justify the drive for a one day launch. I'm gonna burn off some of the Wildman motors before I show up at one of Jack's launches. Now if they don't predict 100*+ temp's in June on Lucerne dry lake, that would be do-able.
Just a rumor right now, but there might be a HPR launch closer to SD in the near future.... 2.5 hours from El Centro, and all the TRAPHX launches are two day launches.

KenRico · Jan 30, 2014

Wayco and I were chatting this week about different things and he mentioned flying with the new wildman aluminum av bay lids.

I had just glued my 3 inch bulkheads together for the Darkstar av bay and the pair weigh 74 grams , the new all alunimum ones that came with the Shredder weigh in at 109 grams for the pair.

Kenny

michigander · Jan 30, 2014

Ken I raided the Aluminum ones from my shredder for my 3" darkstar , unless my scale is lying I weighted them 3.8 oz vs 3.5 oz without glue for FG , I figure with glue they will be the same ?

scale is a EBay cheapo digital

KenRico · Jan 30, 2014

michigander said:
Ken I raided the Aluminum ones from my shredder for my 3" darkstar , unless my scale is lying I weighted them 3.8 oz vs 3.5 oz without glue for FG , I figure with glue they will be the same ?

scale is a EBay cheapo digital

I used my tweaker HF scale I use for small epoxy ...very cheap, looks like the aluminum ones are equivalent weight - my FG lids were naked .. but glued together, will try to recheck tonight on another scale.

Kenny

Wayco · Jan 30, 2014

What's a few grams more or less when you can stuff a L935 in it and fly to 12,934 ft.?

michigander · Jan 30, 2014

KenRico said:
I used my tweaker HF scale I use for small epoxy ...very cheap, looks like the aluminum ones are equivalent weight - my FG lids were naked .. but glued together, will try to recheck tonight on another scale.

Kenny

I figured it out what might be making mine close the FG bulk plates are thick as thick as the fin material

michigander · Jan 30, 2014

Wayco said:
What's a few grams more or less when you can stuff a L935 in it and fly to 12,934 ft.?

nice motor

, that is the biggest 54mm AT, CTI , Loki commercial made correct ? until loki 54/4000 comes out

3" Darkstar revisited

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