L2 Certification Build Thread. LOC Precision 5.5" Magnum 3E, 75mm MM. For a Spring/Early Summer 2024 Attempt.

[86mustang408w]

More photos continued.

Break time, Internal sled work later plus the Av Bay needs adhesive and holes drilled so kts 2: That will have to wait though until next week, but I have plenty to keep me busy, lol.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I decided to start the motor tube and centering rings, I was going to build it all outside then slide the airframe over it. I like putting the motor tube in with 2 centering rings. Each way has its advantages, but for this build im going to do it like my L1, its why I've been practicing both. While the glue dries I'll work on the Av Bay some more, there's some internal stuff to do.

 

[86mustang408w]

Its starting to look like something, I find the CG and naturally while building add weight to keep the CG and CP where I want them. So when you do it that way you won't have to add or take away nosecone weight you just put the motor in and launch.

I organized a little, then pulled the Av Bay apart. I'm going to glue the sled and then the forward end disc glued in the coupler. Then ill epoxy the stiffener into the coupler. Ill add pictures of next post this is showing the Av Bay can be configured differently. But rest for a bit then working on the sled.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I messed around with some of the dual deployment stuff I already have, apologies I'm still waiting on parts or the build would be more direct with text. But messing around I organized a little then took some pictures. I like these rechargeable 9v batteries I picked up, so ill give them some tests and see how they work. Next week I'll have the Pull Pin Switches from Lab Rat Rocketry plus some ematches I got from electric-match.com. Ill grab some 4F(Black Powder)then testing outside after some inside safe tests with lights and a vacuum source/sealed jar.

Thats next weeks plans, 2morrow ill do that supply run and grab some stand offs for the altimeters. Plus some final parts, ejection canisters are gonna get picked up 2morrow also.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I'm going to do another fillet on the motor tube, then hit the sack. I charged the 9v batteries to test them out 2morrow, and ill probably finish taking the glassine layer off the 54mm motor tube for the adapter im making, 2morrow though. Night all.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Today I'll be making the Av Bay, how I want it. I like the option of longer bolts like the pictures I posted yesterday to move the CG of the upper section a bit. Today I'll get this forward plate or disc glued in, just the main end, as well as hardware before epoxy on the surface.

The other disc(or bulkhead) on the drouge or motor side, will be able to be replaced in the future. But ill put some sealer on it to help with the ejection blasts and maybe some epoxy. All the plans are in my mind so I'm still figured out the best way for me, I haven't wrote them down really so its still finding exactly what I want/need. So apologies soon it will be a straight forward build. But the end goal is still the same with saftey again # one priority, an L2 cert rocket to go right to L3s door but light enough for a baby J or tough enough for an L2200. Its why I wanted the kit early to work out the bugs.

They most certainly are getting worked out! . I've wanted to go high power back in 2012. This is amazing, but I'm not taking any of it for granted, and enjoying one day at a time. So, updates later on while now its dry time again.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Now that some things are organized, and I have the correct Centering rings(thats the writing on the motor tube)I can start working on the tail section. I'm going to mirror my L1 build and glue away. It will be strong enough to handle what ill throw at it, plus I'm going to help the airframe get stronger from the inside by using extra couplers I bought and epoxing them in. One will be right on the forward most Centering Ring on the motor tube, and the other above the Av Bay in the upper or forward section with the main chute inside.

Its being built a little differently just for the certification flight then ill change it up for full DD flights. Supply run shortly, updates later today.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Right now I'm sanding down centering rings, and fitting the motor tube in the airframe. I like this way, or I'm more comfortable with it, its why I practiced it with low and mid power builds this year. I'm gonna run for supplies soon, ill grab some more foam board for a fin jig. Also work to get the sewing machine running for a new chute protector ill be making too along with shock cord protectors from nomex I have, or I can hand sew them again, lol. Either way ill be making a new one for this.

But for now fitting and marking in pencil or marker for permanent placement.

