Semroc Taurus
 

Seems like I started this one before I could shave. This is an all Semroc Taurus, right down to the laser cut balsa fins. I bought the parts for several clones from Semroc several months back and Carl sent along several of his laser cut fin sheets to make the going smoother. And smooth it was. Carl also sent the long pod cones you see here, along with the rounded ones I'd ordered. I did this one "ala Buzz"; black pods and pointed cones, but I still have parts for another. :cool:
This was one of only two flights I managed yesterday before the heat baked what passes for my brain. I flew it on a B6-4, but it ejected early, more like a B6-2. (And NO, I wasn't that baked! :D ) Recovered with no damage and I might try to get out today to fly it at one of the local fields.

Two side by side shots to compare the Semroc version (non-decaled) to the Moldin' Oldies version (with decals). I like the rounded pod cones better. I also like the white pods, but they're a huge PITA to deal with when painting. The Moldin' Oldies version is currently disabled due to an engine problem not of it's own making, but I think I figured out a way to fix it. (Can you say "DRAG RACE"? :eek: :cool: )

So which pod cones are correct, or were they both used at one time or another?

I think both were used at different times. The Moldin' Oldies Taurus is also shorter than the Semroc version because of differences in the transitions.

Bill,
Beauties. I thought I was partial to the pointy cones, but I agree with you, in a side by side comparison, I think the rounded cones look better.
Did the Semroc transition come hollowed out or did you do that yourself? And on that version is the separation point at the bottom of the upper transition?
Gotta build me one of these . . . as soon as the uncompleted pile drops below the "how dare you buy another rocket" stage. ;)
Drew

I did all the hollowing with my Dremel tool, to the point that you can see light shing through the transition. (Guess I'm a little heavy-handed. :o ) The separation point is just below the topmost transition, but I could have hollowed that one out as well. Worked well both ways.

Bill,
beautiful work! My vote goes for the rounded pod cones on top of the white tubes. They may have been a PITA to paint, but the white makes 'em stand out more.

Later,
EV

I believe the pointed cones were used first and sometime in the late '70's early 80's they switched over to rounded. A friend of mine in Jr HS had one in '73 and it had pointed cones.

To me it's 6 of one, etc, etc... I tend to lean a little more towards the pointed. Ideally youhad a set of both cones in hand and switch them out according to your mood. *LOL*

I almost launched my yesterday, but the wind cranked up and I had a C6-5 in it and a 18" nylon chute. I told the RSO to pass when it came my turn. Still, it looks pretty cool on the pad. ;)

http://www.cv41.org/personal/galler...june05/P6261395

Eagle3,
nice design on Tavia! Are the sides full tubes and cones or are they cut down (3/4 or 1/2)?

Later,
EV

Thanks EV. The main body tube is BT-50 and the side tubes are BT-20.

I wish that the Tavia could have made it to the shelves. It was going to be in the second round of 18mm motor kits I designed for Rich Rau when he owned THOY. He sold the company to Rocket R&D after the first round hit the stores. Rocket R&D wasn't interested in the 18mm stuff and sold everything (including the rights) to someone I can't find. :( I still have all of the original plans though.