I wanted to build a cluster rocket since, in all my years in the hobby, I have never flown one. It is similar to an Astron Ranger, though a bit longer. It is scratch built from parts box. Kind of a retro design, I guess, it was inspired by a rocket I saw on the ASP website. I even borrowed parts of the paint scheme.
It has a three 18mm cluster power and a payload bay, so it fits within the old 60s catalog description of a "heavy lift payload rocket". It seemed to need an "Astron" sounding name, so I'm calling it Starlifter. The name is also in honor of my best friend and his dad, who were both C-141 pilots. The star on the nose was "lifted" from Lockheed as well!
I used the GTW (Gluey Tissue Wad) method to seal between the motor mounts, which worked well and was a whole lot less of a mess than I expected.
Still need to add the name down the side between the black stripes and then clear coat. The old formula red Rustoleum gave me fits and took an age to dry, but it is what it is and looks good from five feet!
No maiden yet. Maybe this weekend at the DART launch...
Here are a few pics:
Thanks for looking!
Mike
It has a three 18mm cluster power and a payload bay, so it fits within the old 60s catalog description of a "heavy lift payload rocket". It seemed to need an "Astron" sounding name, so I'm calling it Starlifter. The name is also in honor of my best friend and his dad, who were both C-141 pilots. The star on the nose was "lifted" from Lockheed as well!
I used the GTW (Gluey Tissue Wad) method to seal between the motor mounts, which worked well and was a whole lot less of a mess than I expected.
Still need to add the name down the side between the black stripes and then clear coat. The old formula red Rustoleum gave me fits and took an age to dry, but it is what it is and looks good from five feet!
No maiden yet. Maybe this weekend at the DART launch...
Here are a few pics:
Thanks for looking!
Mike
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