Eagle's Workbench

[Eagle3]

Here's part of what I have laying around waiting for the paint season to arrive.

[A Fish Named Wallyum]

Which Mars Snooper color scheme do you plan to use?

[Ltvscout]

Fly that Fire Fly on some original S motors. That's what I plan on doing with mine, when I get it built. ;) The Fire Fly was my first 2-stager as a kid.

What is that 5th rocket up there? Is it a Canaroc design?

Where'd you get the ramjet cones for the Snooper?

[Eagle3]

Which Mars Snooper color scheme do you plan to use?

Probably red with a flat black tail section (part with the vanes)


Fly that Fire Fly on some original S motors. That's what I plan on doing with mine, when I get it built. The Fire Fly was my first 2-stager as a kid.

Who has a supply of those? :(

What is that 5th rocket up there? Is it a Canaroc design?.

Nope, that's one of my own inventions. I drew that plan up in HS back in the 70's and finally got around to building one last Fall.

Where'd you get the ramjet cones for the Snooper?

Thats the Qmodeling kit. Highly recommended BTW. I have their Starship Vega that's finished and just got the Stiletto for Christmas.

The first kit is a Phoenix (Matt Steele) Brighthawk 2000

Second is a Semroc Laser X

Third is the Snooper II

Fourth is a BT-50 size Mini Vindicator

Fifth is the Pulsar Buzz original

Sixth is the Shrox Space Shuttle

Seventh is a Thoy Thuria and Semroc FireFly. The Thuria is one of the kits I designed for Thoy before Rich sold the company to Rocket R&D.

[Ltvscout]

Who has a supply of those? :(
Do you mean besides me and Bob Kaplow? ;) There's a dude down in TX that "had" a bunch he was looking to dump. I could give you his contact info if you want to get ahold of him to see if he still has them. I fly my original Birdie on shorties still as well. :)


Seventh is a Thoy Thuria and Semroc FireFly. The Thuria is one of the kits I designed for Thoy before Rich sold the company to Rocket R&D.
I've got a Thuria and Cluros sitting around here somewhere that I got cheap from Dave at Red Arrow a number of years ago.

Who came up with the funky names?

[Eagle3]

Do you mean besides me and Bob Kaplow? ;) There's a dude down in TX that "had" a bunch he was looking to dump. I could give you his contact info if you want to get ahold of him to see if he still has them. I fly my original Birdie on shorties still as well. :)

Sure, pass it along. I bought a ton of A10-0's from Red Arrow last year to fly in my Midget and Beta. I had planned on modifying the FireFly to use mini's, but if I can get some shorties I can hold off on that. :)

I've got a Thuria and Cluros sitting around here somewhere that I got cheap from Dave at Red Arrow a number of years ago.

Who came up with the funky names?

I did. I'm a huge fan of the John Carter of Mars books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Thuria and Cluros were the "Barsoomian" names for the Martian moons. ;) The Sci Fi kit I designed for Rich that never made the store shelves was called Tavia after a female character in one of the books. Here's a pic of that model.

[Ltvscout]

Sure, pass it along. I bought a ton of A10-0's from Red Arrow last year to fly in my Midget and Beta. I had planned on modifying the FireFly to use mini's, but if I can get some shorties I can hold off on that. :)
I sent you one contact by email. The other one is in my rocketryonline.com email box, and that system (everyone.net) is down right now.

[Eagle3]

Here are some progress shots (or lack of progress) and some new projects.
In no particular order there's a Semroc SLS Jaguar, SLS Javelin, Laser-X, Astro Jr, and Firefly. Also a 1X Der Red Max clone, mini Vindicator, and two upscale Screamers. Why two? Easy.... I finally wore out my original upscale and needed a new one. Phred's decal sheet came with enough to dress out two so I made two! Lets see... there's still the THOY Thuria needing primer, an Estes Big Daddy, my Cherokee-DD, Qmodeling Snooper II, Shrox Shuttle, Scale Kits Apex, DOM entry Pulsar, and my Phoenix Brighthawk 2K. I need to do a lot of painting! I want to get started on my upscale Stiletto and 1X Black Widow clones! :D

[CPMcGraw]

Here are some progress shots (or lack of progress) and some new projects.
In no particular order there's a Semroc SLS Jaguar, SLS Javelin, Laser-X, Astro Jr, and Firefly. Also a 1X Der Red Max clone, mini Vindicator, and two upscale Screamers. Why two? Easy.... I finally wore out my original upscale and needed a new one. Phred's decal sheet came with enough to dress out two so I made two! Lets see... there's still the THOY Thuria needing primer, an Estes Big Daddy, my Cherokee-DD, Qmodeling Snooper II, Shrox Shuttle, Scale Kits Apex, DOM entry Pulsar, and my Phoenix Brighthawk 2K. I need to do a lot of painting! I want to get started on my upscale Stiletto and 1X Black Widow clones! :D

I notice you went with a longer payload section on your CDD. What's the length on that section? I'd like to punch all of those numbers in to RS before writing up the PDF instructions.

Craig

[CPMcGraw]

Here are some progress shots (or lack of progress)... Lets see... there's still the THOY Thuria needing primer...

Sincy THOY is OOP and OOB, what is the status on your Thuria design? Could it perhaps be a good candidate for BARCLONE now? Or, perhaps, since it was intended to be a commercial production kit, maybe a set of plans could be sent to Scott? :rolleyes:

Craig

[Eagle3]

I notice you went with a longer payload section on your CDD. What's the length on that section? I'd like to punch all of those numbers in to RS before writing up the PDF instructions.

Craig

I don't recall off the top of my head. It's the video payload bay, but that's not coming along as quickly as I had hoped. For the first flights it will go without the payload. I'll measure the length this weekend for you. When the payload bay is completed I'll weigh it for RS simulations.


Sincy THOY is OOP and OOB, what is the status on your Thuria design? Could it perhaps be a good candidate for BARCLONE now? Or, perhaps, since it was intended to be a commercial production kit, maybe a set of plans could be sent to Scott?

Well, here's the rub on that. THOY (Rich Rau) sold out to Rocket R&D. They didn't want the 18mm (my) designs, so they sold all of the parts and plans to someone I can't find anymore. I can't even find the info I had on his name and phone number. I talked to him once on the phone and asked what his plans were with my (his) plans. He said he originally had thought of selling them, but;
1) The parts he bought were not enough to make complete kits
2) He was not allowed to use the name "THOY". Since "THOY" was all over the plans he had he'd have to re-write them and he didn't get the electronic copies.

So... he was just going ot use the parts for building scratch kits. At the time I just wanted to publish them on my site and he said go for it sincet he was never going to try and sell them. I should have asked for something in writing, but didn't. There's a few of them I'd like to produce in limited numbers. Not sure that's a good idea now, though I sure I'm safe publishing the plans. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this problem before. I think the consensus was "I'm screwed". :rolleyes:

[CPMcGraw]

What's the length on that section?
I don't recall off the top of my head. It's the video payload bay, but that's not coming along as quickly as I had hoped. For the first flights it will go without the payload. I'll measure the length this weekend for you. When the payload bay is completed I'll weigh it for RS simulations.

One note to keep in mind -- RockSim says without a payload section at least ~4" long, you'll need to add nose weight. I fiddled around with the lengths to see what the minimum required length was to keep it user-friendly, and this was what I came up with.

