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Rumph....Technically it's 6
Here is the current list of additional components that will go into this build.
Centering Rings: The kit as supplied comes with 2x .25 thick CRs. One will used at the fwd end of the main fin tabs with the other placed at the aft end of the tail fin tabs. I plan on adding 3 more. One each to bookend the fin tabs and the third to close up the back end of the airframe.
Motor retainer: Although I like the Aero Pack retainers, I really dig the 54mm Giant Leap Qwik-Lok retainer I used on my ****** RIM-66. So, I will adding 38mm GLR Qwik-Lok to this bird. As the Qwik-Lok retainers are much longer then their Aero Pack counterparts, I will need to widen the ID of the aft CR to allow the retainer to recess into the airframe, with only the last quarter inch of the retainer protruding past the CR.
Altimeter: The Pike will be my first kit to use electronic deployment. And to get things going in that direction, I have chosen the EggTimer Proton as the perfect compliment for this build. Note that I still have not decided if this will be a DD rocket.
Nose Cone Bay: I will be installing a Mac performance 4"x54mm NC Bay set.
Thx for the input.My opinion?! ('cuze, we all have one, and mine is the right one! )
- 3 CRs are plenty. My friend built his and had added a third, in the middle of the fins.
- I would, however add a 1/2" ring (a piece of coupler tube) to the tail, to reinforce the end of the BT, so that ground hits don't dent this part of the rocket. The fins are high up, so they won't hit the ground first, but the tail will. (or whatever depth your last CR is inside the BT..)
- The AV bay is big. No need for the NC AV bay. Using the supplied AV bay will help you with "traditional" dual deploy set ups.
This is a great kit, and just happens to be the first thing I see everyday when I pull into my garage. I will send pictures later today.
Roger that. The rocket construction won't begin for a short spell as I need to decide how best to "Bongify" this bird. So, I'll probably end up assembling the Proton first. And related to that, I need to choose which sled configuration from SMT Designs I am going to use with the Proton.Nice looking rocket, looking forward to some photos of the construction (and of course the flight!).
Edit: I'm also seriously eyeing the Proton, so I'm interested in hearing about your experiences with it.
Sweet!
If you really want strength on the aft end, used a stepped ring for a thrust plate. That used to be my go to method but lately I've been either lazy or cheap and haven't taken that route. But I do reinforce the aft end with scrap tube or coupler...or about anything else if I don't have neither of those. I think I glassed the inside of my Mega Magg.
The water at Bong is a challenge this year. I will only fly FG rockets at Bong.Well, the plan is to use a short piece of coupler to add to aft end right between the 4th & 5th CRs. The entire interior will receive a coat of epoxy (cut ~50% with Denatured Alcohol).
The exterior will be glassed using GLRs Easyglas Sock and Aeropoxy Laminating Resin. I will be using a slight variation of John Coker's FG'ing Technique (Link).
All this epoxy treatment stuff is in large part to protect the rocket from all the water traps found at TWA/Woosh launch site at Bong State Recreation Area.
Our launch site here in WI. Bong is jungle this year. Wetter than ever.Its a very pretty design-and dont take this the wrong way- but dependent on what the fields and foliage in the surrounding areas you fly look like -
I would use a REALLY colorful chute. Just sayin, you would be hard pressed to see that right in front of your face in a tree here in Fl, been there done that . Always wanted to build that kit- keep us posted.
So so trueOur launch site here in WI. Bong is jungle this year. Wetter than ever.
Oh, I completely understand your concerns, and I share them. That is why I went with a winter camo theme. As to brightly colored parachutes, both the drogue and main chutes will be neon colored.Its a very pretty design-and dont take this the wrong way- but dependent on what the fields and foliage in the surrounding areas you fly look like -
I would use a REALLY colorful chute. Just sayin, you would be hard pressed to see that right in front of your face in a tree here in Fl, been there done that . Always wanted to build that kit- keep us posted.
Thx Ian!
Looking good! What modeling program is that? Doing anything cool for wire management?
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