SLK 57 CROW

[DragonRocketry]

Well time to build this kit that I got from Fuddrucker. But since this kit is messed up as it came as a four fin instead of 3 fins so I will add one of my modular electronics bays making it dual deployment and 8" to the overall length. I will make custom decals for this along with a different paint layout. Got the motor mount built and installed so far.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Got one set of fins mounted.

 

[Donnager]

Cool rocket. I have a 1.6" 29mm and a 4" 75mm.

Haven't had a chance to fly the 4" but it's recently completed and 'on deck'.

 

[pferg]

I like the 4 fin setup. I didn’t realize the 4” had 4 fins. I have the 2.6 and it’s a 3 fin model.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Started mounting the forward fins.

 

[Donnager]

I like the 4 fin setup. I didn’t realize the 4” had 4 fins. I have the 2.6 and it’s a 3 fin model.

I had to look at both of mine, but they are both 3 fin. They are both Madcow Fiberglass.

The 4" fiberglass Pike model is a tank, and heavy. It should fly M's, but that won't work with our waiver. Big motors will have to wait, and it won't be my level 3. It's first ride will probably be a K400.

 

[DragonRocketry]

I must of got a screwed up kit since it has 4 fins. The instructions that came with it show as a 3 fin kit. I like the 4 fin layout.

 

[Donnager]

I must of got a screwed up kit since it has 4 fins. The instructions that came with it show as a 3 fin kit. I like the 4 fin layout.

Don't sweat it. I prefer 4 fin rockets anyway. I'm not so much a low and slow fan, as I am a punchy motor fan. Draggy rockets tend to handle punchy motors and stay in sight. Also, more fins stiffen the can.

If you do any open rocket/Rocksims be sure you have the right fin count in the sim.

With all that weight at the back, though, you may want to be sure you have enough nose weight.

 

[DragonRocketry]

With the extra fin this rocket is marginal stable, so I decided to use one of my 12" modular electronics bays over the 8" and also replaced the upper tube with a 23" long over the 19". This added 8" to the total length and now has the margin closer to where I like it without adding nose weight. Plus I think the extra length makes it look better.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Got the ebay joined to the main body tube.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Fillet time!!!!!!

 

[DragonRocketry]

Got the decals cut today.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Got first round of primer on.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Got everything painted finally after an issue with primer not wanting to dry, gotta love rust oleum paint I will let the paint cure for a couple days then I will apply decals. Hope to launch this on July 11th.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Started on the booster decals.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Thanks to IR heater paint cured nicely, so I got all the decals installed. I will get pictures tomorrow of it all together.

 

[DragonRocketry]

All stacked up and ready to go almost. Still need to load recovery and electronics, then see how heavy it is and check the CG.

 

[Tim51]

All stacked up and ready to go almost. Still need to load recovery and electronics, then see how heavy it is and check the CG.

View attachment 469324

That looks great! I have to say imho a 4 (or 8) fin Pike looks alot more authentically ordnance-ish than the 3 (or 6) fin.

 

[DragonRocketry]

That looks great! I have to say imho a 4 (or 8) fin Pike looks alot more authentically ordnance-ish than the 3 (or 6) fin.

I am liking the 4 fin set up. I might do a 7.5" version of this.

 

[_kestrel_]

I really like the paint colors. What brand/colors are they? I can see the cans in the background but can’t make them out. Rocket looks great. I might have to do a 4 split fin rocket myself…

 

[DragonRocketry]

I really like the paint colors. What brand/colors are they? I can see the cans in the background but can’t make them out. Rocket looks great. I might have to do a 4 split fin rocket myself…

Thanks. VHT paints. These are all engine paints. I used gloss black as a base then sprayed Copper metallic and the tip of the nose cone and e-bay is gold metallic. I also used there gloss clear coat on the entire rocket.

 

[Tim51]

I might do a 7.5" version of this.

That's a very nice thought!