Sincy THOY is OOP and OOB, what is the status on your Thuria design?
Well, here's the rub on that. THOY (Rich Rau) sold out to Rocket R&D. They didn't want the 18mm (my) designs, so they sold all of the parts and plans to someone I can't find anymore. I can't even find the info I had on his name and phone number. I talked to him once on the phone and asked what his plans were with my (his) plans. He said he originally had thought of selling them, but... he was just going ot use the parts for building scratch kits. At the time I just wanted to publish them on my site and he said go for it since he was never going to try and sell them. I should have asked for something in writing, but didn't. There's a few of them I'd like to produce in limited numbers. Not sure that's a good idea now, though I sure I'm safe publishing the plans. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this problem before. I think the consensus was "I'm screwed". :rolleyes:

Would the RR&D folks know who that might have been? Might someone associated with them still have a contact name and number?

I think posting them to YORP or BARCLONE, with a full description like you gave above of the circumstances, will do one of two things:

1. Absolutely nothing.
2. Bring your 'contact' out of the woodwork and allow you to move forward.

Either way, these plans need to get posted. Either way, you need to keep designing and posting new stuff, even if you don't plan to actually market it. I think everyone reading this thread might like to build that one; I know I would!

Craig...

[Eagle3]

One note to keep in mind -- RockSim says without a payload section at least ~4" long, you'll need to add nose weight. I fiddled around with the lengths to see what the minimum required length was to keep it user-friendly, and this was what I came up with.

It's at least 4". I'll fly it with the payload bay empty on the test flights or maybe add ballast.


Would the RR&D folks know who that might have been? Might someone associated with them still have a contact name and number?

I haven't been able to contact anyone from R R&D.

I think posting them to YORP or BARCLONE, with a full description like you gave above of the circumstances, will do one of two things:

1. Absolutely nothing.
2. Bring your 'contact' out of the woodwork and allow you to move forward.

I think you're right and my guess is number 1 will happen.


Either way, these plans need to get posted. Either way, you need to keep designing and posting new stuff, even if you don't plan to actually market it. I think everyone reading this thread might like to build that one; I know I would!

Craig...

Thanks Craig. There were seven kits total and I had about eight other designs in the sketch stage. I still have the original drawings here at work in, get this... Claris Draw format and just figured out a way to at least get them converted to tifs. I'll poke away at these and try to get a few to you soon. The rear engine boost glider and Tavia will take a little longer I think.

[CPMcGraw]

For everyone, speaking of the Double-D, I just made a post in the "Cherokee Double-D" thread which should interest everyone building this design. Phred at Excelsior Rocketry is producing the decal sheet for the CDD. Price about $6.

Craig...

[Eagle3]

I finally got some more models decaled. The Big Daddy and der Red Max are done. I still have a few left on the Mini Vindicator.

[Eagle3]

Finally getting some stuff painted and decaled. *sheesh*
L-R (back) Semroc SLS Javelin, Jaguar, Astron Cobra clone, two Maxi Screamers, Qmodeling Mars Snooper II.
(front) Barclone Mini Loader, Maxi Mosquito

[Eagle3]

Stuf that's getting real close.
L-R Scale Kits Apex, QModeling Stiletto, Rokitflite USS Odyssey, Semroc Hustler, SLS Laser X

[Eagle3]

More stuff that's close.

L-R (back) TLP Perseus II, Roachworks Sprint upscale, Orion clone, Defender clone, PDR X-30 Demon.
(front) Semroc Firefly, Black Widow, Sprite, PDR Starlight, Quest Nike Smoke, Quasar clone, Skybolt.

Not pictured - SLS Stiletto, Semroc Thunder Bee, and Aerobee Hi in the pole barn being painted

[Ltvscout]

Stuf that's getting real close.
L-R Scale Kits Apex, QModeling Stiletto, Rokitflite USS Odyssey, Semroc Hustler, SLS Laser X
Hmmm....What's that on the back shelf on the right side that still needs paint? Hmmm....I wonder? :D

[Eagle3]

Hmmm....What's that on the back shelf on the right side that still needs paint? Hmmm....I wonder? :D

*LOL*... oh yea! I still need to put the conduits on.

BTW - I finally found the original banner psd file Scott so I can make those other banners for you! :)

[Tau Zero]

Finally getting some stuff painted and decaled. *sheesh*
L-R (back) Semroc SLS Javelin, Jaguar, Astron Cobra clone, two Maxi Screamers, Qmodeling Mars Snooper II.
(front) Barclone Mini Loader, Maxi MosquitoBuzz,

Nice paint job on the design below. :cool: So, *what* is it? :eek: :rolleyes: ;) :D

[Ltvscout]

BTW - I finally found the original banner psd file Scott so I can make those other banners for you! :)
Danke!

[Eagle3]

Buzz,

Nice paint job on the design below. :cool: So, *what* is it? :eek: :rolleyes: ;) :D

Thanks Jay. That's a Centuri Argus.

[Tau Zero]

Thanks Jay. That's a Centuri Argus.*Very* cool. And distinctive.

Say, what are the tube length measurements on that? I have an original ST-7 Argus tube, but I had to guess at the others:

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=905&highlight=argus


Thanks! And good job, again!


Cheers,

[Eagle3]

St13 = 12"
St8 = 5.5"
St7 = 7"

[Tau Zero]

St13 = 12"
St8 = 5.5"
St7 = 7"Thanks, Buzz! :D You're a lifesaver, as always! :cool:

Cheers,

[PaulK]

, two Maxi ScreamersNice Screamers, what scale are these? BT size? What NC did you use? Thanks!

[Eagle3]

Nice Screamers, what scale are these? BT size? What NC did you use? Thanks!

Thanks Paul. They are BT-60 and I used the PNC-60RL. Semroc sells a balsa equilivent that's very nice. Phred sells BT-60 decals too. I flew the blue one last Saturday.

[Eagle3]

A few of the latest builds with decals.
Super Screamers, Maxi Mosquito, SLS Javelin, Jaguar, and Stiletto

[John Brohm]

A few of the latest builds with decals.
Super Screamers, Maxi Mosquito, SLS Javelin, Jaguar, and Stiletto

Very nice work, Buzz; very nice indeed. I especially like the Stiletto, an old favorite of mine. Has it flown yet?

[snaquin]

Thanks Jay. That's a Centuri Argus.

And I really like the Argus .....

I never owned an original and I'm going to have to clone one of those one of these days with one of my extra fin cans.

Nice work on all of your birds. The Semroc SLS kits look great!

.

[Tweener]

What paint did you use on the Stiletto? It's really uncanny, I had two in my "younger days" that I had painted with Testor's metal flake red (booster) and blue (sustainer) that looked a LOT like yours. :eek: I didn't do the catalog scheme of white triangles on the fins, but did apply the included white-printed waterslide decals. Only real difference was my gloss black nosecone. I really miss those rockets! :(

[Eagle3]

Thanks guys. The Stiletto is a 137% upscale. Carl sells the laser cut fins. The paint is Testor's metal flake like my original is painted except that one the booster is blue and sustainer is red. I also used the stock decals on it, but to be honest I don't really care for them. I may leave the SLS version decal free or maybe a band of chrome. She hasn't flown yet. I was going to fly it last weekend except it was too windy.

