Auction: ARC Black Widow Fiberglass Rocket Kit (Rare, OOP, 1988)

[jadebox]

Our latest auction offering is an ARC Black Widow (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411715564&ssPageName=STRK:MESCX:IT) kit from 1988. This is an all-fiberglass rocket kit which includes a parachute and hardware such as threaded rods for motor retention. This kit was purchased in 1988.

http://www.payloadbay.com/gallery/d/31815-2/014.JPG

The photo is not very interesting because the kit was originally shipped in a cardboard box. Additional photos are in the eBay listing (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180411715564&ssPageName=STRK:MESCX:IT) and at http://www.payloadbay.com/gallery/v/other/vintage/?g2_page=4.

The completed rocket is 60" long, 2.685" in diameter, and weighs about 6 pounds. It has a 54mm motor mount.

When I carefully unpacked the box, I discovered that the motor mount was already epoxied into place. I was afraid someone had started assembling the kit. But, then I read the instructions which state that those parts come pre-assembled.

Unlike most modern fiberglass kits, this one includes a parachute and other recovery system parts. It also has motor retention built in (although, the instructions refer to adding a motor block in the motor tube - this kit was released before thrust rings on motors were common).

I couldn't find much information about this kit on the web, so I assume that it is really rare. I only found one site with photos of the completed rocket (http://www.vernk.com/PhotosOfBlackWidow.htm). And the rocket at that site is actually from a later version of the kit released by Dynacom. ARC later became Dynacom. The Dynacom version of the Black Widow kit was slightly different - the motor mount, for example, wasn't pre-assembled.

http://www.jonrocket.com/auctions.html

-- Roger

[snaquin]

I remember these kits well. The ARC Black Widow kit in particular was the high end standard kit for HPR fliers at that time and I witnessed a flight with one at LDRS in Colorado on a K motor. In later years when Eric had Dynacom a few changes were made to the kit and I believe a dual deploy version was available.

Seeing one of these still in the box is like unearthing a dinosaur in your back yard .....

:)

[jadebox]

I remember these kits well. The ARC Black Widow kit in particular was the high end standard kit for HPR fliers at that time and I witnessed a flight with one at LDRS in Colorado on a K motor. In later years when Eric had Dynacom a few changes were made to the kit and I believe a dual deploy version was available.

Seeing one of these still in the box is like unearthing a dinosaur in your back yard .....


Thanks. I was surprised that I couldn't find much about it on the 'net.

Until I dug up this kit, I thought all-fiberglass rockets were something new!

-- Roger

[jadebox]

The ARC Black Widow auction is ending in an hour. And, we've listed some new stuff.

http://www.jonrocket.com/auctions.html

-- Roger