r12ski
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2009
- Messages
- 288
- Reaction score
- 7
Well there is nothing like losing an ebay auction at the last minute to encourage a new project. Ignoring the pile of unopened kits, I set off to procure the parts needed to clone the Lance Beta.
After a little research and some time going over the RockSim file, I realized this actually is a pretty easy kit to clone. The nosecone is an odd size, made specifically for NCR during the "by Estes" era. Thankfully, Estes reused the nose cone for the Big Daddy. The body tube is 3" OD tube (not LOC 3.1") but Apogee sells 3" tube that works perfectly.
Of course I won't be using the original 28.5" MT or plastic centering rings. I'm using LOC 29mm tube and 3" to 29mm centering rings. I should mention I live in a small apartment in Brooklyn and unfortunately don't have room for fun things like table saws and drill presses to make my own rings or fins. I'm using an AeroPack 29mm retainer ring for retention. In the second pic you can see my test fitting the internal parts. The LOC rings will have to be sanded down a bit to fit into the body tube.
Balsa Machining took care of both sets of fins for me and did an excellent job.
After a little research and some time going over the RockSim file, I realized this actually is a pretty easy kit to clone. The nosecone is an odd size, made specifically for NCR during the "by Estes" era. Thankfully, Estes reused the nose cone for the Big Daddy. The body tube is 3" OD tube (not LOC 3.1") but Apogee sells 3" tube that works perfectly.
Of course I won't be using the original 28.5" MT or plastic centering rings. I'm using LOC 29mm tube and 3" to 29mm centering rings. I should mention I live in a small apartment in Brooklyn and unfortunately don't have room for fun things like table saws and drill presses to make my own rings or fins. I'm using an AeroPack 29mm retainer ring for retention. In the second pic you can see my test fitting the internal parts. The LOC rings will have to be sanded down a bit to fit into the body tube.
Balsa Machining took care of both sets of fins for me and did an excellent job.