[Tweener]

The paint is Testor's metal flake like my original is painted except that one the booster is blue and sustainer is red. Ah, ha! I thought so! Looking at your photo is making me want to put a clone in my build queue for the winter. I believe I've learned enough since the old days to avoid the sustainer prang or drift away of my first two. ;)

[Eagle3]

Mini-Sky Darts! I might get to fly them this Saturday.

[Rocketking]

Say Buzz-

Are they BT-20 sized? You Know you have to put the inlet scoops on! Or are you taking artistic license here?

Glen A.
NAR 26298 L1

[Eagle3]

Yep, BT-20 and I never put the scoops on my Sky Darts. I've heard they reduce glide times (not that I'm trying to set a record). :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D

[Bob Thomas]

That work area is way too neat! Now I can't save your pics cause my wife might see them.

Seriously, sweet birds. Are you leaving them unfinished for competition?

[Eagle3]

That work area is way too neat! Now I can't save your pics cause my wife might see them.

I'll post a photo of the other two benches. *LOL*

Seriously, sweet birds. Are you leaving them unfinished for competition?

Thanks Bob! No, I'm leaving them unfinished until I know they'll fly! My first run of min-Darts with thinner wings went this way and that. Even tissuing didn't help.

[Eagle3]

Here's a pic of the recently completed or nearly completed Interceptor clone, Semroc cc:Space Plane, cc: X-21, and Arrow 300 clone. Working on the SLS Vector V, SLS Long Tom, and LOC Weasel for my SRS 29mm hybrid motor now.

[barone]

Check out the fin alignment jig.....

[DeanHFox]

Check out the fin alignment jig.....Yeah, I was gonna ask where he picked that up. My Estes plastic one is getting kinda dog-eared... :)

[Eagle3]

That belongs to JMRC. One of the members works at Roush Racing and he had the shop make that. It weighs close to 100 pounds too! I'm just borrowing it to put the fins on my L2 upscale Marauder. The only tube mandrel for it is 38mm though I think Roger is trying to get a 54mm one made.

[Eagle3]

Mini-Sky Darts! I might get to fly them this Saturday.

I got in two test flights with each one yesterday.

Baby Dart 1 Flight one - 1/2A-2T. Straight boost, shot-gun ejection. Everything held together though. Glided well, but turn was a bit too tight.

Baby Dart 2 Flight one - A10-3T. Arced backwards a bit, but not too badly. Delay was longer than 3 seconds, but much milder than the previous motor. Glide was a little too steep and turn too tight.

DB 1 Flight two - A10-3T. Arced over a little. Bonus delay (again). Much nicer glide.

BD 2 Flight two - A10-3T. Arced over more maybe due to rod whip. Was inverted and level when ejection occured. Did two really cool loops before settling in to a glide. Slight stalling.


Both need a couple more trim flights, but they're really close to "dialed" in. Need to make a new mylar chute for the pod though. Tha last flight did a number on the current one.

[Eagle3]

Finally getting a lot of stalled projects done and others moving. Here are a few photos of Semroc projects that are done (or nearly), including a family photo.

[Eagle3]

And here are the non-Semroc kits that I just finished up. The Defender is a clone. The Skybolt is an original kit. There is a Hawk's Hobby Mark II, and the red and white job is an old design on mine. I made it my Memorial Day observance rocket. :) The NCR Aegis X is painted, but I'm still going to detail it a bit more.

[Solomoriah]

I debated the stock paint scheme for my Thunder Bee, but I decided I really wanted it to look like a bee...

http://rocketry.newcenturycomputers.net/fleet/semroc-thunderbee-thumb.png (http://rocketry.newcenturycomputers.net/fleet/semroc-thunderbee.jpg)

Alas, you are a far better painter than I (though, given how much practice you seem to be getting, perhaps I shouldn't be surprised...)

[A Fish Named Wallyum]

And here are the non-Semroc kits that I just finished up. The Defender is a clone. The Skybolt is an original kit. There is a Hawk's Hobby Mark II, and the red and white job is an old design on mine. I made it my Memorial Day observance rocket. :) The NCR Aegis X is painted, but I'm still going to detail it a bit more.

:cool: Nice! I've been cleaning up the decal scan for the Defender. Did you make your own decal or have one made? I'm tempted to have one made. I don't appear to be quite up to the task of decal cleanup. :o

[Eagle3]

Thanks guys. I got the Defender decal from Phred. I made my own for the Skybolt and saved the original decal. I also made my own decals for the SLS Vector V. I was happy with how those came out.

[sandman]

If I wasn't so darn far away...I could come to more launches and see all of your great stuff fly! :mad:

[Green Dragon]

If I wasn't so darn far away...I could come to more launches and see all of your great stuff fly! :mad:

Sandman - you going to be down to the NyPower launch this year ?

I'll be there, with some oldies :), and a few bigger jobs as well - if I get my L3 'secret project' done in time, well.. lets say guys on this list will get a huge kick out of it ( pun only slightly intended )

~ AL

[Rocketflyer]

Yeah, I was gonna ask where he picked that up. My Estes plastic one is getting kinda dog-eared... :)


Check out BMI Cad for a very heavy duty fin jig, with mountings for 13mm to 98mm, thick and thin fin. Expensive, but really nice. Needs it's own table too. :p Works like a charm, got one last Christmas from wife and daughter. :D

[Eagle3]

I thought I had posted a photo of the completed SLS Long Tom, but I now I'm guessing I didn't. I still need to mount the PF mini timer and battery pak to the upper stage removable motor mount. I'm thinking E30 to an E9 for the first flight.

[Eagle3]

I finally figured it would be easier to finish this project than continue to move the parts out of the way. *L* The glider nc isn't quite right, but I'll replace it.

I also recently finished a Farside X.

[ghrocketman]

That payload section on your Farside-X looks a mite short.
Is it the correct length ?

[Eagle3]

That payload section on your Farside-X looks a mite short.
Is it the correct length ?

*LOL* Nope. It was the only cut piece of BT-60 I had in the bin. I just stuck it on there until I cut one to the length.

[Ltvscout]

I finally figured it would be easier to finish this project than continue to move the parts out of the way. *L* The glider nc isn't quite right, but I'll replace it.

I also recently finished a Farside X.
Eeeek! :eek: Beware, that's an R rated post folks. Naked rockets! :D

[Leo]

Eeeek! :eek: Beware, that's an R rated post folks. Naked rockets! :D


I'm a European so don't hold back on my account :D

[foose4string]

Eeeek! :eek: Beware, that's an R rated post folks. Naked rockets! :D


There's some rocket porno there, but it has nothing to do with them being naked. :D

[tbzep]

I finally figured it would be easier to finish this project than continue to move the parts out of the way. *L* The glider nc isn't quite right, but I'll replace it.

I also recently finished a Farside X.

Can you tell me a little about the Estes Starlab poster on the wall? Any chance it could get scanned if it hasn't been already?

[Eagle3]

Can you tell me a little about the Estes Starlab poster on the wall? Any chance it could get scanned if it hasn't been already?

I got that back in high school IIRC. I tried scanning it a long time ago in multiple scans and merging them together, but it just didn't go together well. With Photoshop CS2 I might be able to do a better job. I'll add it to the to-do list.

