SBR Thor Build

[OKTurbo]

The Thor design has been around a while now. I consider it to be one of the ‘classic’ high power designs. I saw that Scott Binder is kitting these again under the SBR brand and I knew it was time to build one.

The kit is first class. Nice parts....instructions....packaging....all very nice.

 

[OKTurbo]

Dry fitting parts for the fin can. Then out comes the epoxy.

 

[rharshberger]

One of the nice things about this kit is how complete it is, motor adapters, gopro mount, parachute, it ready to fly single deploy with whats in the box.

 

[OKTurbo]

High tech foam board fin alignment jig.

 

[OKTurbo]

First time to use West Systems Six10....makes nice fillets! Pretty easy to use. The stuff is very smooth but stiff at the same time. Not too sticky so the fillets are easy to form. I used one of their black mixing sticks with the round end.

 

[krislhull]

Just so you know, you might want to sensor the mailing label in that first photo... your address is visible

 

[OKTurbo]

Just so you know, you might want to sensor the mailing label in that first photo... your address is visible

Thanks....I deleted it.

 

[DM1975]

One of my favorite rockets. I cloned a 4” while BSD was out of the picture. Now I’m going to have to get one of these. Looking good!

 

[OKTurbo]

Got the bottom centering ring epoxied in tonight. Let that cure then I’m going to have to decide if I’ll set it up for dual deployment or not.

I epoxied 1/8 square balsa for the internal fillets....trying to save weight. Lots of fins on this one. It would be easy to add a lot of epoxy weight internally. All the internal joints are with West G/Flex. It works good with the cardboard tube construction.

 

[OKTurbo]

Dry fit all the tubes....whoa...this thing is tall.

 

[krislhull]

It’s looking good! I picked one up from Scott Binder last month at a local launch, and its next on my high power build pile. I plan on glassing it so it can that the stress of motors like a K550. Scott found out that those thin fins don’t like that motor!

 

[blackjack2564]

Does this kit come Dual Deploy ready? Or do you add an av-bay kit?

 

[OKTurbo]

Does this kit come Dual Deploy ready? Or do you add an av-bay kit?

It comes dual deploy ready. Even has a simple laser cut tray to mount the electronics on.

 

[rharshberger]

It’s looking good! I picked one up from Scott Binder last month at a local launch, and its next on my high power build pile. I plan on glassing it so it can that the stress of motors like a K550. Scott found out that those thin fins don’t like that motor!

Mine is next up as well, concurrent with the Nuclear Sledgehammer.

 

[OKTurbo]

Ever have one of those days? Friday after work I go out to the shop to fiddle with the rocket. Line out all the parts and mix up some epoxy. Proceed to carefully glue up tubes / couplers / bulkheads.

Step back to look at my handy work... assemble the stack in my head. Hold on...that won’t work. Rats! Out comes the acetone and paper towels. Spent the next 30 minutes cleaning off the epoxy I just carefully applied.

At least I caught it before it all cured. A few new pics. Like it never happened...

 

[OKTurbo]

I got out the fixit clay and built up the bottom tube and centering ring. Trying to beef it up for hard landings. The fixit clay cures pretty hard.

Also filled in some of the grooves etc before the first primer coat goes on.

 

[OKTurbo]

First round of primer coats is on. I’ll let this dry then get to sanding. Usually takes a few coats until I’m ready for color.

 

[OKTurbo]

I’ve got the holes for the rivets drilled in the e-bay. More primer and more sanding. With the big body wrap, there really is only paint on the nose cone and the fin can area.

 

[gdjsky01]

What is the SBRs web site? I did not come up with anything looking recent?
Good looking build!

 

[rharshberger]

Scott Binder Rockets is www.fusionrocket.biz

 

[OKTurbo]

Progress. Paint is done. Now to let it cure. Then I get to try my skills at applying the body wrap decal.

 

[OKTurbo]

Putting the vinyl graphics on.

 

[OKTurbo]

All together. Just needs some finishing touches. Shock cord...chute...etc.

 

[blackjack2564]

Outstanding!
I bought the 4in version from Scott many, many moons ago. [2003]
Always one of my favorite & I'm sure it will be one of yours also.

 

[OKTurbo]

I’m going to try CTI for the first time on this one. Always been an Aerotech guy for my mid power rockets.

 

[OKTurbo]

Setting up recovery system for guide chute at apogee with motor ejection charge and 50” main with chute release. The guide chute should keep it all tidy and in a vertical line until the main opens with the CR. That’s the plan at least. More pics.

 

[OKTurbo]

With everything loaded except the motor it comes in at 5lbs 13oz. Hard to get a good pic inside the house....this thing is pretty big.

 

[Nytrunner]

Great build! Make sure you've got sufficient thrust on those motors to get it going

 

[OKTurbo]

5 lb 13 oz + 14 oz for loaded I170 motor = 6 lb 11 oz
6 lb 11 oz = 6.7 lbs
6.7 lbs x 4.45 Newton’s / lb = 29.9 Newton
Want at least 5 g’s at launch. 5 x 29.9 = 150 Newton’s

I170 or the I195 should both be good.

Expect about 1700 ft altitude according to RockSim.

 

[Nytrunner]

I195 for sure. May want to check the rail speed on the I170, It's thrust curve doesn't come up to 170 N immediately

Good luck!