ABANDONED BUILD - REVIVED!!

[neond7]

Back around May of 2016, I started three builds about the same time (big mistake). These were (1) LOC Magnum blue tube clone (2) LOC Bruiser blue tube clone, and (3) LOC Big Nuke 3E.

You can see these builds in work here: https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/loc-magnum-3e-blue-tube-clone-build.133898/

Of the three, the Magnum and Bruiser clones were both completed and flown. In fact, the Bruiser clone had an unrecoverable landing on its first flight and since built and flown its replacement.

That left the LOC Big Nuke mostly completed but abandoned after my wife quit traveling for work and I no longer had a lot of boring evenings to fill with hobby time.

I recently started up on the LOC Big Nuke and plan to fly it this weekend! I’ll post the additional work that I’ve done since the build thread link above was done.

 

[neond7]

First step was to complete the avionics bay and wiring which I had started on but abandoned where it sat unloved for five years.

Those Stratologger CF’s are gold! I haven’t seen one available for a long time.

 

[neond7]

Next step I cut open the base of the nose cone and added a u-bolt (after removing the plastic mount). Then I added 1.5 lbs of weight for stability. I dumped some epoxy on top of the weights and let it cure, and then some expanding foam to keep it all in place. Then I epoxied the flap closed.
After that I drilled holes and added the three shear pins.

 

[OzHybrid]

We've all got your phone number now......

 

[neond7]

Tomorrow I will install the Kevlar harnesses and the Sky Angle Cert 3 medium parachute and drogue and get out the scale for the final weight measurements.
Once I get the weights, I’ll update the Open Rocket file. First flight is planned on a 75mm Aerotech K780R.

 

[DMehalko]

Nice! Working on a Nuke 3E cluster myself right now

 

[teepot]

So I'm not the only one who puts lost and found info on their rocket. Great looking rocket. I never thought of putting the nose cone in ice water. I stick it in a glass of bird seed.

 

[Tim51]

Great build. Like all your threads, this has class, and I love the duracell bronze and red scheme. Just curious why you sealed the NC without making room for a tracker - will you put one in the Av bay or do you just fly without them?

 

[neond7]

So I'm not the only one who puts lost and found info on their rocket. Great looking rocket. I never thought of putting the nose cone in ice water. I stick it in a glass of bird seed.

I use ice water because the epoxy and foam both produce heat as they cure. Didn’t want the cone to melt.

 

[neond7]

Great build. Like all your threads, this has class, and I love the duracell bronze and red scheme. Just curious why you sealed the NC without making room for a tracker - will you put one in the Av bay or do you just fly without them?

Very good question, I always fly with a Whistle pet tracker on it, it is really small so I attach it to the shock cord. As long as the areas i fly in have cell coverage, it works great and has saved several rockets that landed in rough areas.

 

[scpearson1]

Hello, Looks like you are in the central FL area, where do you fly down here in the land of lakes and trees?

 

[mikekebert]

Great build. Like all your threads, this has class, and I love the duracell bronze and red scheme. Just curious why you sealed the NC without making room for a tracker - will you put one in the Av bay or do you just fly without them?

I second this, what a great scheme!

 

[K'Tesh]

I'm a little concerned that you've posted your phone number in the forum for anyone to see. I doubt that any legit member would abuse that, but there are bad actors out there. Perhaps an edit of the image would be in order.