[Bob Thomas]

Love the workshop, mine has the same inspirational World Rockets Poster. Your work is amazing. Just wondering about the Orion, is it a 1B wrap or fabrication like mine. If fabricated, I'd love to see a close-up - I'm looking to improve mine for an Athena.

[Eagle3]

Love the workshop, mine has the same inspirational World Rockets Poster. Your work is amazing. Just wondering about the Orion, is it a 1B wrap or fabrication like mine. If fabricated, I'd love to see a close-up - I'm looking to improve mine for an Athena.

Thanks Bob. Its my man cave. :)

I used the 1b wraps for my Orion.

[tbzep]

I got that back in high school IIRC. I tried scanning it a long time ago in multiple scans and merging them together, but it just didn't go together well. With Photoshop CS2 I might be able to do a better job. I'll add it to the to-do list.

Thanks. I'd love to have a scan of it, even if it is in separate pieces. If the Photoshop merge doesn't work, another option might be to use a fairly high resolution digital camera to take a photo of it using bright available light instead of the flash.

[Eagle3]

I've started a system in an effort to get a grip on all of the build projects I'm either working on or wanting to add to the queue. Thanks to Semroc's "The Classics" page I've been able to print out parts lists for many of my projects. I take the parts printout and a printout of the plans and put them in a doc protector and then I keep them all in a binder. I do the same with all my upscale projects. I take the patterns and scale them up in Photoshop. Now, when I want to start a new project while I'm waiting for parts to dry on another I just skim through the binder, pull out the project I want to work on and go. It seems to be working well, maybe too well. :rolleyes: Attached are some photos of recent projects that are nearly completed.
Upscale Orbital Transport, Omega Cineroc clone, Upscale Falcon Commander, Semroc Saki, Qmodeling Rogue, Renegade clone, EAC Firecat clone ( I want to upscale this), Flying Jenny, Semroc Centurion, Groove Tube clone, Excalibur clone, and PDR Satellite Interceptor.


I finally made it to my LHS to get some CA hinges so now I can finish the Centauri RCBG. I may try piggybacking that on something for it first flight...... eh, more like probably. ;)

[jay]

Absolutely love the EAC Firecat clone! Nice Excalibur too! Great looking builds Eagle 3! :) Been thinking of doing a BT-55 upscale of the Firecat with a BNC-55HJ cone I have from BMS. What did you use for the BT-48 tube on her underbelly? I was going to use BT-50 and just not sweat it.

[Eagle3]

Thanks Jay. As I was building the Firecat I kept thinking, "gotta make a BIGGER one". :)

I had a scrap piece of BT-48 so I was set, but the BT-50 size difference wouldn't be noticeable.

Something I forgot to mention about the new system. From Carl's "The Classics" page you can add many of the parts for many of the plans as most of us already know. Once the parts come in they get sorted out for the different projects and then get put into old kit bags. Those go into bins. So, to start a new project I pull the plans and templates from the queue binder, grab the parts bag, and then try to find a clean spot on the work bench. :D

[Chris_Timm]

Omega Cineroc clone,

What are the SEMROC part numbers for the faux-camera portions?

[Eagle3]

What are the SEMROC part numbers for the faux-camera portions?

Hey Chris, I used the BR-60-18 and BC-1834.

Buzz

[Tom Swift]

Absolutely love the EAC Firecat clone! Nice Excalibur too! Great looking builds Eagle 3! :) Been thinking of doing a BT-55 upscale of the Firecat with a BNC-55HJ cone I have from BMS. What did you use for the BT-48 tube on her underbelly? I was going to use BT-50 and just not sweat it.
The yellow spacer tube that Estes includes for inserting a 24mm engine block might be pretty close to BT48.

Don't have one on hand at the moment - I find all kinds of uses for those things.

[Tom Swift]

Ooooooh. What is THAT in the 4th photo? I've been itching to build another cluster and that assembly gives me all kinds of ideas. Kinda crazy like.

[Ltvscout]

Ooooooh. What is THAT in the 4th photo? I've been itching to build another cluster and that assembly gives me all kinds of ideas. Kinda crazy like.
That would be this:

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=2732

[Vanel]

Absolutely love the EAC Firecat clone! Nice Excalibur too! Great looking builds Eagle 3! :) Been thinking of doing a BT-55 upscale of the Firecat with a BNC-55HJ cone I have from BMS. What did you use for the BT-48 tube on her underbelly? I was going to use BT-50 and just not sweat it.

I did some looking and found that the Semroc ST-8F is a fairly close match to the BT-48 in terms of OD. ST-8F is 0.921", BT-48 is 0.928" - a difference of only 0.007"

Pretty durn close ;)

[Eagle3]

Put decals on these tonight to make room for a big project. If I'm lucky I'll finally get my Odyssey and Fake Wulf done tomorrow. :)

[rokitflite]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Eagle3]

LOL.. The Odyssey has been done for a long time except for one detail I tried that went badly wrong. It's taken me forever to come up with a plan to fix, er change that detail. I think I have a good idea for it now. The FW is painted except for the canopy. It's been super humid the past few days and I haven't had an opportunity to get that done. I love how the paint scheme came out. I used slightly different colors, but I really like the idea of using vinyl cutouts for masking the camouflage. I used it on the Semroc Saki above. :D

[rokitflite]

LOL.. The Odyssey has been done for a long time except for one detail I tried that went badly wrong. It's taken me forever to come up with a plan to fix, er change that detail. I think I have a good idea for it now. The FW is painted except for the canopy. It's been super humid the past few days and I haven't had an opportunity to get that done. I love how the paint scheme came out. I used slightly different colors, but I really like the idea of using vinyl cutouts for masking the camouflage. I used it on the Semroc Saki above. :D

Again:

:eek: :eek: :eek:

;)

[rokitflite]

*Sound of crickets chirping*

;)

[Eagle3]

Had a big launch Saturday, so that's been the delay. I'll be working on them tonight. :)

[Eagle3]

Decals tomorrow.

[Eagle3]

Here you go Scott. Odyssey is going to take a couple more nights. :D

[rokitflite]

Ooooooooo! Ssssssssssssssssssexy! :D

GREAT job!... Avoid the C6-3! :rolleyes:

[Eagle3]

Ooooooooo! Ssssssssssssssssssexy! :D

Thanks. Nice job on decal sheet.

GREAT job!... Avoid the C6-3! :rolleyes:

But I have a big field. :( :D

Have you tried inducing a turn with a trim tab or other means, or does she just like to fly straight out. I'm guessing it's going to be as easy to trim as a Nighthawk. :rolleyes: :D

[Bob H]

Thanks. Nice job on decal sheet.



But I have a big field. :( :D

Have you tried inducing a turn with a trim tab or other means, or does she just like to fly straight out. I'm guessing it's going to be as easy to trim as a Nighthawk. :rolleyes: :DMine flew staight as built but I've been able to trim a turn into mine with a trim tab. I used the one supplied in the kit but cut it in half and then I cut the non-sticky part of the tab in half.

You only need very little deflection on the tab.

My last 3 flights were on C6-3's and it landed within 300 ft each time.

