Cameron Anderson
Well-Known Member
I have zero fear about flying old AP, but a friend gave me an AMW 54mm K1130BB and the grains are rock hard. I've never flown AMW before so I don't know what right looks like.
It's paper. And thin paper at that.Just make sure you have the correct liner. The blue requires a phenolic liner NOT PAPER. Blue Baboon burns way too hot for the paper. My wife discovered this on a J480 at LDRS.
In what rocket?I flew an N4000 from 2002 at Balls last weekend. Lit easy, smoked great.
Hardware...unknown. I'll check the liner again when I get home but I'm fairly certain it's paper.The paper liners AMW used were rather thick and actually resembled body tubes (had a rather pronounced spiral on the outside). If it is very thin, do this: tap on it with something hard. If the sound is dull, it is indeed paper. If it is rather sharp sounding it is phenolic. Also, the phenolic one I have do not have a pronounced spiral. Also, Paul Robinson recommended the orange silicone O-rings for the Nozzle end. Not necessary, and I've flown several with the standard black Buna-N. Just a belt & suspenders sort of thing.
When you do fly it, get ready for a thrill. The blue is brilliant and it hits like a pile driver.
Do you have the correct hardware?
If you know the size, McMaster-Carr has the o-ring. All types and sizes, cheap and fast.Phenolic. Thin and old, but definitely phenolic.
Where's a good place for o-rings?
I don't know the sizes. I met Frank Kosdon a few times at launches when I was 14 - I was flying 29mm Hs and thought I was the coolest guy on the planet and never dreamed of flying TRM 38 or, dare I say, 54mm. AMW was an entirely different league. Ive been an Aerotech flyer for all of my life, I've only recently started flying CTI.If you know the size, McMaster-Carr has the o-ring. All types and sizes, cheap and fast.
Performance Hobbies had everything I needed. Decent price too.If AMW's site lists the dash size, that's all you need to know. It should be the same for all cases/reloads in a size. If I had some 54mm AMW stuff I'd measure mine but I only have 75mm AMW. Check the site, instructions or maybe ask around.
Demon 6 (4 fins, natch)In what rocket? Pics?![]()
The silicone o-ring on the forward closure was pristine. Looked and felt new. The nozzle silicone o-ring looked good but was destroyed when I tried to move it. It fell apart and crumbled.Demon 6 (4 fins, natch)Pics in the Balls thread.
BTW, on the topic of o-rings: Buna-N or Silicone will both get fried on the nozzle from the heat soakback with high-output loads--Paul and Frank liked the silicone ones because they were easier to get into the case. If you've got Buna o-rings, feel free to use 'em.
Thus spake he who would know. I always assumed there was a heat advantage and I have been fussy about it. Silly me...BTW, on the topic of o-rings: Buna-N or Silicone will both get fried on the nozzle from the heat soakback with high-output loads--Paul and Frank liked the silicone ones because they were easier to get into the case. If you've got Buna o-rings, feel free to use 'em.
I appreciate the offer but I have a goodly supply en route. Thanks though.I can send you some o-rings. The propellant will be fine. Just PM your address.
I was afraid it was going to CATO after the long chuff, but once it came up to power, it screamed off the pad.Nice flight! I love Blue Baboon![]()