Back with something different - New Way square tube custom
 

Hey all,

I haven't poked my head in here for a while, and just thought I'd say "hi" again. Been a crazy past 12 months with family stuff, as well as getting relocated to Michigan. Haven't really had the time (nor the inspiration) to work on anything for a while, but I had a day to myself yesterday, and had the itch to build. But what to do?

Back at NSL 2009, I had the opportunity to talk a bit with Rick Randol of New Way Space Models. If you haven't seen them, he's making some pretty cool square-tubed rocket kits;

http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=5309

Anyways, knowing my propensity for the odd and different, I picked up a 4 Square kit, and Rick was nice enough to let me bargain for an extra body tube and couple of pieces. Seeing as I almost never do anything normal, this is what I came up with.......

Overall


Side View


Rear View


Close-up


This is progress so far. I'm still thinking about putting some sort of paper cockpit or bridge up near the nose. Maybe some canards, or armament detail. I've still got these pieces left...



Whatcha guys think???

Later,
EV

EV,

That's fantastic!

That is pretty cool. I really like the lines!

Cool!
 

Yep, That's Cool EV. One small step for man. One Giant leap for a Original design! :D

James Pierson
NAR# 77907

I can only say "man that's awesome"! I remember when EV bought the kit how he said he had some ideas of turning it into something else. Great work and thanks for sharing. So cool it should be a future kit. Hmmmmm........ I should have given you a D engine mount for a little extra boost. Keep us posted on how you finish it. Thanks.

Hi EV, nice to see you around. You've still got the sci-fi knack, that's for sure, now just needs a cockpit and some weaponry :)

Rick,

glad you like it. It certainly is a tank/feels hefty, but I'm hoping it'll launch just fine on C-power.

This design was a different approach for me this time. Usually, I layout all my designs in MS Powerpoint so that I can get an idea of scale and proportion. This also helps with making fin patterns and tube marking guides. However, this time I literally just started holding up spare pieces that I had in my parts box from other kits I'd cannabalized.

The main wings? Clipped fins from an Estes LoadStar booster.
The three central fins? From an Estes Venom.
The four outer fin tips? Trimmed Estes Alpha fins.

I originally was thinking that the angles on the side tubes would face upwards, but once I turned it over 180 degrees, I knew I had the look....

Later,
EV

Maybe a composite D would be a good choice?

Tom C.

Ummmm, Rick????

Turns out I made a bit of a mistake. I really need to reset my "seat of the pants" calibration on these square tubes, as my little project here is a bit heavier than I thought. I put it on the scale last night, and got a mass of 134g. That's without the motor. According to the NAR cert page, the max weight for an Estes C is 113g with the motor.

Any way I could arrange to get that D engine mount?

Thanks,
EV

Rick was nice enough to send me a complimentary D-engine mount kit. Showed up in the mail on Monday and I got it installed last night. Now just awaiting the paint booth.

On a side note, one benefit to the square tubing is that it was very easy to cut out the old engine mount. Since the flat tube sides matched the flat Exacto blade, I was able to cut out the centering "rings" (squares) and excess glue completely, and the new mount just slid right in.....

Thanks Rick!

Later,
EV