[Eagle3]

Thanks Bob, I was thinking of doing something similar. Need to get one flight in though to see it goes straight or turns as built.

[Eagle3]

Finished the Saturnian tonight. It came out looking just as cool as I had hoped.

[CPMcGraw]

Finished the Saturnian tonight. It came out looking just as cool as I had hoped.

The Saturnian looks great, especially that B&W scheme... :rolleyes:

Is that the booster of a Cherokee Double-D in the last frame? :D

[Eagle3]

Yeah, I used the upper stage for a quick flight over the weekend. I haven't put it back on the shelf yet.

... and it's metallic purple and white. Fix your monitor. :p

[CPMcGraw]

Yeah, I used the upper stage for a quick flight over the weekend. I haven't put it back on the shelf yet.

... and it's metallic purple and white. Fix your monitor. :p

...Not the monitor's fault... :o Looks good, either way...

[Chas Russell]

Beautiful job on the Saturnian Eagle3. Looking at your models makes me want to stop my vain attempts at modeling. I had scanned plans from a plans booklet that Estes gave out at NARAM-11 and forwarded them to Scott at YORF. The Saturnian was one of the plans that I lingered over.
Very nice work!

Chas

[Eagle3]

Thanks Chas, but you're not allowed to get closer than 10' to look. ;)

I've been wanting to build the Saturnian since I got the 1974 Parts Catalog. On the back page there was a little image of one next to the list of DOM Number plans you could order.

[bob jablonski]

I don't recall off the top of my head. It's the video payload bay, but that's not coming along as quickly as I had hoped. For the first flights it will go without the payload. I'll measure the length this weekend for you. When the payload bay is completed I'll weigh it for RS simulations.




Well, here's the rub on that. THOY (Rich Rau) sold out to Rocket R&D. They didn't want the 18mm (my) designs, so they sold all of the parts and plans to someone I can't find anymore. I can't even find the info I had on his name and phone number. I talked to him once on the phone and asked what his plans were with my (his) plans. He said he originally had thought of selling them, but;
1) The parts he bought were not enough to make complete kits
2) He was not allowed to use the name "THOY". Since "THOY" was all over the plans he had he'd have to re-write them and he didn't get the electronic copies.

So... he was just going ot use the parts for building scratch kits. At the time I just wanted to publish them on my site and he said go for it sincet he was never going to try and sell them. I should have asked for something in writing, but didn't. There's a few of them I'd like to produce in limited numbers. Not sure that's a good idea now, though I sure I'm safe publishing the plans. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this problem before. I think the consensus was "I'm screwed". :rolleyes:
Here is what happened to those kits.
Rocket R&D sold the low power stuf to Robbys Rockets. Bob Robinson was going to bring them out but the actual designer has the rights to the designs and would not let Bob have them. So he put the parts away. Along came Mr. Bob who was starting Starlight rockets making Mylar parachutes. Which Bob Robinson also sold for me. Then Bob Robinsons health started faltering so he offered All the parts to me which started the Starlight kits. That is why the first couple years Starlight BT50 tubes were a little thicker walled then most. I did not get any instructions but I have a few decals and fin templates of rocket kits never to be made (as far as I know). Thoy did make afew kits before selling to Rocket R&D as Red Arrow had some.
Mr. Bob
Starlights first post here.

[Ltvscout]

Mr. Bob
Starlights first post here.
Welcome to YORF, Bob! Thank you for that info.

[Eagle3]

Here is what happened to those kits.
Rocket R&D sold the low power stuf to Robbys Rockets. Bob Robinson was going to bring them out but the actual designer has the rights to the designs and would not let Bob have them. ..

Hi Bob, Welcome to YORF. It's always nice to have vendors and manufacturers posting on the forum. I hope you find it a useful medium.

In regards to your statement above, I was the original designer of the 18mm kits for THOY. Rich Rau was the designer of all the other MPR-HPR kits. It was me that probably talked to Bob Robinson regarding the 18mm designs. It was my understanding from Rich that when he sold THOY to Rocket R&D (I was no longer involved with THOY at that time) that all designs, including mine whether they were made into kits or not, were part of the deal. I called Rocket R&D to ask what they planned on doing with them and they told me they sold all of the 18mm stuff to Mr. Robinson. When I contacted him he told me that he didn't have all the parts needed to make kits. He was also told by R&D that he couldn't use the existing plans as printed because they had THOY all over them and they owned the THOY label. He would have to rewrite them and said he wasn't interested in that or acquiring the parts needed to make complete kits. He then verbally told me I could do whatever I wanted with the designs. I haven't done anything since because I never got written permission and I haven't had the time to pursue permission or getting into the kit business.

I just want to be clear though, Mr. Robinson never contacted me about permission, I contacted him asking if he was going to produce them. He never asked for permission because through the whole conversation neither of us disputed that he was the owner. I guess that leaves me wondering what the current status of the designs is. :confused:

[bob jablonski]

Cool I get to type to the originator of those kits. Mr. Bob had the parts but only a few sets of instructions. I looked at them but didn't get any. I kinda wished I got some for posterity. I liked the 2 stager. But as of late I don't have time to build kits outside of prototypes. Yep kinda hectic in Starlightville.
Mr. Bob

[Initiator001]

I found the THOY 18mm kits for sale in a Los Angeles hobby shop many years, ago.

I picked up the Imp, Macron & Thuria. :)

Bob

[jdbectec]

I've bean meaning to pm Eagle 3 in regards to this. I spoke with Gary Buck of Rocket R&D in reguards to this. For some reason I was under the impression that you didn't know who had bought the rights etc. to these designs. Any way he has no interest in the 18mm designs at all, But he never made it clear if any actual "rights" to the designs were sold. FWIW, If I were you I would consider My designs, My intellectual property.

[Eagle3]

I found the THOY 18mm kits for sale in a Los Angeles hobby shop many years, ago.

I picked up the Imp, Macron & Thuria. :)

Bob

It's the 3-4 designs that didn't go into production that I wanted most. My avatar is one of them. ;)

[Jeff Walther]

Mini-Sky Darts! I might get to fly them this Saturday.

Those are very nice looking.

What did you use for elevator retaining clips?

[Eagle3]

Those are very nice looking.

What did you use for elevator retaining clips?

Music wire from my LHS, but a paper clip would work.

Buzz

[Eagle3]

A few of the latest projects that have been on the bench way too long. I've been trying to get them wrapped up so I can start on some new stuff and get going on my L3.

A design similar to Art Upton's ScatKat using LOC 54mm tubing and an Acme fin can

An upscale Star Blazer using LOC 54mm tubing

An Upscale Orbital Transport

Something I call Teros III

Something I threw together with a BT70 balsa tail cone. It's got a 29mm mount, so there's plenty of ways to get in trouble with that one. I'm thinking a CTI smokey sam. :)

[tbzep]

A few of the latest projects that have been on the bench way too long. I've been trying to get them wrapped up so I can start on some new stuff and get going on my L3.

A design similar to Art Upton's ScatKat using LOC 54mm tubing and an Acme fin can

An upscale Star Blazer using LOC 54mm tubing

An Upscale Orbital Transport

Something I call Teros III

Something I threw together with a BT70 balsa tail cone. It's got a 29mm mount, so there's plenty of ways to get in trouble with that one. I'm thinking a CTI smokey sam. :)

They are looking good. What is the scale on your OT?

