MMX builders special - CONTENTS

[jflis]

Ok, since I did the original poll in the low power forum, I figure this was the best place for the follow on thread.

In the first thread I asked "how many" for what the kit should be able to support. It looks like the agreed upon size is 5 rockets, so that's what we would go with. the retail price will be in the $25 - $30 range depending on what happens in THIS thread (could even go higher or lower...)

Basically, what I am proposing is a "Scratch Builders Special". The SBS would contain enough materials to build 5 Micro to the MAXX models that make use of the 6mm Micromaxx motors.

What should go in it??

A basic package would look like this:

• BT-2, BT-2.5, BT-3, BT-4 (each 14.75" long)
• BT-2.5-0012 motor tubes (X4)
• Engine blocks
• Centering rings (2.5-3, 2.5-4)
• 5 streamers
• Kevlar cord (#16)
• (2) NCB-2.5 cones, (2) NCB-3 cones (1) NCB-4 cone
• Fin stock: 1/32" balsa, 1/16" balsa, 0.025" plastic
• Fin pattern sheet with fin marking guides for all tube sizes.

In addition to the basic list we could consider additional ring sizes (CRF-3-4, for example) as well as adapters, decals, nose blocks, other tube lengths, etc.

In any event, the final product would have a DEFINED set of parts that would be the same from package to package. In other words, you wouldn't get a random collection of parts with each kit. Rather you would get the exact same set of parts (including the same cones) each time you ordered, so that you will know what is coming.

Thoughts? opinions? Let me know where your interest lies.

jim

 

[Queeg500]

The contents look good - maybe add launch lugs? I would definitely buy a SBS package. Thanks

 

[jflis]

The contents look good - maybe add launch lugs? I would definitely buy a SBS package. Thanks

Oops! That's right. Lugs. Cord anchors also...

I was also thinking of tossing in some other detailing bits such as basswood strips, toothpicks, etc...

 

[Pat_B]

 

[MarkII]

I'm guessing that we would be expected to supply that ourselves.

(but Hello Kitty....? :shock: )

MarkII

 

[gpoehlein]

If you can add one more part without affecting the price too much, I would suggest adding a transition to the mix - either a 2.5 to 3 or 3 to 4 would be good. If not that, a couple of pre-printed paper transitions would help too. Otherwise, the list looks good to me.

Greg

 

[jflis]

Ok, that microscope was a hoot... LOL

If you can add one more part without affecting the price too much, I would suggest adding a transition to the mix - either a 2.5 to 3 or 3 to 4 would be good. If not that, a couple of pre-printed paper transitions would help too. Otherwise, the list looks good to me.

Greg

Greg, Adapters was a thought. Each one would add about $2 to the kit. Paper adapters are also an option but rolling paper adapters in that size is quite a chore...

 

[jbuscaglia]

What's the purpose of the BT-2? There's no NC, CRs, or transitions to go with it.

Just curious.

 

[Micromeister]

Jim:
I'm with Greg on the Paper adaptors, T4-T3 and T3-T2+ are very very helpful and not all the difficult even for beginners. If I can do it with my Fat stubby fingers just about anyone can LOL!
A 1/2 sheet on 67lb cardstock Transitions/boattails in various lengths would give the designer lots of options with only minimal cost of adding 2 or 4 of each size extra centering rings.

Don't know if you keep the little T2 cutoffs but 1/8" pieces make outstanding Motor blocks and shock cord anchors. While 3/8"-1/2" pieces make wonderful couplings, bulkhead or nosecone shoulder tubes. Throwing in a few of these bits would add very little cost wise but open lots of options for the designer.
I keep a baggie of 1" long T2+ tubes (what happens to the ends of 34" stock length tubes) set up as Standard Motor Mount Tubes. With them I store all the 1/8" long, T2 tube scraps as motor blocks in the same bag, this keeps both parts where they are easily located.

Don't forget the launch lugs.

 

[jflis]

What's the purpose of the BT-2? There's no NC, CRs, or transitions to go with it.

Just curious.

My bad... there would be parts to support the BT-2 (cone, adapter, rings, etc)

Jim:
I'm with Greg on the Paper adaptors, T4-T3 and T3-T2+ are very very helpful and not all the difficult even for beginners. If I can do it with my Fat stubby fingers just about anyone can LOL!
A 1/2 sheet on 67lb cardstock Transitions/boattails in various lengths would give the designer lots of options with only minimal cost of adding 2 or 4 of each size extra centering rings.

