That's OK. It's not possible to talk too much about the BNC-20CB. ;-) Or topics like the evolution of the BNC-20L or what the other side of the Estes Bandit looked like. Carry on....

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-Wolfram v. Kiparski
NAR 28643 - TRA 15520
MTMA Section #606 President

Hey guys, I need a bit more info on this kit. Can anyone tell me either:

The total length of the BT-50 body tube (part E in the exploded view), or, if your kit is already built,

The EXPOSED length of the same tube after its insertion into the BT-55 booster tube (so, from the 5055 adapter ring forward to the front edge of the BT-50 tube).


http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/estes/est1279.pdf



Thanks in advance!


Joe

The length of the BT-50 in the Nike-Ajax kit is 18". An unsuffixed BT designation in Estes instructions means the full uncut length available from Estes. That means 18" with the exception of the BT-30 (9"), the BT-70 (17.5"), the BT-80 (7.6"), and the BT-101 (16.5"). Further, the uncut length of the BT-40 was 13.75".

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'Til next time,

Mike Toelle

NAR 31692 L1

SAM 0373

Hi, Mike. Thanks for your input. Yes, I thought the same thing, but there's a problem: 3.9 inches of the BT-50 is buried inside the BT-55 booster section. That leaves 14.1 inches of exposed BT-50. Trouble is, when I measured the section of exposed BT-50 that I removed, it was 12.5 inches. So did the original builder get it wrong, or was the BT-50 less than 18 inches. Furthermore, when I put the 12.5" replacement tube in place, it just looks too darn long.

So while your analysis makes sense to me, I still need an explanation for the inconsistency. That's why I'm hoping that someone here can actually measure the length of the tube in a kit, or measure the exposed length of the BT-50 in a built one.


Joe

Hi Joe,

I have an open kit around here somewhere. I'll dig it out and measure the tube for you.

Sean

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SAM #0031

Sean, I really appreciate it!


Joe

No problem, Joe. The BT50 in my Ajax kit is 18'' long HOWEVER there is a post-it on the outside of the kit bag the reads 'Crimped BT50'. The BT50 in the bag is not crimped, so I may have replaced it back when I was getting ready ( or so I thought) to build it. I didn't make a note to cut the tube, so I still have to assume that the original was 18'', but have to mention it here in the spirit of full disclosure.

S.

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SAM #0031

Sean, many thanks! Well, that ALMOST clears things up. Now if only that darn tube was the original, we could be 100% certain.

According to my records the Nike Ajax uses the following tube sizes.

BT-55KA P/N 30387 10.625" Long
BT-50 P/N 30352 18.0" Long


John Boren

Thanks, John. That settles it, BT-50, 18" long. Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate the support.


Joe