You can build an L3 rocket for $150 if you:
- Have all the electronics already.
- You have a parachute that will work as a drogue.
- Buy a "play chute" for the main ($25) and sew you own extension line ($10).
- Buy cheap 1" tubular nylon on Ebay/Amazon ($25/20yards).
- Use concrete form tubing, two 8" 4ft pieces ($20). Bare. Cut a piece down for a coupler.
- Cheap 1/2" 5-ply plywood for fins and CR's and bulkheads, cut them yourself ($20).
- No motor mount tube. Just use CR's and a thrust plate (double up 1/2" ply).
- An ugly conical nosecone made from a large funnel ($10). Dirt for nose weight.
- Hardware and supplies ($40). No paint.
I've seen it done. It will take a lot more labor than a kit. You will not be proud of it. People will laugh at you.
Or, just enjoy flying more L1/L2 rockets and wait until you have a bigger budget.
(1) Borrow Electronics.
(2) Borrow Parachutes.
(3) Use Concrete Form Tubes. ( Fiberglassing or "Quasi-Glass" - Optional )
(4) Borrow a Nose Cone or or make your own, using the "Ace Fugue Shroud Method" https://www.ninfinger.org/rockets/US ROCKETS AIR-4 REPORT ACE FUGUE SHROUD METHOD.pdf
(5) See my post - https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/is-this-a-good-l3-rocket.143795/page-2#post-1859241
My own Level 3 plans got "sabotaged" by a combination of the pandemic and "free-loading" family members ( prior to Covid - 19 ), in late 2019 and all of 2020 ( thanks to the virus ). So, for 2021, I think I might "change gears", "put my money where my mouth is" and do an "Extreme Low Budget" rocket for my Level 3 Cert . . . If I go that direction, I will do a build thread, with pictures and full documentation of the cost !
Dave F.
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