Estes Big Daddy - Cluster or not to cluster

Had this delivered today, I won it off eBay. Now what do I do with it.... I found this https://www.reytech.org/HowTos/big daddy.pdf

5 x 24mm is tempting, I'd not always fly a full 5 but the options would be present.

Not looking at modding the kit other than fins and the motor setup and recovery.

Alright, more power!! But you'll need nose weight (duh?) if you don't stretch the airframe like reytech did. Did you check the gallery ? (https://www.rocketryforum.com/showt...ig-Daddy-(-2162)-Gallery&highlight=big+daddy) Lots of clusters, 29mm mods and insane paint jobs there.

go with a 29

It is just a question of the launch effect you want. Clustering adds a whole lot of complexity and headaches just to see all those little motors burning as it goes up and away. A single, powerful motor makes a lot better rocketry sense. What suits your taste? Are you a high minded, steely eyed missile man, using the best science and technique possible? Or are you some sort of crazy freak trying to ignite 5 wussy black powder motors at the same time to lift obscene amounts of nose weight to keep the rocket safe and stable while the RSO takes notes on your lack of good sense and if they should call in the guys with white jackets to haul you away. For me the choice is obvious: light build, 5X24mm cluster with E12's and a sharp paint job!:y:

Go for a cluster!

I've got a Big Daddy in the pile somewhere... lol... I'll probably go 3 x 24mm cluster. That is a nice rounded pack of motors per launch.


Jerome

Cluster, definitely. They're just fun! I'd probably go with 1x24, 4x18, to keep the nose weight down.

I built a tube fin version of the Big Daddy with 7 BT-80 tube fins and a 3x24mm mount. It is totally awesome flying on 3 E motors!

Definitely cluster. Why use one motor, when five will do? Phil L.

Cluster it is. Now to speak to my vendor for some 24mm tube and recut ply fins.

I can fly it on all combos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. I'll make some motor blocks for when flying less than 5.

Kevlar recovery and nomex. A proper chute. Any other ideas?

Had the idea of a timer for air start options.

Running cost wise I could fly a different rocket once, that leaves 2 motors. Add 1 full pack that's 5 for one flight. Just for example.

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I'm following and looking for pics,...

Order placed with vendor

24mm MMT tube to be cut into 5 sections, 120mm long each
5x 24mm motor blocks
Nomex for the 3'' tube
Ply fins

I think I have a shock chord already.

Pyropetepete said:

Order placed with vendor

24mm MMT tube to be cut into 5 sections, 120mm long each
5x 24mm motor blocks
Nomex for the 3'' tube
Ply fins

I think I have a shock chord already.

Click to expand...

30" plastic chute should bring it down nicely

AfterBurners said:

30" plastic chute should bring it down nicely

Click to expand...

That's going in the bin. A replacement in ripstop be going in once I've final weight.


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Pyropetepete said:

That's going in the bin. A replacement in ripstop be going in once I've final weight.


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Click to expand...

It's a tight fit maybe a thin mill would work better?

AfterBurners said:

It's a tight fit maybe a thin mill would work better?

Click to expand...

That's the plan but once built I can check it's weight for the right chute.


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Hey that's my Big Big Daddy! I did add a ton of weight to the nose cone. CG to CP was just under one calibre and flew very nicely both times! The flight with the 5x E15 suffered a massive zipper upon deployment. Probably the combination of five AT ejection charges and the heavy nose. It has been since repaired, and my hope is to try 5x F32 before I either kill it or lose it. LOL. Oh the rebuilt is now called the Cluster Five.

Pyropetepete said:

Had this delivered today, I won it off eBay. Now what do I do with it.... I found this https://www.reytech.org/HowTos/big daddy.pdf



5 x 24mm is tempting, I'd not always fly a full 5 but the options would be present.

Not looking at modding the kit other than fins and the motor setup and recovery.

Click to expand...

:shock:
Here's a 1990's Extended Estes Phoenix with a cluster of 11 A-10's and a central Estes E-15 9 (which was defective and catoed). Quite a fiery spectacle!

Reytech said:

Hey that's my Big Big Daddy! I did add a ton of weight to the nose cone. CG to CP was just under one calibre and flew very nicely both times! The flight with the 5x E15 suffered a massive zipper upon deployment. Probably the combination of five AT ejection charges and the heavy nose. It has been since repaired, and my hope is to try 5x F32 before I either kill it or lose it. LOL. Oh the rebuilt is now called the Cluster Five.

View attachment 177238

Click to expand...

I'm keeping it stock length! I want to be able to fly from single to the full 5 so will need to make the nose weight adjustable.