 

[86mustang408w]

I went on a supply run today, of course Hobby Lobby cut down on the model rockets. Its terrible, but they still have A thru E motors I hope they keep them. I stopped at Walmart, Dollar Tree, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, and then Coles for sled hardware. I picked up some bolts/nuts to make these boards interchanged between Av Bays easily, or I can run 2 which I'll probably do for any DD flight that's big enough to cause any damage.

Id feel safer knowing it won't be coming down ballistic especially as big as they are getting. I know its not necessary but its my preference. I'm gonna clean and organize the next few hours, then maybe start on the sled but im waiting for parts. I ordered some Totalboat 5:1 Epoxy/Resin. But its marine grade boat epoxy, I really like it for wood/fiberglass. I wanted to pick some up before but didn't. It would be much easier as much as I'm mixing now. I know about West Systems I want to see how this stuff is. But for now I'm gonna clean and organize.

 

[86mustang408w]

I spent about 6 hours moving stuff around and organizing. It looks a little better but I have some more to do. Today I'm gonna start on the Av Bay by making that externally stronger and fillets to hold the forward plate/disc. So that's the plan today, CA and glue to help the coupler/Av Bay. Updates later with text/details.

 

[86mustang408w]

I'm done organizing for now, so I'm going to work on the Av Bay here in a little bit for this Magnum 3E. I measured in 2 inches from the ends, and ill cover that with thin CA as well as the inside of the aft end. Then I can slide the wooden bulkhead and get it glued in(no CA near that. Im also going to change up the hardware just a little. Ill add more text/pics later today.

So that's the plan for now,

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I made some progress, I used tape on the outside to keep the CA at 2", then on the forward end used tape inside to keep the CA out, then pull a layer off as it did ill be flying the bulkhead there tonight.

I used the Thin CA from the top and just let it run downward using a cotton swab to spread it. Im going to do the inside of the aft end also after little break.

 

[86mustang408w]

I got both sides done with CA, I used tape as a just in case. No CA got on it, but it pulled up one of the outside layers. Its my fault I should have just left the tape off. But i out CA over it. But ill just switch ends, as the forward end will always be in the upper airframe with the main chute.

Ill let this room vent a little but too, then start to glue the foward bulkhead in place later on. I need to clean up and get a hair cut too. So updates periodically until next week then im ready to finish this and start testing.

 

[FlyBy01]

It has to work! It has EXTREME POWER CA glue

I'll see myself out; couldn't resist.

 

[86mustang408w]

It has to work! It has EXTREME POWER CA glue

I'll see myself out; couldn't resist.

I know It has to work, lol. More for longevity of the coupler, CA saved my L1* from a full length* zipper so I'm a fan. LoL.

Edited, dang phone...lol..

 

[86mustang408w]

The next or first step was to glue the sled "legs" into the sled itself. That's probably its for tonight, my pain level is about a 9/10. Its time to stop for today, I'll have plenty to do 2morrow.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Oh one more thing I can do laying down is take the Glassine layer off the 54mm motor mount tube/adapter. Ill post that adapter too step by step for others can understand what I mean from 75 to 29mm. I also want the Av Bay like the picture below, I like it better that way.

I broke down and opened a Birthday Present, an Exacto knife. Ugh. It's nice to use better made tool again. Now it's bed time, lol.

 

[86mustang408w]

I was worn out last night, and have a somewhat busy day ahead of me. But thats prefect because I can get the forward end of the Av Bay glued in, then epoxy over that eventually. I have "ejection" canisters, I sourced from Lowes I'll post them soon. My thinking is to somewhat control the fire and use the expansion of gases as intended to push the laundry and nosecone out of the body tube while not burning parts.

So, I glued the sled legs or mounts to the sled last night. I need to trim a little off the sled so it sits flush. But im going to glue the forward end(Main/Nosecone) in like planned. This will fly head end Single Deployment for the cert flight. Then full DD for other flights. I'll try to do that(glue)before I leave for appointments this morning. I cut a half inch off the sled, so each end be be recessed a 1/4", ill do that now and get a fillet around the forward disc and the coupler. Soon the tube "Stiffy" will get epoxies in, the aft end or drouge side will not get glued in but mounted by hardware i have a will show step by step how im building it.

