2021 was kind of a bust for me in terms of flying rockets. But Rocstock at Lucerne is coming up and it turns out I've got the weekend free. So, the question is, what to fly?? Something low stress and fun. I did get a good deal on a bunch of Estes E12's, but I've heard they have a less than stellar track record. How about a big cluster in a cheap rocket? I've had a couple of these old CCA 8.5x73" shipping tubes in storage for decades.
How many E12's fit inside? 52! A black powder K motor. Hell yes! Start by supergluing the motors together.
A custom nose cone would need to be made. I always wanted to try to turn a foam nose cone in a DIY lathe. I glued up a bunch of 1" pink foam circles on a 3/8" aluminum rod. Chucked it up with a drill motor...and go. Not bad for my first try. I did not glass it, but instead simply coated the foam with epoxy/phenolic microballons. Some filler and primer and we're in business.
How many E12's fit inside? 52! A black powder K motor. Hell yes! Start by supergluing the motors together.
A custom nose cone would need to be made. I always wanted to try to turn a foam nose cone in a DIY lathe. I glued up a bunch of 1" pink foam circles on a 3/8" aluminum rod. Chucked it up with a drill motor...and go. Not bad for my first try. I did not glass it, but instead simply coated the foam with epoxy/phenolic microballons. Some filler and primer and we're in business.
Last edited:
