Nike Ajaz/Hercules

[zeke1312]

OK, I'm looking for a Nike Ajax or Hercules, balsa/ cardboard kit. These are very hard to find anymore.

I found and built a Nike Ajax several years ago. Anyone know where I can find such a kit?

[Tau Zero]

OK, I'm looking for a Nike Ajax or Hercules, balsa/ cardboard kit. These are very hard to find anymore.

I found and built a Nike Ajax several years ago. Anyone know where I can find such a kit?I don't know of any kits that are available right now. (But then again, I'm not a scale buff.) However, I managed to scrounge up some plans, so you'll have *someplace* to start from.


Nike Ajax

http://www.dars.org/jimz/est1279.htm

More background info: http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/nikeajax.htm


Nike Hercules

http://www.apogeerockets.com/rocket_plans.asp


I hope this helps, at least a little bit! :D ;)


Cheers,

[zeke1312]

Thanks for the info! The Nike Ajax Estes plans look like he one I built.

[Green Dragon]

There's an Estes Nike-Ajax up on Ebay right now ( but don't go and outbid me :) )

To clone that, not sure what cone to use, as noone currently offers same, possibly a BMS semi-custom cone ?

I do believe that The Launch Pad has kits for the Ajax, maybe Hercules as well, they used to have a plan-pak version of the Nike-Hercules,but dropped that, not sure if it's available as a kit now, or not.

goes to google the url.. here you go :

http://www.the-launch-pad.com/

and it looks like they do ,indeed carry BOTH of the Nike versions :-)

Have fun !!!!

~ AL

[zeke1312]

OK, found one at greatlanding.com Paid preminum price but had to have it. They have 2 more in stock.

[Tau Zero]

Thanks for the info! The Nike Ajax Estes plans look like the one I built.Zeke,

That "Launch Pad" model may be *slightly* larger than the Estes version. :eek: :rolleyes: ;) :D


Chuckling,

[zeke1312]

Yup....sure is! The Estes flew great for me. I can't wait to complete the TLP version...it looks sweet!

I'm going to take pictures of them side by side...should be interesting.

[Tau Zero]

I can't wait to complete the TLP version...it looks sweet!I had seen the Estes version before, but I'm thinking about downscaling it slightly, and maybe even making it a semi-scale version. ...Just 'cause. ;)

I'm going to take pictures of them side by side...should be interesting.I'll be looking forward to those photos! :D

--Now if I can just find some Flat Olive Drab in a (preferably good-sized) spray can. :eek: :rolleyes: :cool:


Cheers,

[propbeany]

Alright - somebody bought the kit (outbid me).

If you are on this forum please, please, please take some measurements & scans. Specifically, I'm looking for how long the TA-2050B transition is and how long the BNC-20CB. I think the Ajax was the only Estes rocket to use these parts.

Thanks!

[zeke1312]

Olive drab:

http://www.vtarmynavy.com/military_paint.htm

[zeke1312]

Is the kit you are refering to the Estes or TLP?

[Tau Zero]

Specifically, I'm looking for how long the TA-2050B transition is and how long the BNC-20CB. I think the Ajax was the only Estes rocket to use these parts.After consulting the RockSim file (which was upgraded to a BT-50 motor mount) located here:

http://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/oop/nike_ajax_24m.html


I can tell you that the good news is you can get new replicas of these two old parts at Semroc:

BNC-20CB (1.75" long):

http://www.semroc.com/Store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1038


TA-2050 (2" long):

http://www.semroc.com/Store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=829


Right now on the Semroc website, the transition is listed as "back ordered." But I recommend that you drop Carl McLawhorn a note at: sales (at) semroc (dot) com

I'm sure he'd get right on that, and make sure you could order these ASAP.


Thanks,

[Ltvscout]

After consulting the RockSim file (which was upgraded to a BT-50 motor mount) located here:

http://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/oop/nike_ajax_24m.html


I can tell you that the good news is you can get new replicas of these two old parts at Semroc:

BNC-20CB (1.75" long):

http://www.semroc.com/Store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1038


TA-2050 (2" long):

http://www.semroc.com/Store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=829
I believe the TA-2050B transition that is used in the Nike-Ajax is different than the TA-2050 that Semroc sells.

[ghrocketman]

The Semroc 2.5" long TA2050B is the correct transition for the Nike Ajax....I have an original built Nike Ajax and compared it.

[zeke1312]

http://www.archive.org/details/hercq4intercept

Try it. It's the real thing!

[Ltvscout]

The Semroc 2.5" long TA2050B is the correct transition for the Nike Ajax....I have an original built Nike Ajax and compared it.
Hmmm, when I looked last night I didn't see a TA-2050B listed. Just a 2050 and 2050A. Maybe he just added it?

Addendum: I just looked again. I was looking on his Estes Cross Reference page located here:

http://www.semroc.com/Store/Scripts/xref.asp?company=Estes&part=Reducer

You'll note it's not listed there. But, if you go to the main parts page for balsa reducers found here:

http://www.semroc.com/Store/Products/BalsaReducers.asp

It is listed, although on backorder.

Carl, you may want to add the TA-2050B to the Estes X-Ref list.

[Tau Zero]

I believe the TA-2050B transition that is used in the Nike-Ajax is different than the TA-2050 that Semroc sells.The Semroc 2.5" long TA2050B is the correct transition for the Nike Ajax....I have an original built Nike Ajax and compared it.Scott and GH,

Thanks for the "save." :o In the EMRR Nike Ajax review which I previously cited:

http://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/oop/nike_ajax_24mm.html

...Robert Beckey wrote:
"The nose cone and transition were purchased from BMS [snip]
This rocket was put into RockSim 6 as accurately as I could manage."

That goes to show that he used the "shorter" version of the transition/reducer.


So Zeke, there's your answer. Like I said, drop Carl a line, and he'd be glad to set you up. I ordered a TA-2050 that was supposed to be 2" long, and ended up calling Carl to confirm the length. I told him I was trying to clone an Estes SAROS.

Since Mark "snuggles" Thell sold me one of the three he had at NARCON, I was able to measure the transition *and* nose cone, and Carl said he'd get right on turning a new balsa version of that nose cone, as well. ;) :D

How's *that* for customer service? :cool:


Cheers,

[propbeany]

Thanks for the help. I guess I didn't look around hard enough for the parts.

[propbeany]

I've tried to find the info, maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. Does anyone know how thick the fins are on this baby? 3/32"? 1/8"?

Part Numbers on JimZ are BF-79A (32291) and BF-79B (32292).

I apologize if this info is posted somewhere already, this is my first scratch/clone attempt.

Thanks in advance.

[Tau Zero]

Thanks for the help. I guess I didn't look around hard enough for the parts.More often than not, the trick is knowing *where* to look. ;) :D

--As well as having other rocket buddies who can set you straight when you make a mistake. :rolleyes: :o :cool:


Cheers,