Finally REALLY finished up my L1 cert build

[chuckpo]

This is a PML Tethys that I am hoping to certify with this month. I had initially planned to launch on Oct 10, but there was a scheduling conflict with the land owner. So, I am hoping there is another launch coming up where I can get this thing airborn.

Today, all that I had left to do was to throw some paint on it. I went with Killz primer (2 light dusts), a coat of Duplicolor filler auto primer, and sanded each primer coat. These prep steps were done last week, and all I needed was some nice weather to spray the airframe. At the same time, I primed and rattle-canned the nose with some store brand primer and black paint.

Luckily this weekend is filled with nice weather, so this morning I fired up the compressor and pulled out the gun. I used red Duplicolor paint (no mix, no thin) as the color coat. This went on in 2 coats, with about 10 minutes between. Then I added the Duplicolor "metallic clear", which has some metal flake in it. This took 2 coats as well, with the 10 minutes between. I followed those up with the Duplicolor (can you tell thats the only brand the auto parts store had? ) final clear. This received 4 coats, since I decided I would buff/polish a little bit.

Here is the outcome, with apologies for the cell phone pic:

I cant wait to get this one in the air!

cp

 

[cjl]

Very nice.

What motor do you plan to use? I vote I600R :y:

 

[chuckpo]

Thanks!

First flight will be an H152BS. I'll see how that one goes first.

 

[tibadoe]

Nice job. Take some pics of the first flight.

 

[cjl]

Thanks!

First flight will be an H152BS. I'll see how that one goes first.

Good choice. The CTI blue streaks are quite nice - they have a nice noticeable blue flame even in the smaller sizes (unlike AT blue thunder).

 

[chuckpo]

Level 1 cert, done! :headbang:

It was a nice flight, the delay, even at 10 seconds, seemed a little long, and it weathercocked a bit at apogee, but then the chute popped out. Then I panicked when I realized that the chute was not opening all the way. It came down quicker than it should, but thanks to the soft ground it survived. When I got to it, I saw that the piston had not ejected fully and a shroud line wrapped itself around the body tube. The piston was almost jammed inside the airframe, and that appears to be due to the material expanding in the sun. I was 3rd on the flight line and it was only on the pad about 2 minutes before launching, but had sat in the sun next to the FCO table for about 30 minutes prior. Had I checked the piston before launch, I would have found this and rectified the situation. Luckily, it was still successful. Many thanks to the HOTROC crew in Waco for putting on a successful event!

 

[ben_ullman]

Congrats!!!! L2?? :clap:

Ben

 

[dave carver]

Congrats but I've seen prefects not sign off on that recovery for "not coming in as intended". As the intent was to bring it in under full parachute I can see how they justify their reasoning.

Be that as it may, onwards and upwards to level 2!!!

 

[tibadoe]

Congtrats on your L1.....

 

[Patch]

Thinks for the info. I'm building the same rocket for my L1 too. The issue with the piston will give me something to think about when I get ready to launch.:clap:

 

[Pantherjon]

Congrats on the L1 chuckpo!

Patch: A little tip on the piston; When you install it, do so upside down(like a cup), this will free up a lot of room for your recovery gear..Still works as intended but gives you that much more room!

 

[patelldp]

Congrats on the L1 chuckpo!

Patch: A little tip on the piston; When you install it, do so upside down(like a cup), this will free up a lot of room for your recovery gear..Still works as intended but gives you that much more room!

It will also provide for a much more stable sliding, less likely to get jammed.

https://www.deltavrocketry.com/piston.htm (about halfway down)

 

[chuckpo]

Awesome! Thanks for the info guys