Estes Astron Explorer Build Thread

[bobbyg23]

This is one I have been wanting. I like the different paint jobs.

 

[wmay78]

I like the red and silver! I destroyed this R2 1st on the second flight. I absentmindedly put wadding in it: side tube popped at apogee. The chute never deployed. I had switched the front and rear tube on this one, and I added to the fins which did nothing but add weight. I just built a new one true to the design but similar to the old one's paint. Still being painted. This time on R2 2nd, I painted the side tubes before gluing them on. I kept the original nosecone from R2 1st, my wife did a great job painting it i thought. Its a fun one!

 

[Nytrunner]

I absentmindedly put wadding in it: side tube popped at apogee

Ouch, putting in wadding caused an overpressure?

 

[wmay78]

Ouch, putting in wadding caused an overpressure?

Exactly, and it was just one of the small nose cones. parachute never came out and it came down ballistic. I found my altimeter though! lol

 

[Joekeyo]

I am building one of these. This thread is being used as a guideline and it is very helpful, thanks. Progress is being posted on the "what I did rocket wise today."

I wonder if the side tubing are supposed to have remnants of the clay packing which is used to store the ejection charge, i shook some of it out but i cant get the larger pieces out, tell me this is not a bad thing ....

My only experience with this is that my Centurion has a baffle. When you shake the rocket, it makes noise. I call it my rattle rocket. You can't shake the noise out of the rocket. I assume this is the same issue. I speculate that there could be enough accumulation of the stuff to change the CG or interfere with the ejection process. I will weigh my Explorer when it is finished. I could periodically weigh it and see if it changes. Mostly I am inclined not to be too concerned. Like Alfred E. Newman said...

 

[Nytrunner]

When you shake the rocket, it makes noise.

Since the 24mm mount isn't too much smaller than the body tube, I hold it mount down and give it a couple long shakes up and down. Usually dislodges Aerotech ejection caps and random clay debris.

 

[Joekeyo]

It works! Gave the Centurion a strong shake with the mount down, and it stopped rattling. I think it was the last piece lodged in there. Thanks again.