NCR Equivalent Tubes?
 

Looking for a possible source on NCR tube size BT-23, per the attached graphic info. Does anyone know if anyone carries current equivalents to that one? I looked over erockets tubes, but did not see one that matched.

Earl

Hi Earl. I looked for BT-23 equivalents myself in the past and my Google-fu turned up nothing.

You may try the Estes Pro-Series II 2.5” stuff. The OD is close and at least they have couplers, nose cones etc. to fit. Personally I like the Estes Pro-Series tubing. Perhaps peel the glassine on a small piece and check the OD.

https://estesrockets.com/product/03...5-od-body-tube/

;)

Try sending a PM to ManofSteele to see if he has any leads.

Good to see a post from you Steve. Scott, yeah I may need to do that. I have Matt’s email address.

I have a line on a vintage NCR Aerobee Hi and a Quantum 3, both probably from the late 80s (both had the ‘aerofoam’ nose cones), but neither have complete body tube sets but are otherwise pristine. But, they are not very good deals if I can’t get tubes for them. The Aerobee is actual 2.6” stuff I think, so that one might be easier to match.

Earl

Earl,

I will check the attic tomorrow. I may have a couple of the BT-23 Tubes from my time at North Coast. No promises, but I seem to recall that there were a couple of odd sizes.

Chas

Thanks, Chas. At your convenience.

Yes, that BT-23 size in particular does seem to be an odd one, though I am not having great luck finding a good match for the BT-26 tube either, but one or two that come a little close to it.

Earl

Yeah I looked there, but unfortunately their current BT-26 specs (diameter) do not quite match the 'old school' NCR BT-26.

Earl

I found a BT-26 tube, but haven't located any BT-23s. I will continue the search as I may have moved them in the past. I have a NCR Aries XL kit and a built Quantum 1. I pulled my Aerobee Hi-Test model out for repairs and future flying.

Side story: North Coast was known for its catalogs featuring female models holding the built NCR models. When Matt brought NCR back a few years ago, I offered him a picture of a female model holding the just completed Aerobee Hi-Test kit. It was the mid-80s and my daughter was about 11. Matt declined.

Chas

Thanks much for checking Chas. Yes, I recall those catalogs (I had most of the late 80s-early 90s catalogs...still do in a box somewhere) and recall the 'models'; both rocketry and female-wise ones. Both forms were eye-catching!

Earl

Sorry, no luck on the NCR BT-23 tubes. The one BT-26 turned out to be the main body tube for the NCR Brighthawk kit, so I need to hold on to it.
Matt did not believe that he had any left either.

Chas