Ye Olde Rocket Forum - Dr. Zooch Mercury Redstone build thread

U812

09-04-2009, 05:59 PM

Got my kit today. As soon as I get a chance I'll show the contents and layout in pictures.

But I have a question to ask since I'd like to use the PDF files of the Estes Redstone up grades I download from the net.

What is the actual scale of this model? I'll need to know what to down size the PDF files for the printer.

Based on what I see here already this will be a fun build.

Thinking ahead I'll scratch an Atlas and make a vacuum formed capsule and other body parts. I have a 21 x 25 inch machine I use to use for the RC jet kits I use to make just lying around doing nothing. ;)

It's great to get back to this hobby.

Steve

BEC

09-04-2009, 06:29 PM

If the Redstone updates are like those for the Saturn V, just print them out scaling turned off and they'll fit.

U812

09-04-2009, 06:40 PM

Thanks BEC. So what you are telling is that the old Estes and the Dr. Zooch are the same scale then?

Thanks again,

Steve

BEC

09-04-2009, 07:49 PM

OH! I misread your post. :eek: Upgrades for the Estes Redstone!

I'm not as sure about that answer...but a quick bit of research on JimZ and Dr. Zooch sites tells me that both models are based on the same body tube diameter. That would at least imply that they're the same scale and my prior answer would be correct....but perhaps someone else who has the Estes Redstone can chime in.

U812

09-04-2009, 08:03 PM

Well BEC your input is most appreciated.

I built the Estes years ago and it was destroyed in the 94 Northridge Earth quake. So I don;t have it here as a reference anymore. Along with the Estes Shuttle and the Saturn V. :(

Steve

GregGleason

09-04-2009, 10:51 PM

What is the actual scale of this model?

If I am doing the math right, using the model OD (1.64 inch) as the reference, the scale is 1/42.683 based on the actual diameter of 70 inches.

Greg

Intruder

09-04-2009, 11:02 PM

The Dr. Zooch kit is BT-60 based. The upgrades from lansberen.net appear to be for the more recent ST-20 Estes version which is 1/35 scale. in this case the scaling factor is .802451 to go from ST-20 to BT-60

U812

09-04-2009, 11:16 PM

Thanks men. You guys are a lot of help.

Steve

U812

09-05-2009, 01:19 AM

This kit is a joy to build. Make no doubt. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

This is what I got done tonight in a few hours. I'm loving it!

BTW this kit was shipped from Apogee on Wed and got here Friday! Great service.

Steve

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/1.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/4.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/5.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/6.jpg

U812

09-05-2009, 01:21 AM

More.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/8.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/9.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/12.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/13.jpg

U812

09-05-2009, 01:22 AM

And I forgot to post these out the paper wraps. Also got the engine mount installed.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/7.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/2.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/3.jpg

More tomorrow.

Steve

U812

09-05-2009, 07:28 PM

As it turned out all I had to do was match the width of the Estes upgrade graphics to that of the original Dr. Zooch graphics and they were bang on within a hair. They look great with a lot more detail.

I printed on just heavy weight paper and used 3M 77 to attach them. Worked just great. Later the whole model will get several coats of Crystal Clear Krylon.

Now to move on to the fins and then the dreaded escape tower.

Steve

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/14.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/15.jpg

Rocketflyer

09-05-2009, 08:02 PM

I'm enjoying your build thread!

U812

09-05-2009, 08:28 PM

When I first looked into the kit I didn't find many threads that showed step by step up close and personal pictures of the kit. So I'm hoping this will be of help to the next guy or girl that might want to get the kit and build it.

Glad you're enjoying it.

Thanks,

Steve

U812

09-06-2009, 12:30 AM

A bit more progress. I managed to glue the lugs even with the fins. Can you say dummy? Well I moved them. It wasn't that bad.

Another screw up I'll let you guys see if you can notice it. Makes it more fun. I'll give a hint. It's cosmetic. Look closely. Still I'm not bothered much.

Keep in mind it you use the paper wraps over the entire tube you need to scribe out the paper so that the lugs are making direct contact with the tube or you could have an interesting first launch.

I did the same thing on the fins. Much like removing monocoat on a covered fuse when one attach's stabs. Cut the material away so you have wood to wood. Or in this case wood to cardboard.

Here's some more pics. The dreaded escape tower is next. Yikes!

Steve

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/16.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/18.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/19.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/20.jpg

U812

09-06-2009, 12:31 AM

The last for tonight.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/21.jpg

U812

09-06-2009, 01:03 AM

OK one more standing up.

Steve

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/22-1.jpg

U812

09-07-2009, 12:38 AM

Day three and I have her finished except for installing the parachute.

I built the tower and I have to say what a bear! But it works out well in the end and requires a lot of eye balling just like the instructions say. It and when I loose the darn thing at 900 ft. I'll do it over in styrene. I think it would have been easier and about the same weight. May be not.

I used the Crystal Clear Krylon all over the rocket and the capsule. I used coat after coat and left it outside in the heat of the day until it started to shine. Doesn't feel like paper wraps anymore or look like it. This should protect it well from moisture too.

