RocketSmokEater
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2004
- Messages
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I'm new to the forum, although I've done a lot of reading on various threads/posts. I'm getting back into rocketry from my Estes low-power days 10 years ago or so, so i thought to try mid-power but also keep the "bigger" Estes kits around as well.
I apologize for the length of this IN ADVANCE!! ;-)
I know there's been lots of posts on various V-2 mods - all of which i've read - but wanted to get some more specific feedback since i'm new to mods and such. I'm looking to fortify an Estes 4"
V-2 kit i bought recently to fly on Aerotech F engines. From a lot of folks I've heard the F-21 Econojets (or even the E15s and E30s from what i hear) are great engines for this kit, and i believe this is the engine i'd like to mostly fly the V-2 on given it's impulse, apogee ratings, and safety from lots of reports of crashing like the E-9. Anyway I'm curious as to what I need to do to strengthen all the necessary parts that need to be strengthened for longevity and nice upward flights. People have told me different things, as opinions vary completely of course, and I'm thinking light and strong. So, here is a list of parts, including construction materials and techniques i'm thinking to implement, glues and such that i want to inquire about etc. If you notice i missed an important part, by all means please mention it:
- 4" BT upper interior CyAing and upper interior MMT (thin runny & odorless brand), after assembly of MMT of course, which strengthens BT and protects from repeated ejection gases, and then followed by some nice smooth sanding
- replacement of stock cardboard rings with basswood or simliar material, or even doubling up the cardboard ones by making a new set of my own and gluing together, including the smaller, tail end ring? use of epoxy on this assembly?
- constructing and mounting the engine assembly as intended for the E, but with dual E engine clips for retaining an F which i believe is same dimensions as the E - 24mm x 3.75" - and keeping the same engine block and all?
- fins fins fins. lots said on these. thinking it's better to just build them stock though strong. plastic model cement sandwhiched together or CA or any other type of glue? definitely some nice light, though strong layers of 15-min epoxy filletted smoothly to the BT...?
- and i'm thinking about a nice 30-36"? nylon parachute/chute protector/kevlar system from Top Flight or Giant Leap. kevlar mounted to either eye bolt on upper ring or slitted through it and epoxied directly to MMT?
- i'll worry about painting schemes later! ;-)
The idea is not to go crazy with mods that aren't necessary, though enough strengthening with materials and the right glues that will keep it light, strong and to last. Of course, anything can happen in the air regardless how much work i put into it! ;-)
Thanks everyone!
I apologize for the length of this IN ADVANCE!! ;-)
I know there's been lots of posts on various V-2 mods - all of which i've read - but wanted to get some more specific feedback since i'm new to mods and such. I'm looking to fortify an Estes 4"
V-2 kit i bought recently to fly on Aerotech F engines. From a lot of folks I've heard the F-21 Econojets (or even the E15s and E30s from what i hear) are great engines for this kit, and i believe this is the engine i'd like to mostly fly the V-2 on given it's impulse, apogee ratings, and safety from lots of reports of crashing like the E-9. Anyway I'm curious as to what I need to do to strengthen all the necessary parts that need to be strengthened for longevity and nice upward flights. People have told me different things, as opinions vary completely of course, and I'm thinking light and strong. So, here is a list of parts, including construction materials and techniques i'm thinking to implement, glues and such that i want to inquire about etc. If you notice i missed an important part, by all means please mention it:
- 4" BT upper interior CyAing and upper interior MMT (thin runny & odorless brand), after assembly of MMT of course, which strengthens BT and protects from repeated ejection gases, and then followed by some nice smooth sanding
- replacement of stock cardboard rings with basswood or simliar material, or even doubling up the cardboard ones by making a new set of my own and gluing together, including the smaller, tail end ring? use of epoxy on this assembly?
- constructing and mounting the engine assembly as intended for the E, but with dual E engine clips for retaining an F which i believe is same dimensions as the E - 24mm x 3.75" - and keeping the same engine block and all?
- fins fins fins. lots said on these. thinking it's better to just build them stock though strong. plastic model cement sandwhiched together or CA or any other type of glue? definitely some nice light, though strong layers of 15-min epoxy filletted smoothly to the BT...?
- and i'm thinking about a nice 30-36"? nylon parachute/chute protector/kevlar system from Top Flight or Giant Leap. kevlar mounted to either eye bolt on upper ring or slitted through it and epoxied directly to MMT?
- i'll worry about painting schemes later! ;-)
The idea is not to go crazy with mods that aren't necessary, though enough strengthening with materials and the right glues that will keep it light, strong and to last. Of course, anything can happen in the air regardless how much work i put into it! ;-)
Thanks everyone!