I just built a Big Bertha using stuff that I had for a while but don't know how long the shock cord should be. Everything say SC-1 and all I can make from this is 1/8" wide. How long should the cord be?
I just built a Big Bertha using stuff that I had for a while but don't know how long the shock cord should be. Everything say SC-1 and all I can make from this is 1/8" wide. How long should the cord be?
One other suggestion - Download the instructions for the Astron Ranger from Jimz - it is a cluster version of the Bertha with a payload section. Really fun - I just flew mine this past weekend on three Quest A6-4 motors - it was a fantastic flight (I even heard the three ejection charges go off "pop-pop-pop" It's the second flight on in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raLx8RCCpvs
Was the Astron Ranger an early version of the Big Bertha?
Jim
Sort of. The Ranger (released in 1962) was a three motor cluster with a payload section. The total length of the sustainer plus payload tube ended up being 18". In 1965, Estes took the fins and nose cone, along with an 18" tube, put a single 18mm motor mount in it and called it the Big Bertha. I don't know the exact details of the genesis of it.
The Bertha launches nice and slow on a single B or C motor. The Ranger, with no payload holding it back, screams off the pad like a bat outa h***. And the conversion is so simple, everyone oughta give it a try and add one to their fleet. I am really glad I did - it is always a crowd pleaser when it launches.
Vern Estes came up with the Big Bertha during a Cub Scout meeting/build session a way long time ago based on the Astron Ranger. Vern told me this.
Here's his original at NARAM 51.
Who can identify everyone in the pic?
I can except the young man doing check-in ?
The Ranger sounds like a winner and I'll have to build one of those also.
My daughter wanted the Bertha I built so I will be working on a Ranger for me. We added some star stickers and 3-4 coats of Future on her.
Heres a before and after the stickers.
Vern Estes came up with the Big Bertha during a Cub Scout meeting/build session a way long time ago based on the Astron Ranger. Vern told me this.
Here's his original at NARAM 51.
Who can identify everyone in the pic?
I can except the young man doing check-in ?
Me too - I get John, Carl, Vern and Gleda. And Peartree's son's nose cone.
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