Having just received this new Proline Kit, I thought I would document "the build" (actually, the assembly) of this kit on the forums in tandem with the development and deployment of the new RRC3 Telematics System. Since the ARCAS was a sounding rocket in the "classic" sense, carrying the PWN-6A radiosonde (and other payloads), I thought it fitting that this sport ARCAS should have it's own "sonde payload".
First off, I had been eagerly awaiting the release of this ever since it was slated for production in the "Proline" roster... I got the word by virtue of Alex Zoghlins "PHP Script" post (https://www.rocketryforum.com/showt...H-END-KITS-AND-COMPONENTS&p=734821#post734821) in the Manufacturer's Forum that the kit was finally for sale (thank you Alex!). I immediately contacted Gary T thereafter and scored one of the first ten kits.
Let's start with the unboxing... the kit arrived in two separate shipments, one from Curtis, the other from Gary.
I opened the small box first:
This box was loaded with the cone/coupler, av-bay and bulkheads, sled, all-thread, MMT CR's and the NC bulkhead.
The ARCAS kit comes standard with the signature anodized aluminum bulkheads and charge canisters, and is set up for redundant avionics.
All these components and parts are top notch...
Now onto the big box, or what I am calling "booster in a box".
Here's the top after opening... notice the "box in a box" packaging and additional foam to stabilize the airframe.
The foam lining runs the full length of the box... the packaging was impressive.
Once this top foam/tape was removed I pulled out all the big box contents.
The fully assembled "booster", motor mount tube, and the motor retainer (GLR Slimline).
Tucked inside the Slimline bag was a custom allen-wrench, ground down to fit the fin fasteners.
In addition, complete "scale" vinyl lettering is included to finish your ARCAS in the "display and advertising motif".
(no ARCAS Bear, however).
After removing the foam fin covers, the beauty of this kit was truly revealed.
The powder coated all-aluminum fins and integral tail cone are truly gorgeous.
I upended the tail cone for closer inspection of the fin attachment.
The tailcone utilizes a machined aluminum endoskeleton structure epoxied in that is drilled and tapped for the mounting screws.
Not visible (but present) is an additional alignment pin that stabilizes each fin from any rotation.
I promptly grabbed a roll of masking tape for the obligatory "dry stack" of the rocket.
I have to say this is a very impressive full scale kit of a very iconic rocket (now all I need is the scale breech launcher).
Stay tuned as this build (or assembly) progresses.
First off, I had been eagerly awaiting the release of this ever since it was slated for production in the "Proline" roster... I got the word by virtue of Alex Zoghlins "PHP Script" post (https://www.rocketryforum.com/showt...H-END-KITS-AND-COMPONENTS&p=734821#post734821) in the Manufacturer's Forum that the kit was finally for sale (thank you Alex!). I immediately contacted Gary T thereafter and scored one of the first ten kits.
Let's start with the unboxing... the kit arrived in two separate shipments, one from Curtis, the other from Gary.
I opened the small box first:
This box was loaded with the cone/coupler, av-bay and bulkheads, sled, all-thread, MMT CR's and the NC bulkhead.
The ARCAS kit comes standard with the signature anodized aluminum bulkheads and charge canisters, and is set up for redundant avionics.
All these components and parts are top notch...
Now onto the big box, or what I am calling "booster in a box".
Here's the top after opening... notice the "box in a box" packaging and additional foam to stabilize the airframe.
The foam lining runs the full length of the box... the packaging was impressive.
Once this top foam/tape was removed I pulled out all the big box contents.
The fully assembled "booster", motor mount tube, and the motor retainer (GLR Slimline).
Tucked inside the Slimline bag was a custom allen-wrench, ground down to fit the fin fasteners.
In addition, complete "scale" vinyl lettering is included to finish your ARCAS in the "display and advertising motif".
(no ARCAS Bear, however).
After removing the foam fin covers, the beauty of this kit was truly revealed.
The powder coated all-aluminum fins and integral tail cone are truly gorgeous.
I upended the tail cone for closer inspection of the fin attachment.
The tailcone utilizes a machined aluminum endoskeleton structure epoxied in that is drilled and tapped for the mounting screws.
Not visible (but present) is an additional alignment pin that stabilizes each fin from any rotation.
I promptly grabbed a roll of masking tape for the obligatory "dry stack" of the rocket.
I have to say this is a very impressive full scale kit of a very iconic rocket (now all I need is the scale breech launcher).
Stay tuned as this build (or assembly) progresses.