COX Saturn 1B (modification)

[Leo]

I realize that only few people own this vintage COX model rocket but since I fly mine and try to make them fly safer I thought I would post a modification that I did to my model.
Maybe some here have the same model and would like to do the modification as well.

The rocket:

The dangerous part about these type of rockets is that they are prone to lawn darting because the eject charge is unable to deploy the recovery system. This is mostly due to the ejection gases leaking through openings and cracks in the plastic.
A simple solution is to use a body tube as a core, holding the engine and transferring the ejection gases to the parachute compartment.
To accomplish this I designed and 3D printed 2 parts. A disk adapter for the parachute compartment and an adapter for the lower end of the rocket.

I took a BT-20 body tube and cut it to the appropriate length. I also added an engine hook for convenience.

First thin was to epoxy the ring adapter to the body tube.

Then insert the body tube into the rocket.

Lastly I added some epoxy the other end of the body tube and inserted the lower adapter.

Now I can safely fly this rocket

 

[5x7]

That’s nice, is it possible for you to put the parts on shapeways or see if Boyce will make them available? They have a replacement top for the rocket I assume because if the lawn darting.

 

[Leo]

I will publish the parts on Thingiverse. Link to follow soon.....

 

[Steven]

Where is the link for this?

 

[Leo]

Yikes, I completely forgot about this! Will post here when I have everything uploaded..... promise!

 

[Steven]

Most excellent! It looks like a great design/modification. Well thought out and simple. KISS.

 

[Initiator001]

What motor do you use with your modification?

I have been flying a Cox Saturn 1B every once-in-a-while since 1990. I fly it with either a D12-5 or an E15-7W. No issues for me.

 

[Leo]

I'm using Klima D9-3 or Klima D9-5 motors. I think the new Estes C5-3 motors should work as well.

 

[Steven]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-...058281?hash=item46b5d09c29:g:gT4AAOSwQPdfZ0Ak Since we're somewhere on the subject. If the seller finds a buyer, someone's economy won't be doing bad.

 

[Leo]

He was on FB asking how much it could be worth. Some person suggested they would pay $500 (if the wife would agree).
I can't see myself paying more than $50 only because the incorrect pattern hurts my eyes.

 

[Steven]

I believe scarcity along with condition comes into play. However, the Saturn V has been sold for less in the cellophane wrap before. This IS too high.

 

[n3tjm]

I have always wanted the COX Saturn 1B and Saturn V. This is what inspired me to do my 3D printing of the Apollo rockets. I also have another idea of what to try to make, but I don't know how well it will work out. So I will keep it secret for now

 

[Initiator001]

I'm using Klima D9-3 or Klima D9-5 motors. I think the new Estes C5-3 motors should work as well.

Lucky you. Getting those Klima D9 motors.

I am not sure I would trust the CURRENT Estes C5-3 motors in that model.

 

[Initiator001]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-...058281?hash=item46b5d09c29:g:gT4AAOSwQPdfZ0Ak Since we're somewhere on the subject. If the seller finds a buyer, someone's economy won't be doing bad.

That is an outrageous asking price. Not worth that much.

Rare for sure but I would put it in the neighborhood of $300-$400.

 

[Leo]

I posted the files on thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4603111