I tried to swing test my 1.5X Groove tube on the balance point but it wouldn't fly straight. I wasn't sure if it's a nose weight problem or something weird with the tube fins. Will nose weight help and how would I adjust the weight to add?

I don't know for sure, but it is possible a design like the Groove Tube could be completely stable in flight, but might not pass a swing test.

Earl

__________________
Earl L. Cagle, Jr.
NAR# 29523
TRA# 962
SAM# 73
Owner/Producer
Point 39 Productions

Rocket-Brained Since 1970

The voice of experience says nose weight, quite emphatically.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2

What kind of weight do I use? How do I know how much? And how do I add it!

Thaanks! I did some research and found a few posts that said nose weight might be needed. I don't have any experience with doing that and would like to get more detailed information on what's involved.

If I remember right, I squeezed some epoxy out and dumped about 10-20 bbs in and mixed them up. Then I scraped them off the paper into the hole in the back of the nose cone, and let it dry in a face down position. I wasn't too exacting and must have done okay because I got the chance to lose it twice. Before and after flight pics are included. The after was taken when it was found after wintering in VOA Park. Man, I wish I had bought more of those checkered parachutes when I had the chance.

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__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2

Just fly it and see.
If it traces it's tail around in a random flight pattern, it needs nose weight.
Thaty'll doo.

__________________
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, and HAVOC !

Did the tube fins tear off in the launch? I'm buillding another Groove Tube. Should I use something stronger than wood glue? CA or epoxy?

No, they came off after spending the winter in the wilds of the VOA. Someone found the landing site, gathered up the remains, and returned them to me.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2

I built a BT-60 Groove Tube (1.68x), and it flies great - so far on a D12, and an E26. Haven't tried an E12 yet. I used the Semroc balsa NC, glued in a 1" dowel, with modestly beefy screw-eye. No additional nose weight.

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__________________
Paul
If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane - Jimmy Buffett
NAR #87246 www.wooshrocketry.org