Need help finding replacement nose cone

[Flash6]

Just recovered my first rocket after losing it in a tree last weekend. The body/fins seperated from the chute/nose cone after hanging in the wind long enough. I have the body but the chute obviously carried the nose away and I could not find it.

My problem is I don't know what size cone I need to get to replace it. I've found lots of packs of multiple cones but can't find anywhere(including Estes' hompage) to give me a clue as to the correct size.

BTW- it's an Estes US Army Patriot RTF rocket from one of their starter kits.

Any direction would be appreciated.

I'd hate to have to actually call someone on the phone and ask

Thanks!

 

[sandman]

Flash,

You are going to have to make a call but do it on Monday after 9:00 A.M. mountain time, That would be after 11:00 A.M. Easter Daylight time.

Call Christine at Estes, tell her what happened and what you need. She is very accomadating.

Be nice to her!

Christine 1-800-525-7561 X 216

sandman

 

[rocketsonly]

I believe it's a BT-60 nosecone for the Estes Patriot kit, I'm not sure about the RTF rocket though.

 

[jetra2]

Originally posted by Flash6
I'd hate to have to actually call someone on the phone and ask

Don't be afraid. Christine at Estes will quickly and easily replace this...easy enough. Givum a call!

Jason

 

[Flash6]

OK, I'll swallow my pride and make the call.
It's usually more reassuring that way anyway-----better to trust the experts.

Thanks for the advice and the number!

 

[Justin]

If you don't want to wait to have a new part sent to you, take a look a Walmart, I thought I saw some Patriots there for $8.88. I'de buy one, get a new cone, and keep the rest for parts. If I read correctly that was your first rocket? With the next ones your are gonna find yourself wanting spare parts. For repairs or to create some cool new rockets. The extras from the missle won't be wasted I'm sure.

 

[Justin]

Flash-
I just noticed the Patriot you have is a RTF. I'm not sure the regular kit nose cone will fit it. Ask around, someone probablly knows. If it does, it's a quick 9 buck solution.
-Justin

 

[sandman]

No the kit is a BT-60 the RTF isn't

sandman

 

[Justin]

Is the RTF version a wierd size like the astrocam?

 

[sandman]

I think so...I just glanced at one and it seems to me it's a BT-56 body.

sandman

 

[JRThro]

Originally posted by sandman
I think so...I just glanced at one and it seems to me it's a BT-56 body.

sandman

You can tell at a glance that it's a BT-56 and not a BT-55? I am impressed!

 

[JRThro]

I went to Hobby Lobby over lunch, and the RTF Patriot has a BT with a 1.35" diameter (BT-56), while the regular Patriot kit has a BT with a 1.64" diameter (BT-60).

Does anyone know if a nose cone that's suitable for a BT-55 tube would fit well in a BT-56 tube? The body tube ID's should be 1.283" versus 1.304" respectively. I mean, that's only a difference of 0.021" or 0.53 mm in the ID, so maybe a little masking tape on the NC could make the difference.

What does anyone think?

(This fits in nicely with my thread about using an added BT-55 body tube to extend the length of my Estes Stars & Stripes, which may have a BT-56 body tube.)

 

[strudleman]

The BT-55 NC will definatly work in a BT-56. Tape may not even be needed unless you prefere a tight nose cone fit. In which case, a small piece of scotch tape or masking tape would work. Or throw some epozy on the NC and then sand it down. This will thicken things up just a bit, which is all you'll need.

 

[JRThro]

Sounds like getting a BT-55 nosecone might be the way to go, then.

Or for that matter, why not spend the $8.88 at Wal-Mart and have yourself a whole new, bigger, Patriot?

I bought mine (kit, not RTF) at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago, and flew it for the first time this Saturday the 24th, built but not primed or painted. It flew really well!

 

[strudleman]

The Patriot kit is a great performer. A rocket buddy of mine started with one of those, and it's been a favorite ever since. I 'd like to get one and put a 24mm moter mount in there. Now that'd be an awesome flight to see

 

[Flash6]

Sounds like I've got a bit of learning to do to familiarize myself with common tube diameters, etc.

BUT................

I called Christine today, as suggested, and she's going to drop a new nose cone in the male for me AT NO CHARGE! Now that's what I call service, eh?! (Thanks Sandman and Jetra2)


BTW-- per Christine the nose is, indeed, a 56.

Thanks for all the help, everyone. I'm sure I'll be back soon after I start re-launching and building next week.

 

[JRThro]

Originally posted by Flash6
Sounds like I've got a bit of learning to do to familiarize myself with common tube diameters, etc.

Flash,
A link that I've found really helpful with regard to body tube sizes is https://www.ninfinger.org/~sven/rockets/body_tubes.html.