Downscale Estes Pro Patriot

[Martin Vrstal]

This is a downscale scratch build of the Estes Pro Patriot. I downloaded the plans from JimZ's site and reduced the fins and Cr's by 85%.

The original kit has a 3" BT. My plans call for a 2.6, BT80.
Also the original uses a cluster of 4 D or E motors, I'm opting to go with 4-18mm C's.

Sofar I have most of the parts built...Fins, CR's, shroud, and motor mounts.

Here is a pic of the parts to date.

 

[Martin Vrstal]

Here's a pic of it all dry fitted together. Total length is about 35.75".

 

[Martin Vrstal]

ooops wrong pic...let's try this one

 

[sandman]

Now that's a good scale project, Marty.

Looks like ya got it pegged so far.

Cool!

sandman

 

[Stones]

Marty...
Did, by chance, you use a Executioner kit for the BT and NC? I thought about picking another kit up at HL at last weeks' sale but passed. Seems it would be a good one for this project. Looks great, by the way.

 

[Martin Vrstal]

Thanks guys...

Stones...nope..just parts I had on hand.

 

[gerbs4me]

looks very cool Martin
can't wait to see it all painted

 

[marvSRG]

Very nice! Great quality on part fabrication...you do that all yourself?? I love the cluster, btw. The old Pro-Series Pat was neat-o.

 

[Micromeister]

Very Nice Marty:
Can't wait to see it painted and maybe a liftoff pic

 

[Martin Vrstal]

Finally got the Patriot built and all painted enough for some pictures. I still have a few touch-up's to do. Also I need to balance it out before a test flight.

For those who are interested here's a lowdown on the parts.

BT-80...27.25"
NC-80K....Phoenix style
MMT....BT-20...4X6"
Fins....1/8th Balsa w/posterboard sheeting
CR's.....3/16 Sturdy Board..Foamboard
1/16 Basswood for very bottom CR
Motor Hooks...Made from old Wiper Blade
Recovery...3/8" Elastic and 18" Nylon Chute

Total Wt. w/o motors or being balanced is 10oz.

Here's a pic of the business end with 4-C6-3's installed.

 

[Martin Vrstal]

Here's a pic of the rocket.

 

[Martin Vrstal]

Here's the last for today.

 

[marvSRG]

That is PURDY!! Love it! How'd you do the fins so well? Lots of work with the sander? Post a flight pic!

 

[Stones]

Real nice Marty! Let us know how she flys.

 

[Martin Vrstal]

Marv.....The fins are 1/8" Balsa. There is a center rib glued halfway at an angle. The posterboard sheeting was resized along with the fin templets to 85%. The sheeting gets glued all along the edges and to the center rib at the fold line.

Hope that helps.

 

[midpwrguy]

Now martin it looks like a pro patriot built that pro patriot! Looks real good martin,You sure I did'nt make them fins.

 

[Stymye]

nice job Marty .
inside and out!...launch pic is a must!

 

[sandman]

Marty, Super Job...I gotta comment like everybody else on the fins...they look especially GREAT!

sandman

 

[maddogdelta]

That is a pretty cool rocket cradle... Did you make it yourself?

 

[Martin Vrstal]

Yes..I made it and a couple more useing 3/4 and 1/2" pvc and pipe insulation.