54 mm Tres

[Rocketjunkie]

I've started construction of the scaled up Tres.

The scale factor is the same as the Deuce, 338%.
Construction will be very similar to the Deuce, using the same basic materials (paper tubes, plywood, and Sandman's transition and nose cone).

This is the parts of the motor mount.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

This is a little closer showing the center support rod. The motor tubes attach to this rod and the rear ring, there are no triangles. The fins will also attach to the 2 centering rings and this rod.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

This is the assembled mount with a stock Tres for scale.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

A rear view of the mount assembly.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Another side view, showing the support rod.

 

[Rocketmaniac]

Looking good Rocketjunkie!!!!!! Did you say you were thinking of I211s?

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Pro54 J210's.

 

[Ryan S.]

J210s are nice motors. Man you crank out rockets like no one else. I wish I could build that fast!....but I think I would run out of mooney prettty fast

btw I like the support rod idea

 

[jflis]

just incredible. You folks have *no* idea how exciting this is for me. Seriously, i'm at a loss for words...

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Originally posted by Ryan S.
Man you crank out rockets like no one else.

These are the first rockets besides the stock size Deuce and Tres since I built the saucers in the fall of 2002. I didn't build any new rockets in 2003, just flew the ones I had.
I purchased the materials for both the Deuce and Tres at the same time, about $400 for both.

 

[rstaff3]

So Jim's designs awakened a sleeping giant, eh? I've seen your handiwork from time to time in mags and videos , and am glad to see you active on TRF!

 

[Rocketjunkie]

I spent most of this weekend cutting fins.

Here's a sheet of G10 with all but the large strakes layed out on it.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

After a *lot* of cutting and trimming, all *36* fins are done. The bottom fins and strakes are 1/4" plywood that will have 1/32" G10 laminated on both sides like the Deuce. The upper fins and strakes are 1/8" plywood. They will also be laminated both sides with 1/32" G10.

 

[daveyfire]

Wow, that's one HECK of a piece of work Tom! Looks great!

 

[Ryan S.]

yes it is, man you hardly wasted any G10!

 

[Austin]

Tom,

Looks like this is going to be another 54mm animal...good job! Keep us posted man, with the speed you build, yours will probably be done way before mine.

Carl

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Too much sanding ... Yuk!

I've been working on the Tres fins the last few days.

Here's the main fins and strakes G10 skins sanded for adhesion.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Here's the main set of fins and strakes laid out ready for the epoxy.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

The wood is coated with epoxy, the G10 placed on top, the works covered with plastic wrap, and finally the books weight everything down.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

After an 8 hour cure, the process is repeated on the other side.
Finally, the epoxy that bleeds out around the edges is sanded off.

Here's all 12 fins after lamination and sanding.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

More work done...

Motor mount assembly, rear view:

 

[Rocketjunkie]

A side view with main fins.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Finally, a front view of the MMT and fin assembly.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

The LOC BT-5.38 tube cut out for the motor tubes and fins.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

The motor mount and fin assembly inserted into the tube.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

The fin strakes are surface mounted next.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Finally, the body tube is trimmed of just above the strakes. The rest of this diameter holds the altimeter and main chute.

 

[Missileman]

Graet build
Great pics
Great job

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Originally posted by missileman
Graet build
Great pics
Great job

Thanks,

I'm shooting for the May Orangeburg launch for it's maiden flight on 3 Pro54 J210's.

 

[jflis]

wow!

heck, the bottom fin can is as tall as the whole kit!!

very kewl