Once we get the engine machine cranking out a particular size, that whole lineage will be available. That means a B4, B6, B8, and B14 would all be released at the same time. We will avoid THAT! I think the fiberglass tubes would not work with our machine anyway. We had originally thought about just that... Build 18mm boosters on a machine and DECAPS on another much smaller and simpler machine, then glue them together to "fill the matrix." When we ran the numbers, the projected retail price was:

B6-0 $2.05 each
B6-4 $2.30 each
DECAP $0.75 each

So to make them up separately "just-in-time" would bring a premium in price of about $.50 each. For people that want the best, it is still an option. The DECAP should be far more accurate in delay time. Once a DECAP is glued-in, it is permanent. We will have the top of the DECAP color-coded with the BBROYGBVGW scheme so the delay time would be known.

I wouldn't discount this size just yet, Carl. This is an intermediate diameter between the standard 18 and the mini 13; I can see possibilities here for "B" class motors that can't be done in 13. If I had some power numbers that I could feed into RockSim's Motor Editor, I could run some tests on various designs. Since we don't have those numbers yet, I really don't know what the potential is.

Maybe that is something you could work up for us -- a RockSim motor chart with all of the data you've worked out to this point. With a starting point like that, we can start playing with the motors before you get them in production, and we can give you additional feedback as to what works and what doesn't.

I'm also interested in the 10 as a class; if I can get 500' from a 13mm A3, and even 200' on a 1/2 A3, then there is potential in this size. What have you been able to realistically predict as far as power in this size package?

Side thought here -- are you considering the 18mm "S" series for anything, or is this a dead size?



My Triton 3-stage design needs a reliable 18mm booster for the first stage. Right now, it will take a D12 to get it off the pad with enough kick for a 48" rod; I'd like something in the 18mm size for lifting heavier stacks like this, and like the old Centuri T-Bird.

..... or a Goliath

Would make for a nice fire and smoke video with 3xC19's in a Goliath fitted with the Oracle camera

The availability of these new Semroc motors will open up many new opportunities! When the new port burners are produced they will be great for getting staged models moving off the rod a little quicker. I'm really interested in clustering and staging them .....

:)

.

...Or a Hydra-7... :eek:

Maybe that's too much caffine...

*LOL* I was just thinking of a Hydra 7 too. Better epoxy those fins on!.

We'll have to dub that special flight configuration with an appropriate nickname,
like the Semroc Screaming Hydra VII


:)

.

RE: 15mm motors


Craig, I also would like to see the "S" short series motors. Being 18mm X 45mm a new size tube isn't needed. I see no need to complicate things with another diameter.

Carl, were you planning on releasing the 18 X 45mm when you kitted the Firefly? This size isn't in the family portrait. Will a "B" power load fit this package?

THE 18 X 45mm IS HIGH ON MY WISH LIST.

The family portrait is not complete. I hope to get it updated soon. The S is there. I think only a 3/4B-x will fit in the 1.75" package. But a full B6-0 will fit. Or B14-0S.

Fun stuff, I hope the S makes it onto the first run.

Good to hear, as I want to have a FireFly in my collection, too. Maybe even an Estes Midget (or two... Blame Doug S...)... :D