07-12-2018, 09:46 PM
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BP Mafia
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Ft. Thomas, KY
Posts: 8,623
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkB.
You must not launch in the desert; every Alpha III I've ever launched has eventually broken a fin on landing. Even a full-deployed parachute is not enough when most if not all landings involve rocks of various sizes or God-forbid, asphalt or concrete. Around here, it's just a matter of time. . . .
And a broken fin on an Alpha III is terminal.
So no, I think any Alpha III, IV or V is a terrible idea. Give me an Alpha or Alpha II with balsa (repairable) fins any time.
On the other hand, I love the commemorative logo and would love to see that on a Scout.
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I never broke a fin on an Alpha III, but I did break one on a vintage Centuri Screaming Eagle that I got from Australia in 2001. You're right about it being terminal, but I suspect it would be fairly easy to replace the fin with balsa or basswood. Wouldn't look perfect, but it would fly again. Guess I'll hunt up my Screaming Eagle and put my money where my mouth is, eh?
__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563
http://wallyum.blogspot.com/
I miss being SAM 0058
Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle
In paint: Canaroc - Starfighter Scorpion Centuri - Mini Dactyl Estes - F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc - Cyber III
Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark
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