Meaner Machine scratch build

[qquake2k]

I primered the nose cone and fins, then painted them with Rustoleum 2X sun yellow. No bugs, no runs!

 

[qquake2k]

There are a couple of blemishes on the fins that I missed before paint. One is some errant epoxy, and the other is some sort of scrape. But it'll look good on the pad!

 

[qquake2k]

I did some ground testing today just to make sure. Got good separation. And the weeds prevented damage to the rocket!

 

[qquake2k]

I did two tests, just for fun. My son took burst photos, and I took video. Nice energetic pops, but not too energetic. I'm very happy with the tests today.

[YOUTUBE]ZoonZJCQ3kk[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]iQyD2hWOR1I[/YOUTUBE]

 

[BDB]

Got the bulkhead and baffle plate epoxied into their couplers.

I'm getting to this thread late, but what was the purpose of the two blocks with the nylon stand-offs? Were they used to position the baffle plate in the coupler?

 

[gdjsky01]

Thanks Jeff! Are you working on anything?

Might be a broken record... but no... I am working at a new job. Takes most of my time. But I have plenty to fly.
I have two rockets waiting finishing. And have been for a LONG time. An Arreaux which is primed, and a Rocketry Warehouse, yes when there was a Rocketry Warehouse, 4 inch Nike-Smoke which is flat white painted but needs the fins done.


Are you using electronic deployment? Or just measuring the charge size with those plastic capsules?

Best
Jeff

 

[qquake2k]

I'm getting to this thread late, but what was the purpose of the two blocks with the nylon stand-offs? Were they used to position the baffle plate in the coupler?

Yes, I routinely use nylon spacers to position and keep level baffle plates and bulkheads in couplers.

 

[qquake2k]

Might be a broken record... but no... I am working at a new job. Takes most of my time. But I have plenty to fly.
I have two rockets waiting finishing. And have been for a LONG time. An Arreaux which is primed, and a Rocketry Warehouse, yes when there was a Rocketry Warehouse, 4 inch Nike-Smoke which is flat white painted but needs the fins done.


Are you using electronic deployment? Or just measuring the charge size with those plastic capsules?

Best
Jeff

I hope your new job is going well, and I'm glad you're getting to fly. No electronics, just wanted to make sure that the 0.7 grams in the 29/40-120 reloads is enough. The plastic capsules are centrifuge tubes, and I have used them for dual deploy in the past.

 

[qquake2k]

Before I did the ground testing, I epoxied the baffle coupler into the aft body tube. I also screwed the forward coupler into the center body tube. This is so I can disassemble the forward section should it ever be necessary. The screws are going into the 1/2" bulkhead I put in the coupler.

 

[qquake2k]

I hate masking. I think it's easier to paint the body tube first, then mask it around the fins. I didn't do it that way in this case, because of the yellow fins. I didn't if the yellow would cover the black if I painted it in reverse.

 

[qquake2k]

The paint lines aren't perfect, but they're very good for me, and I'm more than happy with it. I really like the satin black finish.

 

[qquake2k]

I'm really happy with how this one is turning out.

 

[T-Rex]

I agree, looking good!!

 

[qquake2k]

I reattached the rail buttons.

 

[qquake2k]

And applied the decals.

 

[qquake2k]

I like it! I like it a lot!

 

[qquake2k]

I put in three screws to hold the nose cone in place, and got the recovery harness set up. He's ready to fly!

 

[T-Rex]

Another masterpiece!

 

[qquake2k]

I don't know about a masterpiece, but I'm hoping it's another fun flying rocket. I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

 

[T-Rex]

I'm trying to be more positive these days......

But if you insist.... Ok, yep, it's a rocket, Jim. It ought to fly. (Better?)

 

[qquake2k]

Thank you for your compliments, Terry!

 

[T-Rex]

Thank you for your compliments, Terry!

<laughing> Anytime! Your work is worthy of compliment!

 

[TangoJuliet]

Turned out great! Looking forward to a flight report. I also need to create a paint stand like yours (or a few of them), though I don't built rockets quite that large.

 

[o1d_dude]

I did two tests, just for fun. My son took burst photos, and I took video. Nice energetic pops, but not too energetic. I'm very happy with the tests today.

[YOUTUBE]ZoonZJCQ3kk[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]iQyD2hWOR1I[/YOUTUBE]

Youtube is the most random place!

Following the completion of your video, one of two recommended follow-on videos was Banshee Moon aka Farm Girl demonstrates the use of a rocket stove in her typical state of being marginally dressed!

Back on topic...what motor are you going to launch the Meaner Machine on this weekend?

 

[qquake2k]

G64W. Are you going to the launch?

 

[o1d_dude]

Planning to attend. Might be windy, tho.

 

[qquake2k]

Planning to attend. Might be windy, tho.

Yeah, It's supposed to be windy tomorrow, but I haven't heard about Saturday yet. I'm planning on launching my two as soon as I get there. The wind is usually calmer in the early morning.

 

[qquake2k]

I launched Meaner Machine at the Snow Ranch launch on Saturday. Photos and video can be seen in my launch report.

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showt...sonal-Launch-Report-LUNAR-Snow-Ranch-04-01-17