My first HPR scratch build

[loopy]

So - after...well...MANY years of thinking and planning and ignoring and thinking and putting off and thinking and sleeping, I finally realized I had all the stuff I needed to build my first ever HPR scratch build. For a very long time, I've wanted to do an upscale of the first rocket I ever built - the Estes Sizzler (mid-late '80s version). This past Tuesday, I finally started actually doing some work on the darn thing. I got the fins cut out of stock a got from a friend that was already in the shape of OTHER fins for a project he had inherited but ultimately decided not to do. Yay!

So, Tuesday at eRockets build night, I got the fins cut and shaped, tube slots cut in the booster tube, and everything else all planned out. Basically, all that's left now is to build the darn thing.

The basics - 3x upscale of the Estes Sizzler seen in the mid-late '80s starter sets and on it's own. First rocket I ever built, and I still have it and still fly it on occasion. So, 3x upscale makes it 3" diameter and overall height will be right around 6 feet. Dual deploy, 38mm motor mount.

First - some of the parts in my basement with the original rocket (I didn't have black paint when I built it...the blue will be black):

Fins:

Dry fit:

 

[blackjack2564]

Well...well..well Mr. Loopy! Long time no see, hope you & family are fine.

'Bout time ya built something big/high!
It's wonderful how progressive you have become lately, following the 'latest' designer trends...even starting your own..."the new blue, will be black", very "chic''.
I assume you will be following up with a matching fragrance in time for the holiday's!

Everything looks simply Fabulous going into your build, I just may offer one teensy, teensy, suggestion. Try on your bifocals when cutting fins, 3 are fine, that 4th is a tad "oversized"

Your 'ole buddy,
Cj [editor at large for "rocket fashion review"]

 

[neil_w]

Everything looks simply Fabulous going into your build, I just may offer one teensy, teensy, suggestion. Try on your bifocals when cutting fins, 3 are fine, that 4th is a tad "oversized"

Wow, I didn't notice that the first time I read this thread but I did some measurements in Photoshop and I think you're right. That is the trained eye of a professional at work! :cyclops:

Honestly though, I don't know how anyone can concentrate on building with that wall of kits in the background.

 

[Glasspack]

Looks like its going to be a nice one........ Kind of inspiring to see another with the desire to upscale one of their first kits !!

Good luck with the project !!

 

[loopy]

Honestly though, I don't know how anyone can concentrate on building with that wall of kits in the background.

Dude...that isn't even a quarter of it...

 

[loopy]

Well...well..well Mr. Loopy! Long time no see, hope you & family are fine.

'Bout time ya built something big/high!
It's wonderful how progressive you have become lately, following the 'latest' designer trends...even starting your own..."the new blue, will be black", very "chic''.
I assume you will be following up with a matching fragrance in time for the holiday's!

Everything looks simply Fabulous going into your build, I just may offer one teensy, teensy, suggestion. Try on your bifocals when cutting fins, 3 are fine, that 4th is a tad "oversized"

Your 'ole buddy,
Cj [editor at large for "rocket fashion review"]

Ha! Yup! Family is doing all right. Oldest just started college, and it's been INSANE...but, I got my L2 last spring (LOC Expediter on a J500...laser beam!!!). And yeah...that fourth one looks bad...maybe I'll just stick with using the three good ones...

 

[loopy]

Made some progress on this. Doesn't look much different, but it's no longer just a dry fit...lol

MMT finished and installed, fins installed, filleted (internal and external), aft CR in place, Aeropack 38 mm retainer in place. Basically, booster is done other than rail buttons. Here's a few pics showing the business end, and a test fit after all the fillets set up with the original next to it on a table. Getting excited! Just need finishing touches on the booster, get the av bay built, and ready for paint.

 

[qquake2k]

I love upscales! I too built an upscale of my very first rocket. It was a lot of fun. I can't wait to see yours finished!