Build Thread Mach 1 Rocketry BT-60 XXL FG mid power kit (Spektor)

[swatkat]

In our area of California we have the choice of two awesome fields once the rains come, one is a low/mid-power field with a 1500' ceiling and a G-motor limit due to it's proximity to a major AFB and the field size. The second is an amazing high power field, but I digress. I wanted a fiberglass kit that would fly mid-power and remain below the 1500' waiver. I've purchased a few Mach 1 kits for high power launches (see my other build threads) and have been impressed with both the uniqueness of their designs and the level of quality of the kits. The Spektor as a 38mm body tube fit the bill nicely and was easy on the wallet at 29.99 and 13.50 for priority shipping. I ordered it on a Wednesday and it was at my door Monday afternoon. The kit had a plastic nose cone, Nice Thin-walled FG body and motor tubes and lightweight FG fins, micro rail buttons and a 5 ft length of Kevlar cord, which I will a bit to as I think it may be shorter than I'd like. Quality was fantastic, and the whole kit components without motor retention or chute was 6.8 Oz. I believe Steve, the owner hand assembles each one before it goes out the door. He sent me the attached photo prior to shipping and also a .ork file, which is now posted on the Mach 1 site.

 

[swatkat]

Upon receiving the kit, I had some spare time to kill while literally watching the glue dry on a scratch built clustered rocket, so I built the motor mount (24mm), which had the top centering ring preslotted for the Kevlar pass through. I also 3D printed a jig to hold the fins in the correct orientation while working. Then added all three fins at the same time with JB weld fillets. I apologize for the lack of photos at this stage, but I was working quickly. I let the epoxy cure for a day in the smoky California heat and then primed it today and am letting that dry overnight. I still haven't decided on a color scheme yet. I also added ~1.2 Oz of weight to the nose cone, just because the .ork file, modified with my heavy JB-fillets and 3D printed retainer was 0.8 cal with an F32-8 loaded. With the nose weight, I'm very comfortable in the upper 1.8 cal range. I probably could have gone lighter on the nose weight, but I had a JB premixed and I wanted to keep the rocket under the 1500 foot level on the typical F reloads and SU that I use. The F32 is actually 1510' as it stands now simulated... but I digress. Final weight came in at 8.6 Oz. without the color coat of paint on it. I'm pretty sure I'll end up at 9 Oz even or maybe a touch over. Will shoot the final paint coat tomorrow afternoon after a little more time in the 100 degree heat.

 

[swatkat]

Just need to throw the laundry in... I painted it "sky camo". Good thing it's a bright orange chute!

 

[kuririn]

Shweet!

 

[captbk]

I just picked one of these up at LDRS38. Any flight info on yours swatkat?

 

[swatkat]

Wow, I never saw this... the spektor has flown a ton. It REALLY Likes F24-7W's.