Delta-IV
Well-Known Member
Some time ago (4/5/08), I lost my Estes Mercury Redstone LES tower in a severe weathercock ascent. I contacted Estes but they had no spare parts available and I refused to fly the MR naked. So I quickly built a bass wood equivalent. See first photo.
I have had many good flights with the semi-scale LES (14), but the LES has always bothered me, almost feeling embarrassed to be honest. Now that I have a 3D printer for my small business I finally found the time to squeeze in that re-build I always wanted to do. See second picture. Its a 5 piece part, Rocket motor with spike, tower, and the 3 motor nozzles. The tower rails and aero cover above the capsule is one piece.
I will launch it this Saturday for it's maiden flight (my MR7's #33). If the flight goes well and the LES survives (it should its made of ABS plastic) I will offer to make more to others out there who may have lost their's along the way as well. Please don't fly it naked :wink:
I have had many good flights with the semi-scale LES (14), but the LES has always bothered me, almost feeling embarrassed to be honest. Now that I have a 3D printer for my small business I finally found the time to squeeze in that re-build I always wanted to do. See second picture. Its a 5 piece part, Rocket motor with spike, tower, and the 3 motor nozzles. The tower rails and aero cover above the capsule is one piece.
I will launch it this Saturday for it's maiden flight (my MR7's #33). If the flight goes well and the LES survives (it should its made of ABS plastic) I will offer to make more to others out there who may have lost their's along the way as well. Please don't fly it naked :wink:
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