Delta IV Build

[bguffer]

Build and launch video of 1/78th Delta IV Heavy.

Started with DFR Technologies / Carl Campbell Delta IV Heavy kit and then deviated from instructions by throwing away the printed wraps in favor of paint and adding additional 3 dimensional detail. The provided printed wraps would have made the build go much, much quicker. Decals were based on axm paper space models.

Initially intended to put this up with D12s in the sides, and E9 in central, with the sides falling off halfway through core power boost.
However, i built this thing way to heavy for that and switched to the largest White Lightning motor i could find (Aerotech F24) that would fit in the central 24mm motor mount.
After adding nose weight, it weighed in at 32 oz. Stands 36 inches high.
RockSim said 275' for apogee, but it went no higher then 150', maybe as little as 100'. It was impressively slow up and off the rail.

 

[Raptor 2]

I’m a detail freak but the detail you put into this one blew me away. What a beauty! Will you ever fly her with three motors?

 

[NOLA_BAR]

You got some nice details on that build! Cool launch too even though it did not go that high.

 

[Raptor 2]

What was the delay time on the F24?

 

[bguffer]

Will you ever fly her with three motors?

No. I fly once, get a picture and/or slow motion video. Then retire for display purposes, next to my other ~1/70th scale rockets.

 

[bguffer]

What was the delay time on the F24?

Started with a 4 and drilled down to 3. Rocksim suggested 2.75s.

 

[Dissonance]

Are the DFR delta models available anywhere? I once saw the Delta II on eBay, and it sold in a couple hours.

 

[ljwilley]

WOW! I love the slow motion launch video. I did a BT80 scratch build Delta IV Heavy once, but this one is WAY more detailed. Nice job.

 

[bguffer]

Are the DFR delta models available anywhere? I once saw the Delta II on eBay, and it sold in a couple hours.

They have been out of production for several years.

The manufacturer has talked about reviving the Delta kits, but got busy with real rocket work. Once real rocket work subsides, maybe the kits become available again.

 

[Dissonance]

They have been out of production for several years.

The manufacturer has talked about reviving the Delta kits, but got busy with real rocket work. Once real rocket work subsides, maybe the kits become available again.

You wouldn't happen to know the manufacturer's website? I'm not seeing it when I search Google.

 

[jadebox]

You wouldn't happen to know the manufacturer's website? I'm not seeing it when I search Google.

His websites are no longer active. Carl has started flying rockets with us at local launches again, but I suspect he's enjoying retirement and not thinking much about producing rocket kits right now.

 

[Dissonance]

His websites are no longer active. Carl has started flying rockets with us at local launches again, but I suspect he's enjoying retirement and not thinking much about producing rocket kits right now.

That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know.

 

[bguffer]

You can scale paper model to size/scale you want. I have used InkScape to scale paper model plans successfully. Believe InkScape is free download.

https://axmpaperspacescalemodels.com/index.php/delta-iv/

Nose cone is hardest thing, either a) form paper nose cones per plan, b) have someone like roachwerks turn nose cones, c) have someone 3d print nose cones.

Would expect thingiverse to have plans for 3d printing Deltas as well.

I'm willing to share decal sheet pdfs as well for II, III, and IV, if you get one built and painted. Don't intend on posting decal sheet pdfs to public, in case Carl C wants to start producing kits again. (My pdf sheets are mission specific, and the Delta II pdf requires a printer capable of printing white for a few decals.)

 

[Capt. Eric]

While not in the same class as this very nice project, Max Q just released their version of the Delta IV's. I haven't seen them in person, but looks nice.
https://maxqrockets.com/collections/frontpage

I have built a couple of their rockets. Lightweight 3D printed. Nice details. You don't have to paint them (printed in the finished colors) but they look better if you throw a coat on it. May not last forever, but I like them.

(no, I'm not a paid spokesperson)

 

[Hobie1dog]

That build video is the best one I've seen on here, outstanding work

 

[DocSeuss]

His websites are no longer active. Carl has started flying rockets with us at local launches again, but I suspect he's enjoying retirement and not thinking much about producing rocket kits right now.

I tried to get in contact with him here a while back. I have been trying to track down an atlas v 551 for a while and I know he used to make them. I'd love to get my hands on his 3d printing files if he'd be willing to share.

 

[bguffer]

I tried to get in contact with him here a while back. I have been trying to track down an atlas v 551 for a while and I know he used to make them. I'd love to get my hands on his 3d printing files if he'd be willing to share.

Thingiverse likely has 3d design files.

I'm at dry fit stage of an Atlas V:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/1-72nd-atlas-v-build.185980/
(today, i added link to paper model the Atlas V build is based on)

 

[jadebox]

I tried to get in contact with him here a while back. I have been trying to track down an atlas v 551 for a while and I know he used to make them. I'd love to get my hands on his 3d printing files if he'd be willing to share.

Apologies... I made a mistake. The Real Space Models web site is still up:

https://www.realspacemodels.com/contact

I think Carl has shared some of his plans with people wanting to build clones of his kits.

 

[Dissonance]

You can scale paper model to size/scale you want. I have used InkScape to scale paper model plans successfully. Believe InkScape is free download.

https://axmpaperspacescalemodels.com/index.php/delta-iv/

Nose cone is hardest thing, either a) form paper nose cones per plan, b) have someone like roachwerks turn nose cones, c) have someone 3d print nose cones.

Would expect thingiverse to have plans for 3d printing Deltas as well.

I'm willing to share decal sheet pdfs as well for II, III, and IV, if you get one built and painted. Don't intend on posting decal sheet pdfs to public, in case Carl C wants to start producing kits again. (My pdf sheets are mission specific, and the Delta II pdf requires a printer capable of printing white for a few decals.)

Those paper models look really hard.