Groove Tube

[Rocketjunkie]

With the demise of my Cyclotron last launch, I needed a mid size rocket for G-J power. I decided on a 3" upscale of the Centuri Groove Tube.

Here's the tubes, altimeter bay from the Cyclotron, motor mount parts, and nose cone.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

It didn't take long to cut the tubes.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

This is the 54 mm motor mount. The cable connects to the recovery system.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

This was one of the easiest builds in a while. Glue on the tube fins, glue in the motor mount, glue the altimeter bay into the base of the payload section, install shock cords and chute.

Result:

 

[Fishhead]

Always good to see that there are other G.T. fans out there. Are you planning to paint it in the classic Groove Tube scheme? Keep posting the pics. I'd like to see how this one turns out.
What's the story behind the demise of the Cyclotron? My brother in law has one and really loves it.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Originally posted by Fishhead
Always good to see that there are other G.T. fans out there. Are you planning to paint it in the classic Groove Tube scheme? Keep posting the pics. I'd like to see how this one turns out.

It will be fairly close. Red nose, white body, blue tube fins with similar decals. No chrome stripes though.

What's the story behind the demise of the Cyclotron? My brother in law has one and really loves it.

When you don't make sure the altimeter is properly armed and launch anyway, the results aren't pretty It flew well on motors ranging from H123 to Ellis J330.

 

[Hospital_Rocket]

So whyfor you did not just rebuild the Cyclotron? The only reason the picture gives is possibly the transition got zorched.

A

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Originally posted by Hospital_Rocket
So whyfor you did not just rebuild the Cyclotron? The only reason the picture gives is possibly the transition got zorched.

A

The transition did get destroyed. Also, I wanted a 54 mm mount for more motor variety. I had flown the Cyclotron on a wide variety of 38 mm motors.

 

[marvSRG]

Looks great, Tom. A K160 would get that sucker way up there!

 

[Rocketjunkie]

It finally got warm enough to do the painting.

Now complete, it weighs just under 4 lb.

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Here's a pic:

 

[Art Upton]

Originally posted by Rocketjunkie
Here's a pic:

Too Kewl !

Now you make me want to build one ;-)

 

[Fishhead]

Originally posted by Rocketjunkie
Here's a pic:

That's awesome! I love the vintage look.

 

[Reed Goodwin]

That looks really great. Congratulations.
Reed

 

[Rocketjunkie]

I flew it yesterday on a Pro54 J210 to 3574 feet.

 

[Stones]

Is that just a film "anonmoly" or do I see the ignition wires still connected, below/right of the rocket, in the pic?
Great boost pic, btw.

 

[Rocketmaniac]

Originally posted by Stones
Is that just a film "anonmoly" or do I see the ignition wires still connected, below/right of the rocket, in the pic?
Great boost pic, btw.

From what I overheard, those are indeed ignition wires, held on by one piece of masking tape!!!!!

 

[Rocketjunkie]

Originally posted by Rocketmaniac
From what I overheard, those are indeed ignition wires, held on by one piece of masking tape!!!!!

Yes, when I recovered the rocket, the Oxral leads were still attached. I use a single piece of masking tape to hold the igniter to the side of the motor.