L2 Certification Build Thread. LOC Precision 5.5" Magnum 3E, 75mm MM. For a Spring/Early Summer 2024 Attempt.

[86mustang408w]

I started looking at L2 certification flight potential builds a few months ago. Two days after a successful L1 cert at URRG in NY on 11/04/23, I was doing 2 things. Downloading the NAR L2 Certification Study Guide, and looking for a rocket that would be good for me. I really loved this 5.5" Magnum(91.5") the best with the single 75mm Motor tube. It was hard to pick the 80" Magnum with now the 54mm central, and 6-29mm outers over this. I had a size and weight in mind after going a few times to get a feel for what may be a better L2 bird, with that being said. I haven't made any permanent marks yet, but messed around to get some ideas.

I decided to stick with this Magnum, it comes wirh a 78"/18" Main/Drouge chutes. I have pretty good idea of what direction I want to go(Pun Intended). But with that, have also had some pretty serious related medical issues, again. But some things, plus some minor things that are being taken care of so I can get back on schedule have been helpful here. Theres a method to my Madness, its been a madhouse. That, had to stop for me be able to focus.

Wanting to rest, or slow down a little and just build as its winter. I ordered this a few weeks ago, along with some extra parts too. There was an honest mistake I realized just today, and I received the wrong sized centering rings. So its probably best to wait for the correct ones to get here. I ran it by someone first, he agreed as well to contact them. I did today, and they sent me the right ones without question. Thanks again LOC Precision!

This arrived last Wednesday, 1/2/24 a little after noon. I looked over the box but didn't open it until later that night. Well about midnight to double check for any damage, bur there wasn't any damage to it. I've been also waiting on a few more parts to get here as well. I wanted to start marking it at least, im going to attempt to get a little done everyday. So, the plan is to start it now, and chip away at it a little bit at a time. I'll add some more text and pictures as the parts arrive here shortly, but next week.

Last night I started with the glassine layer that was taken off to help with bonding properties, and I started mocking/marking some things up. I finally am opening bags now to check out the other parts but all appear to be correct. But, I'll probably switch to something else for a bit, until the new ones arrive with some more goodies next week. I really enjoy doing build threads, its fun for me.

Not to mention with some physical limitations, building is a perfect mix I need some of right now. So, I will post updates, while continue to work steadily for an April, or possible May/June NAR L2 Certification Attempt date. I'd prefer as early as possible but we'll see how it plays out, and adapt. I'll add more but here's a few pictures for now. Thanks all.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I started pulling a few more things out, I just a few pictures. I have some motor retainers on the way for this. I wasnt going to start the build until I had everything, but I'm close enough. I'm going to work on little things and prep. Then next week after the rest of the parts get here ill be busy daily, bare with me please!

It won't be a "longer" drawn out thread, it will fly the first chance I'm able to get the attempt. But thought it was best to get going now as planned to make sure its all correct. But I'll have more parts to work with soon. I was ready to start around my birthday(Jan 20th), as I took a break after the L1 Cert 11/04/2023 @ URRG in NY. For "many" issues all over that spiral wildly out of control that required me to help somone for a little while all over elsewhere. So Apologies for the long delays.

Thats over now, for sure. Prep work takes the longest, I have time now that I'm not running around 20 hours a day. Apologies to all, again I'm working to just focus in this.

Michael B.

 

[Hobie1dog]

Go get 'em Michael. You can do it. Thanks for all the pictures.

 

[DigBaddy]

Watching this one. I have the same rocket in the build pile for L2; just no set schedule/plan yet.

 

[86mustang408w]

Go get 'em Michael. You can do it. Thanks for all the pictures.

Thank you, I'm still gathering a few things. The correct centering rings and a few more things should be here probably mid to end of next week. Thank you, its going well. This build should be interesting, I had some ideas but needed it first. It's gonna be fun, I'm pumped!

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Watching this one. I have the same rocket in the build pile for L2; just no set schedule/plan yet.

I'll be sure to document it in detail. I'm hung up a little on a few things I still need to purchase, but all in time. I'm really building one for the field I fly. So my goal is big for visibility, and heavier so it can stay low. I needed some motor retainers, and a few more things. Once get I get the right parts I'll take many pictures, and explain my thinking during the build.