[Eagle3]

They are looking good. What is the scale on your OT?

Thanks. 1.75... it's BT-60. I cut the parts before the Hawks Hobby kit was available to give you an idea how longs it's been languishing on the bench. LOL

[ghrocketman]

I have a NIB Hawks Hobby Super Orbital Transport that I have been meaning to build for the last 2.5 yrs. Someday I will open it....

[Eagle3]

Three that are finally *almost* finished. Need to add a few markings the the QModeling Stiletto , re-install the rail buttons on the Super Starblazer, and I dorked a couple decals on the Odyssey. Thankfully Scott includes the decal image on the install cd. :) The Super Starblazer has flown once on a Loki G80 and it boosted like it was on rails. Perfectly straight. Such a nice flight I decided to reward it with Stickershock23.com vinyl markings. The markings are top notch and I highly recommend them. I have an 4" Blue Bird Zero in need of a makeover and I'll definitely get the vinyls from Stickershock instead of my old home brews.

[o1d_dude]

Nice work, Eagle.

I particularly liked the rocket themed lava lamp!

[Eagle3]

I'm a self-confessed kit collector. Not to say I haven't opened, built, and flown a collector kit that would give other collector's heart palpitations. :p However, I do like collecting the favorites from my youth and the ones that were out of my reach.

I have never liked the idea of my collection spending it's time on shelves in tote bins. It's no fun if you don't get to enjoy them somehow. Quick rewind to when I first got into the hobby. I'll make this as brief as possible. I was in 6th grade living in Seaford, DE. The father of a girl in my class had turned his attached garage into a hobby shop. From the driveway the Dagistino's house looked like any other in this subdivision, but go through the door and you were in hobby shop mecca. Glass cases of model airplane gas engines, late 60's RC gear, HO trains. Shelves of Guillow's airplane kits, Estes blue tube and diamond pack motors, dope, and balsa. And on the walls.... pegboards... pegboards loaded with Estes and Centuri kits.

I'm sure I drove poor Mr Dagistino nuts hanging out in there. Yeah, I bought my fair share of kits and motors, but I could sit in there for hours wishing I could collect enough empty bottles or mow enough lawns to afford all the kits I wanted. In hind sight, it's amazing how many were affordable on a lawn mowing budget. Anyways, a couple of months ago I recalled the Seaford Hobby Shop and thought a pegboard would be perfect for displaying some of my favorite kits. I just wish the wall had been a little bigger. :D

[foamy]

snip... I was in 6th grade living in Seaford, DE. The father of a girl in my class had turned his attached garage into a hobby shop. From the driveway the Dagistino's house looked like any other in this subdivision, but go through the door and you were in hobby shop mecca. Glass cases of model airplane gas engines, late 60's RC gear, HO trains. Shelves of Guillow's airplane kits, Estes blue tube and diamond pack motors, dope, and balsa. And on the walls.... pegboards... pegboards loaded with Estes and Centuri kits.

Hmmm... I was born in Seaford and now, again, reside on the Delmarva Peninsula. Where, exactly, did you say Mr Dagistino lived? :D

I grew up in Federalsburg and Guillow's and Testor's 5¢ gliders (loved the wind-up's [15¢]) where about the extent of what I was exposed to. Moved to Easton in the 5th grade, discovered rockets and started building and losing them right away. Our local hobby shop only stocked Centuri, hence my predilection for them. That and C6-7's.

I've just discovered this thread—very, very nice. The peg-board for displaying your kits is a great idea—it was how they did it at the Hobby Horse too. Totally appropriate. I'm going to have to keep following this thread as I very much enjoy your quality, quantity and choice of kits to build. That Saturnian really piques my interest and this thread made my day.

Cheers!
From The Land of Pleasant Living

[cas2047]

I don't know about anybody else, but Eagle3's organizational skills put my organizational skills to shame... I only wish I had my rocket building supplies and space kept as neat and orderly... maybe someday... ;)

[Eagle3]

Hmmm... I was born in Seaford and now, again, reside on the Delmarva Peninsula. Where, exactly, did you say Mr Dagistino lived? :D

I grew up in Federalsburg and Guillow's and Testor's 5¢ gliders (loved the wind-up's [15¢]) where about the extent of what I was exposed to. Moved to Easton in the 5th grade, discovered rockets and started building and losing them right away. Our local hobby shop only stocked Centuri, hence my predilection for them. That and C6-7's.

I've just discovered this thread—very, very nice. The peg-board for displaying your kits is a great idea—it was how they did it at the Hobby Horse too. Totally appropriate. I'm going to have to keep following this thread as I very much enjoy your quality, quantity and choice of kits to build. That Saturnian really piques my interest and this thread made my day.

Cheers!
From The Land of Pleasant Living

Hi Foamy, thanks for the kind words.

It was on Bradford Street, South of Stein Hwy ( I still have a '74 Estes Catalog with his store's rubber stamp on it). I lived on Bridgeville, but haven't been there since '74. In addition to Dagastino's I used to get kits at the Woolworth's in Seaford and the Sear's down in Ocean City. Great time to be growing up with model rocketry.

I was really happy with how the Saturnian came out. It's bigger than I imagined. It's one of those I've always wanted to build since I was a kid.

[Eagle3]

I don't know about anybody else, but Eagle3's organizational skills put my organizational skills to shame... I only wish I had my rocket building supplies and space kept as neat and orderly... maybe someday... ;)

Thanks Cas, but it's rarely that tidy. :D I'm just happy to have the room. It helps to have a room in the corner of the basement that no one else wants. :)

[foamy]

[It was on Bradford Street...

Interesting. I have relatives living two blocks from there.

snip... I used to get kits at the Woolworth's in Seaford and the Sear's down in Ocean City. Great time to be growing up with model rocketry.

-How I miss that Woolworth's. The models were close to the lunch counter (and they always had the pre-built monster models) and I still make hotdogs the way they did. With the top-split roll as well. And yes, it was a great time.

I was really happy with how the Saturnian came out. It's bigger than I imagined. It's one of those I've always wanted to build since I was a kid.

-If I may ask—where did you acquire the plans? Until I saw your build, I didn't know it existed. If you could point me in the right direction... I apologize for asking, but my first Googles and searches have come up empty. I started looking as soon as I had replied to your thread.

And Bridgeville is still a nice little town. It has a cool scrapple/apple festival every fall and I like to eat them both. Where else can you find a celebration like that?

[Eagle3]

Interesting. I have relatives living two blocks from there.



-How I miss that Woolworth's. The models were close to the lunch counter (and they always had the pre-built monster models) and I still make hotdogs the way they did. With the top-split roll as well. And yes, it was a great time.



-If I may ask—where did you acquire the plans? Until I saw your build, I didn't know it existed. If you could point me in the right direction... I apologize for asking, but my first Googles and searches have come up empty. I started looking as soon as I had replied to your thread.

And Bridgeville is still a nice little town. It has a cool scrapple/apple festival every fall and I like to eat them both. Where else can you find a celebration like that?