Almost done. the only mod so far was the Estes paper wraps that have more detail. Build very straight forward and makes a nice model for display or for flying.

Steve

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/28.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/27.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/25.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/26.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/24-1.jpg

Leo

09-07-2009, 04:22 AM

Now that turned out very nice :)

tonypv

09-07-2009, 06:05 AM

That looks great! Nice job!

I've just started a Dr Z Redstone and was wondering did you make the Estes wraps or did you find them on the web?

U812

09-07-2009, 01:33 PM

Thanks Leo.

Tony thanks. I they were a free download for Estes. Since the Dr. Zooch wraps were exactly 5 inches wide I just sized the Estes wraps to match and they fit nearly perfect.

If you can't find them let me know and I'll send you the files.

Steve

foose4string

09-07-2009, 02:54 PM

That looks great! Nice job!

I've just started a Dr Z Redstone and was wondering did you make the Estes wraps or did you find them on the web?

Here are the links in case you need them. Two versions are available- the MR7 and MR8

MR7 wrap (http://www.lansbergen.net/space/ESTES-MR-7.pdf)
MR8 wrap (http://www.lansbergen.net/space/ESTES-MR-8.pdf)

I think these were sized for the most current version of the Estes Mercury Redstone, so they'll have to be downscaled. I believe there are also instructions to the mod the plastic fins and a some other detail fabrications for a more scale-like appearance.

U812

09-07-2009, 03:03 PM

Those are the ones. Thanks for posting!

And all you have to do is match the size of these to the Dr. Zooch wraps in Photoshop and print.

Steve

tonypv

09-07-2009, 03:39 PM

Here are the links in case you need them. Two versions are available- the MR7 and MR8

MR7 wrap (http://www.lansbergen.net/space/ESTES-MR-7.pdf)
MR8 wrap (http://www.lansbergen.net/space/ESTES-MR-8.pdf)

I think these were sized for the most current version of the Estes Mercury Redstone, so they'll have to be downscaled. I believe there are also instructions to the mod the plastic fins and a some other detail fabrications for a more scale-like appearance.

Thanks Craig. :)

tonypv

09-07-2009, 03:41 PM

Those are the ones. Thanks for posting!

And all you have to do is match the size of these to the Dr. Zooch wraps in Photoshop and print.

Steve

Piece of cake.
Thanks.

U812

09-07-2009, 06:53 PM

So she's done. Parachute is in. Last little painted details done. The only reservation I have about this model is the size of the chute. I'm thinking of going larger. The chute is just under 18 inches and it seems a bit small for size of this model. I'd like to keep that darn EC on the Bell. A softer landing might help.

If anyone has launched and flown one of these Dr. Zooch Redstones let me know what your experience was? Anyone have any video of a launch? It would be of great help thank you.

Well here's the pictures. Enjoy and this thread isn't finished until I fly her and post video. Hopefully that will happen sooner than later as the heat is finally going down her in LA.

Steve

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/29.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/32.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/33.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/30.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/liberty%20bell/31.jpg

motley16

09-07-2009, 07:47 PM

looks strong very nice. How is the quality in the parts? I have been thinking about picking one up. Your thread is very timely.

U812

09-07-2009, 08:38 PM

The kit is good quality all the way around. I had no trouble at all building it and everything went together as per instructions. The only thing I changed was the paper wraps.

Build it and you'll love it.

Steve

GregGleason

09-07-2009, 10:27 PM

Great work, Steve, and nice posts. I can almost see the whiffs of LOX boil-off on your first pic!

Greg

U812

09-07-2009, 11:07 PM

Ahahah! Thanks very much Greg. Now on to that next project. Scratch this time.

Steve

Rocketflyer

09-08-2009, 10:54 AM

Great job! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for your scratch build. I think this is going to be another must see build thread. :D

U812

09-08-2009, 02:01 PM

Rocketflyer. Thank you very much!

Steve

cas2047

09-08-2009, 08:18 PM

Nice job on the build. It looks great!

U812

09-08-2009, 08:53 PM

Hey thanks a bunch!

Steve

U812

09-12-2009, 12:58 AM

BTW guys I plan to make an upgrade capsule for this scale that's scale and cast in hollow resin. I will also make the escape tower.

That is if anyone has an interest in it. I'm going to do it for mine and that means I'll have a mold. ;)

Steve

TomG

09-15-2009, 10:08 PM

Hi Steve,

I would be interested in a replacement capsule and escape tower.

Tom

U812

09-15-2009, 10:11 PM

Thanks Tony I plan to start this soon. I appreciate your ringing in!

Steve

Rocketcrab

10-12-2009, 07:55 AM

U812

10-12-2009, 12:21 PM

Yes I am and I'm getting closer to doing that.

Thanks Crab,

Steve

RoyH

12-26-2009, 09:57 PM

I an earlier posting foose4string offered MR7 and MR8 wraps for the Estes Mercury Redstone. I've tried to download them from the forum but have not been successful. I've even tried to go directly to his web site, but still didn't have any luck findng them (the modelbouw section is underconstruction). Does anyone still have them?

Many thanks,
Roy