I was going to fly L1 all summer, but thought maybe its better to get the L2 now after the L1. Then if successful I'll back off, and start with H motors and some min diameter DD builds while going up. I have a lot of little prep too. I'll post it all though, so I'll update at least once, if not more weekly. Bed for now though, take care.

Picked up some retainers too like said, but need a few random parts yet. All good though!

 

[RocketPro]

Great choice for an L2 rocket! I’ve had two of them over the years, the current one, a 3E, flys great on K550’s and K850’s. I’ve even put an M1315 in my ‘3E version.

I glassed the airframe, but didn’t bother with glassing the fins or doing tip-to-tip.

Instead of painting, I got a full wrap from Stickershock with a custom image.

 

[86mustang408w]

Last

Great choice for an L2 rocket! I’ve had two of them over the years, the current one, a 3E, flys great on K550’s and K850’s. I’ve even put an M1315 in my ‘3E version.

I glassed the airframe, but didn’t bother with glassing the fins or doing tip-to-tip.

Instead of painting, I got a full wrap from Stickershock with a custom image.

Very cool, apologies for the long response, or just rant. Its me completely stressed, which is why I had to take some time to help someone elsewhere. Not to mention I have to hire some help for me. I really want nothing but to relax and enjoy life.

So, I'm just waiting on a few more things. I was able to order a few motor retainers yesterday, I need some "Pull Pin Switches" from Lab Rat Rocketry, ematches from electric match.com. I need sheer pins and a few minor things off Amazon. Which I'm waiting for, and taking care of a few things like having no glasses now as they were lost in the ambulance.

But I went Friday and have some new glasses coming I really can't see, lol. Ugh! As I can't legally drive until I have them, but Coles isn't far If I need a few things until my new spectacles come in(hardware wise from Coles for the Magnum if needed). Im still not sure if I'm going to glass it or not, I'll decide soon. Thank you.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I was able contact Mike at LOC Precision, they were the wrong size by mistake. No big deal, but I'll have to wait about a week or so. Apologies, all.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Well, while the oil from the new snowblower engines old gearbox is soaking up from the driveway(Not my issue, lol.). I'm gonna start going through some parts. I want to make some marks, lines. But really may just wait until the new CRs get here, Im only doing it once on this one. It was good to make one piece fins, cut tab slots, start using kevlar, make and test 29mm Baby Berthas while building and flying this past summer. I intentionally have been building low and mid power, 29mm rockets to help me improve and test my how power techniques. Its helped me to the point of, I saw a nice custom kit from LOC Precision. I knew I could really use to my advantage while getting very nice parts after looking for a rocket to fit the field after scouting it out. Obviously wasn't more than how high they went, and where it landed. Or where ones at that altitude are being found or recovered.

So, I'm going to thaw out, I've been trying to shovel snow since last night. Finally got the snow blower running so it would be easier, to put it in a gear that hit most of me. So, after a shower, and laundry to get the hot oil out of my clothes as well. I'm gonna chill out and look at this rocket I've had for almost a week.

Like I said I can't really do much, but ill post pictures of what I have, and what some plans are but I need parts to know. So apologies, I have a lot of prep to do. Once I get cleaned up. I'll get these parts out, take a look, and snap some pictures. I'll add text later on. Thank you, I'll post soon.

Michael B.

 

[crossfire]

Many years ago I did my L2 with the Magnum on a AT 54mm J275. I just had main chute deploy at apogee and all went perfect.

 

[86mustang408w]

Many years ago I did my L2 with the Magnum on a AT 54mm J275. I just had main chute deploy at apogee and all went perfect.

I'm thinking something in the J range, im going to set it up so it can fly on just 75mm, 54mm, or just a 38mm with adapters. It will work, I'm just waiting on some parts now.

Can I ask how much it does or did(?) weight if you remember? Apogee? Im kind of thinking the same so I could really use any information. If you have any info on the flight more itself you could share when you have a minute.

Thank you,

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I have some time now, so I'll explain some thinking. I really wanted too, or would like to have shared a little earlier as I use my cell phone to help take many pictures while I'm building but its easier to take them during the day as I'm making progress. Then at night sit and write about what I learned or failed at, in great detail to give everyone as much information as they need to figure out too. Sometimes I've helped more than one rockteer in a situation, especially myself.