The snackbar at Woolworths also made a great banana split. They had balloons on the wall with prices inside anywhere from free to $.63. Pop a balloon and that was the price you paid. The more I save on my banana split the more rocket I could afford. :)

The Saturnian plans are here;
http://www.spacemodeling.org/JimZ/eirp_39.htm

Between Jimz site and Scott's YORP, http://www.oldrocketplans.com/ all your plans needs should be taken care of. :)

It was Bridgeville Hwy I lived on, just on the outskirts of town. Our house was surrounded by woods and soy bean fields, both of which ate a lot of my early rocket fleet.

[Ltvscout]

Thanks Cas, but it's rarely that tidy. :D I'm just happy to have the room. It helps to have a room in the corner of the basement that no one else wants. :)
Heh, my problem is that all my rocketry stuff/collection consumes 4/5th's of the basement. Plus, it's all piled high. Not a pretty site. My wife is quite unhappy about it to say the least. :o

[Eagle3]

Heh, my problem is that all my rocketry stuff/collection consumes 4/5th's of the basement. Plus, it's all piled high. Not a pretty site. My wife is quite unhappy about it to say the least. :o

I hear that. My den is adjacent to the hobby room and it's loaded with built kits and over the winter break I built storage shelves in the utility room for all my rubbermaid bins. At least those are out of the middle of the room. :rolleyes:

[foamy]

The Saturnian plans are here;
http://www.spacemodeling.org/JimZ/eirp_39.htm

Between Jimz site and Scott's YORP, http://www.oldrocketplans.com/ all your plans needs should be taken care of. :)

Thank you very much!

As far as work benches go—I'm still on the kitchen table. It kinda inhibits building continuity. It takes a while to build a simple rocket because I have to clean-up after every phase. I have a framed out second story with a studio/workspace laid out, but it still needs dry wall, etc., etc. And my gal still puts up with me. But I'm not at all sure how long that will last. I really should get going on that.

Again, thanks!

[cas2047]

Thanks Cas, but it's rarely that tidy. :D I'm just happy to have the room. It helps to have a room in the corner of the basement that no one else wants. :)

You are very modest, but I know order and sanity when I see it, I don't practice it myself mind you, but I know it when I see it. :D Having the see through drawers/bins is an excellent idea too. Finding the things you want when you want them is a challenge when you have a big collection, and/or lots of tools, parts supplies .

[Dannycolossus]

I did. I'm a huge fan of the John Carter of Mars books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Thuria and Cluros were the "Barsoomian" names for the Martian moons. ;) The Sci Fi kit I designed for Rich that never made the store shelves was called Tavia after a female character in one of the books. Here's a pic of that model.

I believe I asked a loooong while back, but do you have any plans for that tavia? looks like the orion, laserX and interceptor together. i'd like to try to clone one, if you don't mind and you get the time for a parts list. :D

Finally getting some stuff painted and decaled. *sheesh*
L-R (back) Semroc SLS Javelin, Jaguar, Astron Cobra clone, two Maxi Screamers, Qmodeling Mars Snooper II.
(front) Barclone Mini Loader, Maxi Mosquito

What is the orange and gray model to the right of the cobra on the shelf?

[Eagle3]

I believe I asked a loooong while back, but do you have any plans for that tavia? looks like the orion, laserX and interceptor together. i'd like to try to clone one, if you don't mind and you get the time for a parts list. :D



What is the orange and gray model to the right of the cobra on the shelf?

Hey Danny,

That orange and gray rocket is a Centuri Argus.

I have the original Tavia plans open on my other monitor right now. I will try to get a plan pack done tonight and posted here. Looks like I was close to having it done the last time I worked on it. The converted MacDraw drawings are a little screwy. I may fire up the iMac and try to tweak them before calling it good. Scott or Craig are welcome to host the plans wherever they would like.

Hey Cas, if I'm so orderly how come I still have a hard time finding stuff? *LOL* The see-through storage and P-touch label maker were two of the best organization tools you can get. ;)

[Dannycolossus]

thought it was, hadn't seen one like that, and couldn't recognize it among the other fins on your fleet. hope to see those plans sometime soon then.

[Eagle3]

Plans are posted here,
http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?p=113638#post113638

[Ltvscout]

I have the original Tavia plans open on my other monitor right now. I will try to get a plan pack done tonight and posted here. Looks like I was close to having it done the last time I worked on it. The converted MacDraw drawings are a little screwy. I may fire up the iMac and try to tweak them before calling it good. Scott or Craig are welcome to host the plans wherever they would like.
Please send them over when ready.

Edit: Nevermind. Got 'em on the next page. :D

[Eagle3]

Finally........ FINALLY!!!! Starting to get the decals on this.

[ghrocketman]

Very nice.
Looks a bit like the old Enerjet Athena.
18, 24, or 29mm power ?

[Eagle3]

Very nice.
Looks a bit like the old Enerjet Athena.
18, 24, or 29mm power ?

24mm. Carl and I worked on backward-engineering this from the '73 Centuri catalog and believe we came up with all the right parts and lengths. The decals have been the hardest problem as they seem to be a hodgepodge of Centuri decals that aren't quite stock, so I'm recreating them in photoshop.

[stefanj]

I christen that model the DEV.

Decal Elimination Vehicle.

(Good job!)

[Eagle3]

I like it! I'm certainly tired of typing, "Centuri Catalog Decal Rockey". Maybe CentDEV?

Edit - I added a copy of the page from the '73 catalog that this is on from Ninfinger.

[Gus]

Very nice, Buzz!

[ghrocketman]

Looks great.
With 24mm you can keep it "low-n-slow" with a C11 or even a D12, through the mid-altitude E9/E12, or really send it up high on an Aerotech E15/E18, E28/E30, F24, F39, or even the Estes "E length" Aerotech SU F32.

[Eagle3]

Massive build season continues. I'll post more of what's been recently built and what's still on the bench. Here is a DOM upscale I just started on. I know Bill knows what it is. This one is BT-80 size.

[Eagle3]

These are most of the projects I've built or are in the process since my last big update.
Part 1
Centuri Quasar clone from Moldin' Oldies parts
Estes Interceptor clone from Moldin' Oldies parts
Original Estes Shrike
Estes Space Eagle converted for 2-stage
Lance Mk IV - original design
Estes Photon Disruptor

[Eagle3]

Part 2
Semroc Centaur
Fliskits Tres
Launch Pad Pegasus II
3D Circulus
Estes Interceptor E
Semroc Astron Spaceplane

[Eagle3]

Part 3
PimpDaddy A-20 Demon clone
Original Estes Cherokee D
Centuri Orion clone
Estes Renegade clone
Hostile Projectiles X-15 Delta
Estes Photon Probe
Semroc SLS Skyhook

[Eagle3]

Part 4
Estes Mega Mosquito
QModeling Mars Snooper II
BMS Viking I clone
Estes Omega Cineroc clone
Estes Farside clone

[Eagle3]

Part 5
Semroc Aerobee-Hi
Empire Wombat
Estes Gyroc clone
Estes Air Commander
Semroc Spartan
MPC Zenith Payloader
MPC Microsonde III
Semroc Lil Ivan
Estes Orbital Transport upscale clone

[Eagle3]

Part 6
Quest Intruder
Quest X-15
Estes Conquest
Semroc thunderStrike
Upscale X-Ray kit bash
Upscale Cherokee D kitbaash

[Eagle3]

Part 7

Estes Attack Craft Orion clone
Estes Starship Nova
Estes Apogee II clone
THOY Peacock
Estes Star Blazer clone
Estes Strike Eagle
ASP Corporal
Semroc Starship Excalibur

[Eagle3]

Part 8 (last)

Estes The Shadow
Madcow Pike

[ghrocketman]

Wow !
That's quite a pile of new builds !
Was the upscaled Orbital Transport a clone of your own "piecing parts together" or was it the Hawk's Hobby OOP upscale kit ?
Never got around to mine and sold the kit so someone else could enjoy it.

