Dynacom Python (3.3" OD) Build Thread

[rfjustin]

Trying to get traditional dual deploy out of the length of the standard (single deploy) version of the Python. We shall see what I come up with once the booster gets done.

 

[kjhambrick]

Trying to get traditional dual deploy out of the length of the standard (single deploy) version of the Python. We shall see what I come up with once the booster gets done.
View attachment 603217

Looks very good, Justin !

Wait ! Are you adding a booster to make it a 2-stage Python ?

If so, how did I miss that ???

Thanks

-- kjh

 

[rfjustin]

DIY fin guides drying, need to cut those out to begin work on the booster.

 

[crossfire]

Trying to get traditional dual deploy out of the length of the standard (single deploy) version of the Python. We shall see what I come up with once the booster gets done.
View attachment 603217

Looking very nice Justin.

 

[THarrison]

Love the nostalgic build thread! Thanks for sharing @rfjustin.

@WILDMANRS should bring back some of the old Dynacom designs. A 6” Ultimate Python would be awesome.

 

[Tim51]

Trying to get traditional dual deploy out of the length of the standard (single deploy) version of the Python. We shall see what I come up with once the booster gets done.
View attachment 603217

Very cool. What's your plan for painting? The livery on the face card, leaving it naked or something else..?

 

[rfjustin]

Very cool. What's your plan for painting? The livery on the face card, leaving it naked or something else..?

Leaning towards classic red booster and white nose cone, but not 100% sure... Ed Dewey/Shawn Ashbaugh classics...

 

[rfjustin]

Good gawd the fit and finish on this rascal is just top notch. Sheesh I miss Eric H!

 

[DAllen]

Trying to get traditional dual deploy out of the length of the standard (single deploy) version of the Python. We shall see what I come up with once the booster gets done

HED?

 

[rfjustin]

HED?

No sir, just a smaller/shortened upper airframe. I'm really only losing the 1.25" piece I had to chop saw off and glue to the nose cone coupler for rigidity. I should have enough space, but we shall see.

 

[rfjustin]

Got the fin guides ready to be used, then scuffed the crap out of the inside of the booster tube. Motor mount and tailcone is now bonding, ready for the fins shortly.

 

[rfjustin]

 

[rfjustin]

Mocking up the fins and guides...

 

[watheyak]

Is the metal ring a snap-ring retainer?

I'm loving this build. The Python reminds of me the first ever lakebed launch I went to on a lakebed I can't remember the name of. Jim Rosson flew one on an AT K-250. That was like mid-90s I think.

 

[mrwalsh85]

Is the metal ring a snap-ring retainer?

My Anaconda has the same, so I'd say yes.

 

[Theory]

This is SIC!!!

Simply incredible

 

[rfjustin]

Is the metal ring a snap-ring retainer?

I'm loving this build. The Python reminds of me the first ever lakebed launch I went to on a lakebed I can't remember the name of. Jim Rosson flew one on an AT K-250. That was like mid-90s I think.

Correct sir. Dynacom had the original "slimline" style retainers for 54, 75 and 98.

 

[Buckeye]

Something about that fin and boat-tail combo strikes a chord with me...

hmmmmmm

Agree. The MAC Firestick has the same look.

 

[rfjustin]

I leveraged the last usable solid piece of the original coupler to double wall reinforce the area directly above the top centering ring. This gave me a safe area to drill and tap for rail guides. Fillets top and bottom of centering rings are done, moving onto internal horizontal fillets tomorrow morning.

 

[rfjustin]

First of 4 internal fillets sets in... may have gone overboard with the amount injected, but too late now. I used West black dye to help trace.

 

[rfjustin]

 

[kjhambrick]

I am going to have to remember your black dye trick for internal filets.

They sure show up nicely thru the FG tubes !

Thanks Justin

-- kjh

 

[OzHybrid]

Nice work.

 

[rfjustin]

All internals are done, will move onto external fillets this afternoon.

 

[David Schwantz]

Hey Justin, just below the NC shoulder you have lots of socket heads screws. What are they for ? Dave.

 

[rfjustin]

Hey Justin, just below the NC shoulder you have lots of socket heads screws. What are they for ? Dave.

So the Python I picked up originally was single deploy. There was a long coupler with a big "shelf" cut out of the coupler, which was how the rocket was originally designed. One end of that coupler had (6) PEM nuts already installed, as did the short coupler coming out of the nose cone. Since I was able to source a separate 6" coupler to allow for traditional dual deploy, I was safe to cut up the original coupler, flip it on end, and glue it to the nose cone via a short piece of airframe tube. So now the original nose cone looks "normal" but with a 1.25" long piece of airframe permanently glued to it.

 

[rfjustin]

 

[DAllen]

West Systems?

 

[rfjustin]

West Systems?

Yes sir, West resin, fast hardener, thickened quite a bit with milled fiberglass.
https://www.totalboat.com/products/milled-glass-fiber?_pos=1&_sid=041140373&_ss=r

 

[DAllen]