After spending the some of spring, then into summer flying my newer ones I bought. I was able to get back over to my Bloomsburg house after a few weeks of hit or misses to go through my storage "bin". So its now around mid July or so, not long after getting an Alpha III launch kit after me and a buddy I made next door starting talking about rocketry. I was hooked again even after losing that same Alpha III on the 5th or 6th flight, lol. I was showing him how you start out. A8-3 for the madien, so its stays low, you don't lose it, and you can safely test out your skills, and find out your lack of them. Well, the Teacher soon became the student. This field was knew to me, its not far over at the Milton hign school. Which really has a perfect field, if you use it the correct way. "He's like what do you mean", I said I'm always looking for places to launch. Its a habit to this driving down the road or interstate im noticing certain "plots of land". So I told him about the wind direction, its why I pick areas close to me. I can look out the window in the morning and say we are flying or not, in about 2 seconds. Not to mention this cool little tool I carry everywhere, my Android.

So him and I went over to the Milton Area High School, after looking and driving around the area. They have a softball field thats partially fenced in, but unfortunately that locked most of time fence is about 8 feet high around the Softball field. I started with that A8-3, then a B4-6, after a few more successful recoveries went to a C6-3 I believe. It was all I had it probably should have been a C6-5 or even 7 sec delay.

That was May, I was looking at clubs, so then joined a club here in PA, SPAAR based out of Lancaster. We flew in July, August, September with them. I had also just rode up to URRG in September, Saturday the 10th. Weather had been on and off crazy, like much of 2023 seemed to be around here. But, it cleared up around maybe 13:00 or so.enough to get some lower flights up.

My intention, was just see how I like the field and club. Well of course I loved it, my next thing was to ask some questions about vendors. Tell them I wanted to attempt my L1 cert., as this day many people had successful flights. I was very happy and told myself "its time", my goal was to see also what rockets and motors had the most success here as id never been there personally.

While asking about L1 certification rockets, or more paying attention too anyone who had one. One rocketeer sent his rocket on a K360 to just under 1500 ft. That also gave me ideas about if I'd fly L2, what do I need?

Thats where this LOC Precision 5.5' Magnum 3E comes in. I really had my eye on this even before my L1 cert, so it was more I was waiting for parts. I'm going to sort a few things out and add pictures. But I picked up extra couplers and coupler stiffeners, to help with the kit. I'm planning on using those on the inside to help the airframe a little more.

I was thinking about fiberglassing the airframes as I was offered help to do it rhe first time. I'm still debating, but may hold off. As much as I would like to do it, it's a certification rocket. It could be a great benefit or a total waste. Right now I have some things for DD, a Marco Polo tracker for the cert flight as its not going very high. I also picked up a LOC 75-53 Motor Mount adapter, with the thoughts of having positive motor retention for a single 38mm, or a single 54mm, then a nice 75mm too.

So a small 38mm J or mid J may be the NAR L2 Certification Flight Attempt motor, with single deployment at Apogee with a backup from either a MissileWorks RRC2L or a RRC3 Altimeter. With an USB-IO cord for them if needed. Then I'll set the chute release somewhere around 700/800ft for the main to open. In also going to make the nosecone able to have some weight added easily with a bulkhead/recovery hardware.

Then if that's successful, and all explain more as I go I'll go to true DS. Drop the release and move some recover gear around from a single to dual deployment. But once I'm sure my DD fights are going well, the plan would be a 54mm like a K360. Then it's thats good, probably fall 2024. Ill prep the Magnum for a Spring 2024, a full DD flights with a new tracker. I'm not sure if I'll chose a Featherweight, Missileworks, or Multironix GPS tracker. That flight, "if" successful, will have flown a L2200. Then, L3 build?

Thats far off, later today all add some more pictures and text. Thanks for reading.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I got to work with the sled a bit and dry fit the Av Bay while I'm here relaxing. A starting point post will happen, a little mix up with CRs I didn't notice at first I was feeling so well. But, I'm messing around with it now.

Its pretty straight forward, I definitely want the wing nuts for one end. I need to add more washers/nuts on insides of sled bulk plates. I'll be using adhesive for one of the plates, opposite wing nuts. Thats probably it for today, more updates soon.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I was having some serious chronic pain going on, it was wearing me out mentally as well. I was transported again 1/8/24 to Geisinger Medical Center here in Pennsylvania after a another rough day on 1/4/23. I was just released today, I feel so much better, but severe chronic pain wears me out after a while.