This morning I re-arranged the 3/8" hardware and its perfect. I want duel(two) attachment points with 2 shock cords on the drouge or motor side. The 1/4" hardware will hold the sled in and the 3/8" hardware is for extra support and recovery purposes only. I picked out these galvanized steel eye bolts for a good reason.

I'm going to get this in the coupler, and run a filler to hols it in the place until its finished. I'm still waiting on Pull Pin Switches from Lab Rat Rocketry, ematches, and the Total Boat epoxy should be here today. Ill let that come up to room or ambient temperature before use. Its a quart, but needed. Here's some pictures of this mornings tasks, lol.

I'll update soon, then probably start in the Nosecone or tail section. I need to make a fin jig for that, then I can start gluing centering rings. I've thought about building it outside then sliding the airframe over it, but didn't think this build would benefit from that technique. I put it together and took it apart a few times, these ideas have been in ny head so its nice to get my hands on parts finally.

Update on glue shortly,

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I moved a few things around but have it orientated so fin #3 will point outward, the av bay will line up with the motor tube shock cord u bolts to the av bay eye bolts. It will all line up and go together one way. So the on/off switch then will face away from the 1515 or 1010 rail and not facing it.

So the the pull pin switches with go to the right side facing the pad/rocket. I always orientate the lug/button away from the rod/rail. It helps to keep the rocket going together the same way, everytime.

It will have duel shock cords on the drouge end/aft side of the Av Bay to the motor tube. Then a quicklink(s) for the main chute, and the drouge will be attached right to the rear of av bay. I'm tacking little spots now, I have a piece of the stiffy I could use to help the bulk plate. So ill think about that while I'm at a doctors appt @ Geisinger/Buckhorn.

Updates this afternoon,

Michael B.

 

[rcktnut]

Excellent build thread, they can't possibly get any more detailed than that. That being said way over built on your av bay. I would not use dual shock cords on the drogue side either. Totally not necessary. Also the reason I would not use dual cords is because I would not attach the drogue directly to the av bay. By doing that it may not permit the payload section from pointing out and away, rather down instead for main chute deployment. Forgive my rough drawing!

 

[Handeman]

I agree, way over built. I don't understand the 4 threaded rods through the av-bay when 2 would do. I guess it's way too late to change the design now, but like all of us, learn from each rocket and build the next one better. I retired my L2 cert rocket after 50 flights, but would never build another rocket the way I built that one. Live and learn and have fun along the way!

 

[86mustang408w]

I agree, way over built. I don't understand the 4 threaded rods through the av-bay when 2 would do. I guess it's way too late to change the design now, but like all of us, learn from each rocket and build the next one better. I retired my L2 cert rocket after 50 flights, but would never build another rocket the way I built that one. Live and learn and have fun along the way!

Its over built for a reason, its a certification rocket that will probably pass the flight with every horrible thing imaginable. I've over-explained myself too many times im tired of it, like I used to be. I've always been interested in learning and like I may have mentioned I started in a Rocketry Class in 1990 when I was 7, at the local high school for "Super Saturdays". A thing they had for kids and model rocketry was a course your built then flew your rocket following NAR guidelines.

Fast forward to 2012 im working at UPS for almost 10 years then had a bad "Career ending injury". I fought to get back to work but they wouldn't take me back. So since about 2015 I've been working towards all natural ways. But last year started Suboxone which is for addicts, but its safe. Honest truth is for pain management and im not even taking a full dose just want I need to make it thru the day. I am fully disabled and was even temporarily paralyzed as a kid at 10, yeah its alot. Theres so much more too.

But last May feeling depressed, as I've been dealing with that since 2004 when I lost a girlfriend then a job due to that. I started flying rockets again in May of 2023 after 10 years of not at all. But I had about $4k worth of stuff I bought then got back this June.

