Hi I am looking for a good Launch Pad to build. Any Ideas or links you can share would be great. Thanks

Here's a little write-up on mine. It's good up thru mid-power. It's basically a long-legged version of the old Estes Tilt-a-pad.

http://www.doug79.com/launchpad/

Doug

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YORF member #11

Make the legs as long as you like.

I even have a few already built.

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tilt-a-pad.pdf (2.3 KB, 71 views)

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"I'm a sandman. I've never killed anyone. I terminate runners when their time is up." Logan from "Logan's Run"

http://sandmandecals.com/

Here's a multi-rocket launch pad I built out of PVC. It works pretty well and I use it whenever I'm launching by myself.

My PVC Launch Pad

Also, Art Applewhite sells a nice metal one that we use at our Club launches.

Art Applewhite's Launch Pad

He also has club launch controllers:

Art Applewhite Launch Controller

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Dale Marshall, San Antonio Texas
NAR #90990
Semroc SAM #083

BAR Since 2008
Enjoying model rocketry since 1977.
The Spotted Dragon
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Thanks Awesome

Very Cool Thanks!

Those Applewhite prices are BRUTAL.

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC !

I posted plans for an adjustable head to fit on the PVC legs over on TRF.
http://www.rocketryforum.com/showth...h-pad-tilt-head

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David Stribling
NAR 18402 SR
But it is rocket science!
Get yer Barrowmans here

I don't want to pick on Art, but the mass of those pads is probably not real friendly, either. While the galvanized metal no doubt makes for a sturdy and durable (ie, rust free ) pad, I wouldn't want to have to lug one very far across the rocket range. While the metal has many side benefits, such as being blast tolerant, a little engineering can allow wood, plastic (PVC) and aluminum to be used. That is, a steel blast shield can be combined with other, lighter materials to make a more friendly pad. That said, at least it's thin wall fence tubing instead of heavy steel water/gas pipe.

The need for lightness comes into play more so at club launches where you might have to lug a heavy pad to the far cell several hundred feet away. It needs to have some mass - you don't want it blowing over in a breeze - but you will truly appreciate a light pad when you're getting winded and still have a quarter mile back to the range head

Doug

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YORF member #11

I've put together, taken apart, and carried Art's launch pad on several occasions. It's not light, true, but it's also not real bulky either so it's pretty easy to carry. I've never had to carry it more than 100 yards, though. It is sturdy too. We've had several large rockets on it at one time and it doesn't even begin to tip or move.

As far as price goes, consider what it's made of. My PVC pad cost a good bit too, so I imagine the parts for Art's are also pretty pricey.

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Dale Marshall, San Antonio Texas
NAR #90990
Semroc SAM #083

BAR Since 2008
Enjoying model rocketry since 1977.
The Spotted Dragon
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