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.

 

[Huxter]

Thanks for all the advise everyone - it really helps alot!!

How did you put the decals on the fins (if you did) - it looks kinda scary to try and stradle the sticker over the leading fin edge, and try to peel paper away.

How 'bout sliding the decal fully on one side of the fin, then sliding it over the leading edge thusly? :

 

[Nytrunner]

Theyre pretty easy to slide around when theyre initially wet. I put the point of the decal on the fin ridge, slid the backing paper out from under it, repositioned as necessary, then firmly pressed it down flat

 

[neil_w]

Theyre pretty easy to slide around when theyre initially wet. I put the point of the decal on the fin ridge, slid the backing paper out from under it, repositioned as necessary, then firmly pressed it down flat

Agree.

If you wet the surface (I use Micro-set, but water will do) first, you will have some opportunity to adjust the decal position (gently) after applying. I do try to get it close to the target position on the first try, but generally don't worry about getting it perfect.

Small decals are easier to adjust than large ones. I would rate those as on the small side, shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Nytrunner]

Mine came out alright

 

[Huxter]

That's a great color choice - goes great w the decals - beautiful rocket!

I use a drop of dawn in pretty warm water. I've had many decals (smaller even) fold onto itself in some situations. When this happens, the decal is history - I rarely recovered them.

I now have the ability to make new decals, so if something happens, I can recreate it closely enough.

Thank you