So, this Magnum will be about 15 pounds and fly on a baby or mid J, then an L2200. Or for my L3 which may be this exact build, or not. A 75mm M motor, could take this up pretty high. So ill have to add some Mutlitronix parts if I can't watch it from thd ground I want to hear it. Thats why I want to see and watch this entire flight before it relies on full DD to 10 or 12,000 feet URRG has an 18,000 foot ceiling on good days. Its why I chose it as my home high power club.

If this Magnum makes the cert(fairly sure it will even if it lands in a tree the 50 foot long shock cord will help me get it easier. It may fly one day as an L3 rocket. I'm gonna be very picky with motors and get a case for this after the cert flight which will be SD at Apogee, but with a Jollylogic Chute Release. If that doesn't open in planning on it fall under drouge and it may. Or it could be a perfect flight after I pass thr exam, I will. Thats the first thing I printed out..

Theres a method to my madness, I've taken notes from here even like the awesome drawing above in the "L" shape, thank you all. I also went to a lot of launches and just watched. I went parts gathering again today, Ill update the thread later on and fix any grammar errors.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Excellent build thread, they can't possibly get any more detailed than that. That being said way over built on your av bay. I would not use dual shock cords on the drogue side either. Totally not necessary. Also the reason I would not use dual cords is because I would not attach the drogue directly to the av bay. By doing that it may not permit the payload section from pointing out and away, rather down instead for main chute deployment. Forgive my rough drawingView attachment 626971!

I want the drouge on the av bay for the cert flight, it will be full DD or the SD option after. The thread will explain itself up to a April/May attempt.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Today some things came in the mail, I need some 4F BP but thats not a rush. I like having everything for the project or knowing what ill need and making sure I can get it. Its been months, almost a year of refreshing my memory about low/mid, now flying high. My goal is an L3 attempt by Summer 2025. So, I have some new tools until I move back home I can use. But I got some of them back when I picked up an older collection back in June last year and merged it with some new ones I got in May 2023.

I needed a few things to build high power stuff again, I've built a few but never had the opportunity to fly them. Until last May when I set a goal of "within one year I'd like to gave an L1 attempt in, if it goes well I may fly more", or very close to that. So today after another Drs appt, I just pulled this out of the box to start in it last Wednesday the 25th. I had some mail on the way out and more when I got home from Home Depot. Ill updated the Av Bay progress later on.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Part 2 today...I'll add text later...

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Guess I'll make the workstand, I picked up cheap schedule 40 PVC from Lowes. They only sell 10 foot and 2 foot pre-cut sections for about as much as a 10' length. I grabbed one of each I need 12 feet, also the fittings and caps. No PVC glue, ill use machine screws and wing nuts once I get it built here in 30 mins or so. That's now, I may pull apart the Av Bay to get fillets and ejection canisters from, Lowes. LoL.

I picked them up yesterday, with today's mail callsbim about set. The Totalboat epoxy should be here soon. But ill explain why as person who had a job building boats as well and a few other wild jobs. Why I like this slow curing marine grade epoxy for model rockets. Its excellent with wood, plastic, and metal. I'm really excited to try it on these. I've used quite a few adhesives as well. Permatex Gasket maker is great for fillets, and temperature resistant...At 9 bux a tube is a steal, but ill be using glue for this one. That may fly on 75mm L3 motors, well see. Starts with this stand. Updates soon. Oh I'm Makin a hole in a box for the nosecone work. I'll explain that too...later.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I had to work on it, I wanted an Av Bay to take the abuse of an L3 flight or M motor eventually, or not its rocketry. So, I want sleds that are interchangeable along with altimeters, and certain components that can be used on many other kits. Its coming along, I got the forward or main side disc/bulkhead partially glued earlier. I used the 1/2" part of the Stiffy on the main side. I'm designing this bird a little different, and to accept many motors. Without having to add NC weight. But bed now, lol.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Its coming together perfectly, knock on wood. Lol, night all. You see it, just mock-ups but how DD will work.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

Todays goals are to finish the Av Bay, the forward section will be permanently attached. Then the Nosecone will have the same option with permanent fasteners or sheer pins I have.