Either way, im feeling good. I'm gonna work on this daily while I do physical therapy over the next few weeks with some other areas in Pain Management so I'm excited for another positive change. I'm good, but its strict rest and take it easy for the next 4 to 6 weeks slowy doing more daily. I'll be hammering away at this. I may need to file for full disability unfortunately, but well see about that.

When I get home today I'm going to have some more goodies. They left my phone at home and I just got it today. I'll be home shortly as I need to get new glasses too. But updates will come daily. Thanks all for being patient, I'm gonna devote my time to this for now while I'm resting anyways.

Michael B. (Old Photo).

 

[86mustang408w]

Here's a few more things I'll be using, I'm going to clear a spot to start working on this today. 2morrow I'll make a hardware run, maybe even today its not a far drive. Once I get everything, and it all prepped. Ill just do build progress. For now here's the new correct centering rings, some more DD parts and motor retainers. Most are for this, so ill sort them out and test fit some more things. I think like said ill do this in 4 parts, tail section, Av Bay, upper airframe then nosecone. In all reality for the most part work on a little then glue.

First thing is sanding it down, taking off the Glassine layer from the 54mm tube, and marking the 75mm motor mount tube. Then the fins, after that ill make a fin jig. I put the Aeropack retainers on, they will work for 38mm, 54, and 75mm.

 

[86mustang408w]

I used the other or wrong size CR and notched the fins as well to put one more in the middle. I'm just messing around still checking parts. But its getting fun, updates soon.

 

[86mustang408w]

I've just been doing random things, 2morrow ill go get some supplies for the Av Bay.

 

[86mustang408w]

I was up to about 1am, I haven't worked on one if these since October so it was therapeutic to me.But its coming along well, did the body tubes with CA last night. Today I'm going to walk over to the Hardware Store today, I need a few things. Also, 2morrow I'm going on a supply run to Walmart for glue, Hobby Lobby for Epoxy, and or Lowes/Home Depot for a few smaller things..

I'll have everything organized later today, I was just released to home from the Hospital yesterday. I'll pick a "starting" point after I get everything I need and am ready to build soon. Today I'll probably focus on the Nosecone, and Av Bay. Then the tail section and upper airframe will be the other 2 main focus points for the build. I like very in depth detailed builds, so mine will be officially starting after gathering a little more info and build ideas. I or we drove up watched the field I want to join, "URRG" in NY. Ill get some better organization going on today, some of the little things are still trickling in. Thank you all, there's a method to my Madness! .

Michael B.

Some random pictures from last night. The 9v rechargeable batteries are being tested, but show promise. They are Lithium Ion, USB chargeable 9Vs and light up when charged. They may be perfect, or not. Ill find out, it could definitely save $$.

 

[86mustang408w]

I'm working on the Av Bay now, I want it a little different than what it is. Ill make a run to Coles soon to pickup some more hardware. I know I wrote on it, you won't see it. But the plan today is to get what I want for this, then get it started adhesive wise. Ill update later on. I ordered Pull Pin Switches, and just ematches now. The goal is to get a fly weight, and check the CG/CP. So ill be doing OpenRocket Sims as well. With the Av Bay, I'm going to cut down the sled equally for a .5" off overall, As well as the stiffy. I'm making them for the worst case scenario but best case of success too. A few more hours and it will make sense.

Michael B.

 

[loopy]

Hope you have a speedy recovery! Great work on the rocket. Keep it up!

 

[86mustang408w]

I've been busy today, last night I did the tube edges with Thin CA. I like to wrap tape around the outside of the tube so it doesn't run down the outside. Some get by now matter what and usually leaves tape or residue on some parts, but it kind of what I want them I just sand the tubes down. That was what I did this morning, take the tape off and sand down the tubes.

After that I wanted to make the Av Bay a lot stronger. All the electronics and tracker will be in there, its definitely overkill but I've already learned thats not so bad with these high power flyers. I added 2 pcs of 3/8"-16 all thread, well it was one 25" piece I cut it in two to get them as close as possible for now to get hardware. I had been at Coles around 1pm today on a short walk, so I stopped to see what they had and went back a little later

Well they had it all, I picked up about $70 in New and additional hardware for the Av Bay. I'm also keeping in mind total weight but it won't matter with an L2 motor. I've been keeping the CG/CP in mind, and have plans for the nosecone as well. Thats about what I'm doing now, after drilling 4 new holes in the av bay end plates. I'm gonna sit now for a little bit and measure some things, I still need to cut the stiffener down to the sled size I took 1/2" off of the sled overall. Ill do that now, then cut the stiffener and tighten the 3/8" hardware. Ill probably weld a few pieces together so assembly is still easy and simple.

