My first MP rocket, and I love the way it flies on a D 12-3 – slow majestic climb off the pad.
But, and I had suspicions, the 1/8 inch flimsy fins positioned at the bottom of the BT are vulnerable when landing. Initially, I filled the grain with CWF thinking that would strengthen them enough. Not so, cracked a fin on first launch. Repaired with TBIII, then papered the fins and saturated with CA. Second launch, more damage – corner of fin crunched.
Here’s where I’m seeking advice. I am scheming to extend the MMT (strongest part of the rocket?) so that the MMT bears the landing impact. Since the MMT is epoxied in, I am not replacing it. Seems to me that an easier way is to just add (epoxy) a second retainer which adds approx. 5/8 of an inch. The photos show the dry fit of my work. At the moment, the second retainer is being held in place by a 29MM adapter.
For aesthetics, I’m adding a boat tail. To secure it, a made a centering ring sized to screw onto the threads of the retainer. I can epoxy the CR to the retainer which now gives me a secure attachment point for the boat tail, which was initially made from yellow cardstock. I can laminate the boat tail with additional layers to make it more durable.
In addition, I’m now pondering a trim to the fin corners – similar to Minie Mag – to further distance them from landing impact.
Anyone have thoughts or advice? Thank you in advance for your contributions
But, and I had suspicions, the 1/8 inch flimsy fins positioned at the bottom of the BT are vulnerable when landing. Initially, I filled the grain with CWF thinking that would strengthen them enough. Not so, cracked a fin on first launch. Repaired with TBIII, then papered the fins and saturated with CA. Second launch, more damage – corner of fin crunched.
Here’s where I’m seeking advice. I am scheming to extend the MMT (strongest part of the rocket?) so that the MMT bears the landing impact. Since the MMT is epoxied in, I am not replacing it. Seems to me that an easier way is to just add (epoxy) a second retainer which adds approx. 5/8 of an inch. The photos show the dry fit of my work. At the moment, the second retainer is being held in place by a 29MM adapter.
For aesthetics, I’m adding a boat tail. To secure it, a made a centering ring sized to screw onto the threads of the retainer. I can epoxy the CR to the retainer which now gives me a secure attachment point for the boat tail, which was initially made from yellow cardstock. I can laminate the boat tail with additional layers to make it more durable.
In addition, I’m now pondering a trim to the fin corners – similar to Minie Mag – to further distance them from landing impact.
Anyone have thoughts or advice? Thank you in advance for your contributions