Ill be working on the nosecone, av bay, and tail section as adhesive(epoxy), and glue allows. I will be using a combination of Titebonds and epoxies, so please bare with me. The goal like said is to survive an L2 flight on a baby or mid J, then it could, and will take up to an L2200. I've been advised that's about 16NS lower then a baby "M". But some reloads are L3 grade in 75mm. This is new to me but I have several L3s im running my ideas by so they know my intentions. I did email Larry W., @ URRG to tell him exactly this.

He's on board and again thru some quick but direct emails I have another source should I fail to get a L2 motor. Teddy from OneBadHawk.com, vendors and volunteers which is very cool. But he goes to URRG, and LDRS42 is coming up. So my goal for that is to fly one or 2, hopefully L1/L2, then just volunteer the rest of the time. Which may be all 4 days as I'm going to apply for full time disability. I'm attempting to work, its not gonna happen easily. I may try part time disability but had a terrible experience choosing that route. So now I'm doing exactly what I need, and another new doctor recommended yesterday to go full time disability, im just too beat up physically, but mentally 100%.

So, I have many drs appts still after a 2 week hospital admission to see if I do need help. I did and do need it, so while I'm taking this path. Strict rest and relaxation is in order, so I'll post by post explain what I'm building as it is overkill for an L2 flight. But like said, im designing it to drop under drouge and hit hard. Or, and beautiful "Low and Slow" flight that im pretty sure ill see. Its why I picked this almost $300 custom kit. I'm gonna take my pain management meds, then get to work slowy on this. I've had the ideas on my head since 2012/2013.


All I needed was the parts on front of me, I've be using duel shock cords and single deployment for the cert flight with the Jollylogic Chute Release set at 400/500 feet. Its plenty of time to open. Ill test that, but mast night found this tube again. I know exactly what I'm using it for, the "Parachute Can", I've been mentioning will take shape later today as well. Its just a way to hold larger chutes, but make sure they deploy fast and correctly. So, those are some of today's build goals.

Its overkill, I agree 100%. But also an L2 rocket that could and may take an L3 motor one day but first a 38mm J, then 54mm something maybe a K, and then that L2200G. It will be full DD after the cert flight, but with the option of SD or DD, with the chute release as a backup. I want this "Can" as small as possible, I was hoping for 8", but it looks like 10.5", with what I'm gonna build will work. Many updates later on, for now a few pictures. Ill explain it all thru out the build and fix and grammar mistakes, apologies. Still in a Android, but love it. The "can" will have a bulkhead at the top or forward and a CR with an opening in the aft, then it will be cut in half, and ill add the qucklinks and hardware. This is the idea, is going to work fine, I'll also have a small "pilot" or drouge on the "can". So, it will basically just open, the chute release will be attached at 2 separate points and stay with the rockets recovery system. The "Can" just held together by the release, will have a small chute after it opens and just comes down on its own. So this will be bright orange but not more then the price of a cheap high speed drouge. So, the cert flight will have 2 drouges. On on the Av Bay to keep that in check while falling, then the main line to this "can". If you see where im going, thank you. Ill post the build in detail as some have asked to see the build. Its all about saftey, fun, and accomplishment. This hobby has made my life worth living, it really has since 2012, but started in 1990.

I folded the chute as small as possible, so its a start to this design that to me is so simple its perfect. The first 4/5 are from last night.

Michael B.

 

[86mustang408w]

I had to start on this nosecone too, I just hacked the end off thats it. More updates with text later, ill be using 3/8" all thread and it will be removable to add weight or electronics. Ill update this in detail later as I'm going to be going back and forth. But ill add details and updates like said daily. But my idea just like the L1 will work out perfectly, or close to it. But I need to get these photos off my phone. It's easier to delete them daily to track. I took 132 pictures yesterday with most getting deleted. It will be in detail from here on out.

Michael B.