[Dewalt]

I am impressed, you are busy. I really like the Astron Farside - I had one as a teen but the rocket landed in a irrigation canal like many of my others. We did not have a tree on the place but that canal made up for them.
I have all the parts gathered up to clone one myself.
The bagged kits in the background are better then a child hood hobby shop memory.

[Eagle3]

Wow !
That's quite a pile of new builds !
Was the upscaled Orbital Transport a clone of your own "piecing parts together" or was it the Hawk's Hobby OOP upscale kit ?
Never got around to mine and sold the kit so someone else could enjoy it.

It was my own parts. I told Mark (Hawks) at NARAM 54 that I wished I had waited a little longer to cut wood, since I would have rather bought his kit. He offered a set of his decals for it though which I greatly appreciated. Mark and Loretta ran a great business. It was so sad to hear Loretta had passed not long after that NARAM.

[Eagle3]

I am impressed, you are busy. I really like the Astron Farside - I had one as a teen but the rocket landed in a irrigation canal like many of my others. We did not have a tree on the place but that canal made up for them.
I have all the parts gathered up to clone one myself.
The bagged kits in the background are better then a child hood hobby shop memory.

Thanks, mind you those are several years worth of builds. I haven't been posting much over that time. Busy busy busy.

The peg board is set up as a reminder of the first hobby shop I bought rockets from. I like being able to display some of my favorites in my collection out where I can see them.

[Eagle3]

Dry fitting the parts on one of my latest builds, a 1.96x Argus II upscale I'm calling the Argus IV.
DOM plan, http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/eirp_84.htm

[A Fish Named Wallyum]

:cool: I've been thinking about doing another one. Mine died on a wire.

[Dewalt]

The peg board is set up as a reminder of the first hobby shop I bought rockets from. I like being able to some of my favorites in my collection out where I can see them.

That is such a great idea, I should do that for the old original kits I have collected instead of them hiding in a box all the time.

[Eagle3]

Latest upscale project. A BT-60 Beta.

[LeeR]

That is such a great idea, I should do that for the old original kits I have collected instead of them hiding in a box all the time.

Seeing them would definitely help, as opposed to storing in plastic tubs, like I do. I have a spreadsheet listing what's in storage, but sometimes just seeing the package makes me want to build a particular kit.

My spreadsheet lists the tub a particular kit is in, but I missed a few kits when adding the location column. I was digging thru tubs a few weeks ago looking for something, and found a Mars Snooper kit from BMS. Although it's a clone, I immediately pulled it out, with all the recent posts I've seen about K kits. It's been fun so far, but I realized it's been awhile since I've cut out and formed a paper shroud. Thank goodness this kit has laser cut fins. All those small parts (cooling fins) would be terrible to cut by hand. Even the fins look tiny. 😀

[LeeR]

It was my own parts. I told Mark (Hawks) at NARAM 54 that I wished I had waited a little longer to cut wood, since I would have rather bought his kit. He offered a set of his decals for it though which I greatly appreciated. Mark and Loretta ran a great business. It was so sad to hear Loretta had passed not long after that NARAM.

Is that BT-60 body tube on the large OT? I scratch-built one using BT-60 for main tube, it just needs priming/painting. I got the upscaled decals from Tango Papa. All those wooden parts were really fun to cut! :)

[Eagle3]

Seeing them would definitely help, as opposed to storing in plastic tubs, like I do. I have a spreadsheet listing what's in storage, but sometimes just seeing the package makes me want to build a particular kit.

My spreadsheet lists the tub a particular kit is in, but I missed a few kits when adding the location column. I was digging thru tubs a few weeks ago looking for something, and found a Mars Snooper kit from BMS. Although it's a clone, I immediately pulled it out, with all the recent posts I've seen about K kits. It's been fun so far, but I realized it's been awhile since I've cut out and formed a paper shroud. Thank goodness this kit has laser cut fins. All those small parts (cooling fins) would be terrible to cut by hand. Even the fins look tiny. 😀

I have the same system. Spreadsheet with bin locations, etc. I recently dug out my BMS Mars Snooper too, but I haven't started that one yet. Right now I'm working on an upscale SARK.


Is that BT-60 body tube on the large OT? I scratch-built one using BT-60 for main tube, it just needs priming/painting. I got the upscaled decals from Tango Papa. All those wooden parts were really fun to cut!

It's a scratch built using BT-60 tubes. Cutting all that wood was a pain, but somewhat easier than the original size. Larger pieces are easier to handle and sand. :)

[Dewalt]

I really like the upscale Beta ! :cool:

[ghrocketman]

That Upscale Beta is really a good one !
18mm or 24mm power ?

[Eagle3]

24mm. D12 booster and C11 through E sustainer.

Per DeWalt's request, I'll scan the patterns tonight and post them here.

[ghrocketman]

Most likely it will have a flight profile very similar to the Astron Omega.
Possibly a bit higher due to the drag-reduction of having the booster fins fitted together on this design.
The last Astron Omega I built, I put "E" length mounts in both the booster and upper stage. I bought some E12-0 motors for the booster, but have not yet flown it.

[LeeR]

It's a scratch built using BT-60 tubes. Cutting all that wood was a pain, but somewhat easier than the original size. Larger pieces are easier to handle and sand. :)

Well, you make a good point about larger fins. I am also working on a Mini Honest John. Since it's the M50 version, it has smaller fins, and it's a little kit to begin with. Being a glutton for punishment, I am hand sanding the diamond airfoil on the fins. Those fins are so little its hard to hold them still while sanding!

[Jerry Irvine]

Looking at this thread for the first time. Wow! THat's a lotta innovative rockets!

Airfoil your fins!

[Eagle3]

Per DeWalt's request, here is the fin pattern for the 2.25X upscale. The booster tube is 3.3" long and the sustainer is 19.25. I create a decal file when it gets closer to painting season here in Michigan.

[Eagle3]

Rocksim file for the Argus IV. The fins are close, but I would just blow up the original plans if you're going to build one yourself.

[Dewalt]

Fantastic - Thank you Buzz !

[Eagle3]

Just a tip for the Beta upscale. Just like the regular size Beta, you can be as careful as you want when cutting out the fins, when you go to glue them on they won't mate cleanly without trimming the booster fins here and there.

I glued all the sustainer fins first. The connected the booster tube nad did a test fin of all the booster to sustainer fins to see if any were close. Yay! One was. ^_^ I really didn't have to trim much off the other two to get a good clean fit, but it's worth it to take the time and adjust the fit.

[Eagle3]

Latest upscale project. A Sark using LOC 54mm tubing.

[Tango Juliet]

The fin arrangement on that Sark is similar to the Estes Guardian, a model I think begs for an upscale, and possibly as a two stage!