Qmodeling WACC

Qmodeling - WACC

Contributed by Fred Talasco

Manufacturer: Qmodeling
(by Fred Talasco - 06/10/04)

QModeling WAC CorporalBrief:
Mid power scale model upscaled from the Estes WAC Corporal.

Construction:
The model is based on the BT-60 and has a 24mm 'E' length engine mount which makes the kit over 28 inches tall. The nose cone is injection molded of a soft plastic with a laser cut wooden plug that also serves as a screw eye mount. The fins, TTW fin mount braces, and fuel transfer conduit/tunnel are all laser cut balsa. The top centering ring is laser cut wood, and the bottom ring is heavy laser cut cardstock. Included is a 5 piece laser cut jig that combines fin sanding unit, and a fuel transfer conduit shape pattern.

First off, I was pleased with the quality of the parts, many of which are produced 'in house' at Q Modeling. The nose cone is crisply molded, requiring only minor finish sanding, and the 3 light balsa fins and other laser cut parts fit perfectly. The engine hook is a hefty 1/8" wide and is of heavier gauge than those in most kits. It is also long enough to hold not only the motor, but also the engine block. (I make them this way when I bend my own hooks, so I am very impressed.) The shock chord is a 9' piece of heavy duty Kevlar®, and is securely mounted to the top of the engine tube coming through the top centering ring.

Despite the beveled fins and conduit, the kit is a solid skill level two in regards to assembly. I am impressed by the 18(!) pages of historical info, general rocketry modeling tips, great illustrations, painting instructions (three pages alone), launch tips, NAR safety code, and even instructions to build a 24mm spacer to fly the rocket on a D engine. Oh yeah, they also tell you, in very detailed and descriptive terms, how to build the kit. The instructions are clear and often point out common mistakes so that you can avoid them. It is obvious that the gang at Q Modeling know their rockets. One thing I really like is that each assembly section has a estimated time so that you can decide when to stop for the night.

The parts all go together smoothly, thanks to precise laser cutting, and clear instructions. On the first night, I assembled and installed the motor mount with integral TTW fin mounts. The structure is strong and surprisingly light. I was pleased to see the foil lined engine mount tube as this kit is begging for AT power!! (F21?) The next night I assembled, installed, and sanded the fuel conduit and assembled the nose cone. I am now in the process of fin sanding and the included fin sanding jig prevents this from being a nightmare although it does take some time.

As an aside, I am someone who finds it almost impossible to leave a design alone. I change engine mounts, recovery mounts, etc. on almost every kit I build, however, I am pleased to say that the only change I will be making to this kit is to add 1/4" elastic to the stock Kevlar®-shock chord. The kit contains 9' of heavy duty Kevlar®, but I just like having the extra spring of some elastic.

I only needed standard model rocket tools and supplies to assemble this kit: X-acto knife, sandpaper, Aliphatic Resin glue (yellow glue), medium CA, a pencil and a ruler.

Finishing:
The rocket is not yet finished. However, the straightforward 3FNC design, plastic nose cone and three pages of finishing instructions should make finishing a breeze.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The model has not yet flown. The manufacturer advises the following approximate flight altitudes: 500’ D12-3, 850’ E9-4. Motor retention is via a heavy duty motor hook. After flying with the E9. I plan on trying some AT E and F motors.

With the TTW design, I expect a straight flight.

Recovery:
The model has not yet flown. The recovery system is every bit as you expect from Top Flight Recovery: very light and strong. It includes a Top Flight Recovery 30" Octagon, Thin Mil, Ripstop Nylon Parachute with sewn in 24" Nylon shroud lines, and a Nomex® Heat Shield.

Summary:
I was pleased with this kit in just about every way. The directions were clear and the laser cut parts made assembly enjoyable. The sanding jig is a great idea, making sanding actually palatable. Due to it's good looks and simple, low power style construction, I would recommend this kit for anyone who would like to try mid power.

Other Reviews
  • Qmodeling WACC By Bob Cox

    ( Contributed - by Bob Cox - 07/25/04) Overview The MRS-WAC Corporal is part of QModeling’s Mega-Retro Series, up-scaled versions of Estes classics built with very high quality components. Kit Specifications (from the QModeling web site)  Height: 28.0"  Weight: 5.8 oz  (with recovery system)  Fin Span Diameter: 6.88"  Main ...

  • Qmodeling WACC By Chan Stevens

    Brief: Relatively tiny for the "Mega" line of Estes upscales, this WAC is a fine looking scale kit and great flyer. An excellent kit in every way even though at $50 list, scale builders on a budget might consider the ASP 24mm version (listing for $20). Construction: I ordered this kit online (actually won it on eBay) and the kit arrived Priority Mail 3 days later. ...

Flights

Comments:

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A.H. (January 30, 2005)
Nice models but quite inaccurate The real WAC corporal is not white. It's yellow and there are no bevels on the fins of the real thing.
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B.C. (February 2, 2005)
Guest A.H. is correct that the original WAC Corporal was yellow. Blame Estes Industries for starting the idea that it was white. However, the original WACC clearly did indeed have beveled fins (or at least a shape very close to a bevel). Look at the original photos and Peter Always drawings at http://www.jcrocket.com/waccorporal.shtml
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B.C. (August 3, 2005)
Followup: Several months ago, QModeling started shipping the MRS-WACC with an 18-inch parachute instead of the 30-inch. The new chute is perfectly sized for this kit.
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J.H. (June 13, 2006)
I have built two of the WAC's and used the bevel on both. Upon examination of photos from White Sands it seems that there is either a prolonged misconception regarding fin section, or the section changed from a more utilitarian bevel to a more elegant shape in the course of successive rounds. The link below clearly shows a double curved root section. http://www.jcrocket.com/images/waccorporal/02-037-004.jpg

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