Don't know if you keep the little T2 cutoffs but 1/8" pieces make outstanding Motor blocks and shock cord anchors. While 3/8"-1/2" pieces make wonderful couplings, bulkhead or nosecone shoulder tubes. Throwing in a few of these bits would add very little cost wise but open lots of options for the designer.
I keep a baggie of 1" long T2+ tubes (what happens to the ends of 34" stock length tubes) set up as Standard Motor Mount Tubes. With them I store all the 1/8" long, T2 tube scraps as motor blocks in the same bag, this keeps both parts where they are easily located.

Don't forget the launch lugs.

Great feedback on paper adapters. It would be a very easy matter to include them. Launch lugs too.

Other thoughts folks?

 

[blackjack2564]

Possibly set of plans for a simple 3f and nc rocket, and another more difficult one. [one of yours?] The little nails for attaching thread to NC's. Some tips and tricks to help new builders. I found the advice you guys gave me extremely helpful.
Maybe a launch rod with instructions on how to make your adapter out of a used motor case for use with regular pad. [or option for those that might need one]
The link to micro yahoo group's page with all the plans on it. Link to here and your site!
Flis rangebox sticker.

Many of the above were very helpful in making my micro experience much more pleasant.

 

[jflis]

Possibly set of plans for a simple 3f and nc rocket, and another more difficult one. [one of yours?] The little nails for attaching thread to NC's. Some tips and tricks to help new builders. I found the advice you guys gave me extremely helpful.
Maybe a launch rod with instructions on how to make your adapter out of a used motor case for use with regular pad. [or option for those that might need one]
The link to micro yahoo group's page with all the plans on it. Link to here and your site!
Flis rangebox sticker.

Many of the above were very helpful in making my micro experience much more pleasant.

Great idea about including a launch rod.. I will look into that too

 

[Papa Elf]

Throw in a blister of micromax motors

 

[shrox]

I so hate hello kitty, yet I so want that microscope!

 

[chanstevens]

Great idea about including a launch rod.. I will look into that too

Actually I'd suggest ground support type stuff not be in a builder's kit. "Starter" set, sure, but why would many potential customers who have already made the one-time investment of a launch rod/pad want to spring for another one when he's only after parts to build more rockets? I sort of picture someone wanting to move up after breaking into the field with one of Quest's starter packs as the primary consumer of something like this.

That said, I could also see a potential market for a "kit" version of Jim's el cheapo launch rod/adapter combo of a rod epoxied into a spent 18mm casing that has a 1/8" lug stuck on the side. Slips over a regular rod to allow an MMX to fly. Sure, we can build one for $1 or less, but I'd bet Jim could sell a bunch in the $5-8 range to folks who hadn't seen that used or trolled the forums, etc.

 

[jflis]

Actually I'd suggest ground support type stuff not be in a builder's kit. "Starter" set, sure, but why would many potential customers who have already made the one-time investment of a launch rod/pad want to spring for another one when he's only after parts to build more rockets? I sort of picture someone wanting to move up after breaking into the field with one of Quest's starter packs as the primary consumer of something like this.

That said, I could also see a potential market for a "kit" version of Jim's el cheapo launch rod/adapter combo of a rod epoxied into a spent 18mm casing that has a 1/8" lug stuck on the side. Slips over a regular rod to allow an MMX to fly. Sure, we can build one for $1 or less, but I'd bet Jim could sell a bunch in the $5-8 range to folks who hadn't seen that used or trolled the forums, etc.

Good point, Chan. I was thinking along similar lines after posting that. Actually, it would be easy enough to market a small pad like that. The ones that I have made to give away at local launches are made from a 2" length of 3/4" thick wood dowel instead of a motor casing (they look better that way ) and I think they would make a great little accessory for the micro line.

 

[powderburner]

Don't know if it's just me (and my weird preferences) but I don't use much balsa that thick with MMX designs.

Maybe instead a small square of 1/64th ply? It wouldn't have to be very big, I expect about 4 or 5 sqin would be plenty to make fins for 5 MMX rockets.

I suppose if you wanted to build an MMX-powered BG that the 1/16th balsa could come in handy for a wing panel , but then again 1/16th balsa is something most folks can find locally if they need it. The other MMX micro-parts are not so easy to find.

Just thinking out loud.

Edit: I agree on the separate launch adapter kit approach.

 

[powderburner]

I so hate hello kitty!

That microscope is for reviewing the results of amateur surgery on your HelloKitty.