Ill post more updates in a bit. Here's some photos of today's progress. Its still not done yet though I'm still fitting/cutting, it will be later or early 2morrrow until its ready for glue them in certain spots.

More pics in the next post.

 

[86mustang408w]

More from today. I definitely had the recovery system planned out, more updates soon.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Hope you have a speedy recovery! Great work on the rocket. Keep it up!

Thank you, I've been working at it pretty steadily. Slowly and surely its getting done. I have some more to add ill do it after this post.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I wanted to make the Av Bay very durable, its about there. So that was today's goal, and its close to getting done. Not much text to add other than I spent most of the day fitting. I cut 2 galvanized steel eye bolts down to size for the "Drouge" side of the Av Bay, I like to drop all the pictures from the day. So here's some of what was done

 

[86mustang408w]

I'm wrapping it up for "tonight", not much more to do in the morning to finish this. I still need to cut down the stiffener, then start final assembly of the Av Bay. It still needs a few things yet, and I'm debating on the main side after the cert flight with one or duel eye bolts.

Night everyone,

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Last night I was messing around a little bit more until 2/3 am EST(USA), and started doing some of the harnesses for the cert flight Apogee event deployment, after the motor ejection event/backup from a Missileworks RRC2L. But its going to have full redundancy in the future for any DD flights its too big to not have a saftey catch. Ill also use the Jollylogic Parachute Release for the L2 Cert flight. I needed parts, to get a final weight and do many sims before flights.

I have certain expectations about the parts I use or tools I buy especially for Rocketry. They usually can always have more than one purpose, but I always test them first. Or in this case just wash them off, and put them away until later on today.

So, lol. I was up into about 2 am, then woke up about 06:30 to organize a little more this has been on my mind for years. You should be seeing now its maybe starting to make sense, ill probably follow this build for most L2/L3 flights and fly them occasionally.

But, Today(01/26/2024 @ approx 07:20)I have some new pain management meds, Im thankful for that as it is! So, right now I'm going to measure and cut the tube "stiffener" and relax. Mine issue is no more than "Severe Chronic Depression", but its horrible enough. I know I need to keep active when I'm feeling depressed and rocketry is therapeutic to me. It is, but I learned not to overdo it as well.

So I'm gonna check out Lowes/Home Depot as well for "Ejection canisters" for this 5.5" DD Av Bay, thats interchangeable for sure this morning to afternoon. Ill start gluing it today later on, then the other couplers/stiffeners(Stiffy). I understand them enough not to bother you anyone about them from here on out.

I'm also making an adhesive/supply/new tool run in the AM thats were this or thr other ideas came from so I'll be out then back to keep building.

Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, Coles, Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, etc.. is where im going. For me this is all about fun, and doing it with safety, as the 100% number one priority. I'll get better posts with some more detail, but as said im still waiting on a few parts to come within the week I need to finish this one. For now I'll walk off the stress/anxiety and keep building!

Thank you all, any questions or comments please leave them.

Michael B. .

 

[86mustang408w]

I'm glad I made this too last night, definitely will help while cutting larger airframe or parts..

 

[86mustang408w]

I'm glad I made cutting jig too, it definitely helped cut the stiffener fast and square. I'm gonna fit it all together with the hardware shortly. But here's some photos of cutting that stiffener for inside the Av Bay coupler down a little. I took a half inch off of its total length. I'm going for supplies about noon, but ill be working with this until then.

 

[86mustang408w]

Decided to not go for supplies today I was starting to feel a little light headed. So I backed off and definitely not going to drive right now. Ill wait and go 2morrow I don't need anything just yet.

But I sat down and figured out the way I wanted the Av Bay as far as recovery. This will be able to fly on a mid J up to an L2200, with the capability many single or dual deployment options. I'm gonna relax a bit, but here's some photos below. I'll slow down and go over them all in detail as planned. I wanted to check the CG with the full weight Av Bay in the tubes. Its dead center, perfect as always. It starts with learning and applying the fundamentals of a model rocket, but Ill get it into OpenRocket soon so I can get motor ideas and altitudes.

I think later on I'll start testing and wiring the sled, im waiting in some pull pin switches amount a few more things ill grab 2morrow for s