Dick Stafford's Rocket Dungeon Blog 
Rocket Dungeon Posts
RockSim-9 running problem list (update 5) (2009-01-11)
Thought I'd document these here. Some may be operator error. All apply to the Goonball XL5 unless otherwise noted. When adding a custom fin to a pod, the plan point graph is blank and display ... [Read More]
RockSim 9 issues post - reminder (2009-01-14)I know the organization is getting a little convoluted but, just for the record, I am still maintaining my post on the issues I'm finding with RockSim 9. Now, aren't you glad I reminded you (?). [Read More]
The MotherShip (2009-02-20)Started because of this post , inspired by the WhiteKnight II . I was just too lazy to try to make a scale version. I may fiddle with the design a bit more. (Click to see more detail.) [Read More]
RockSim 9 gone wild: USS Enterprise (2009-04-05)I just entered this interesting 'what-if' RockSim design into EMRR's database - a rendition of Star Trek's USS Enterprise. In the comments to his design, Lester Anderson asks ... [Read More]
RockSim 9 tutorial (2009-04-07)In Apogee Newsletter #232 , Tim Van Milligan guides the reader through the process of designing polyhedral wings in RockSim 9 using the pods feature. Here's what Tim days about polyhedral wings: ... [Read More]
Simulate (more) angular airframes in RockSim (2011-10-11)In last month's Apogee newsletter, RockSim-meister Bruce Levison instructed us on ways we might simulate square rockets in RockSim. I this month's edition, #297 , Bruce extends his work to ... [Read More]
Goonball XL5 in RockSim-9 (2009-01-10)Here's a 3-D export from RockSim-9. I still have to tweak the actual measured mass. Without a motor, it seems stable enough with a margin of 0.78. However, I probably will have to add a bit more ... [Read More]
Fireball XL5 in RockSim-9 (2009-01-11)Follow the tag for more on this model. [Read More]
Another RS9 3D render (2009-01-14)I'm finding RockSim 9 to be a lot of fun. Here's my latest render...my ancient XR-71 Green Burd . On this one, I'm thinking the stability estimate might be a little pessimistic, as proven by the ... [Read More]
XFY-1 Pogo in RockSim-9 (2009-01-15)Now, with functional outboard booster pods! This is the 2nd RS9 design in a row that worked without me having to remove and re-add the fin's-on-fins. This is a good thing! This changed for me when I ... [Read More]
XFY-1 Pogo in RockSim-9, redux (2009-01-16)On my previous iteration, I formed the upper section of the body (the body's cross section is oblong) with a single thick fin. This left noticeable gaps. In RS-9, you can add components internally ... [Read More]
SpaceShipSqrt(-1) in RockSim-9 (2009-01-16)The wing pods and cockpit worked out nicely. Note that the cockpit components start internally and thus conform to the body tube. [Read More]
Gee'hod RockSim-9 (2009-01-18)[Read More]
First scratch RockSim-9 design (2009-01-19)I was just goofing around and have no plans to build this. It has motors in the pods but no central mount - not generally a good idea. It's named the SPDN1 (Scratch Pod Design Numero Uno). BT-60 ... [Read More]
2nd scratch Rocksim-9 design - mixed results (2009-01-19)This is a jet-fighter styled rocket complete with faux-Sidewinders. The good news: I like the general look. The bad news: I hit the problem where the sim won't run. Since this was an exercise only, ... [Read More]
2nd scratch Rocksim-9 design - post mortem (2009-01-20)Well, the problem with this design bugged me so I started deleting components until the sim worked. I had to delete the Sidewinders as well as their underlying stand-offs. Not worth adding them back ... [Read More]
Highlights from EMRR on this Saturday (2009-01-24)My brief review of Tim Van Milligan's Model Rocket Design and Construction is in today's EMRR update . The 2009 Box o' Parts Contest is ON! This year, you create your own box o' parts, EMRR will ... [Read More]
The DC Pod Racer, upgraded to RockSim 9 (2009-02-06)I took some liberties with the colors, and the leading edge of the two tube fins aren't angled, but other than that the model is pretty close to the real thing (at least how it was before its last ... [Read More]
CrayShipOne converted to RockSim9 (2009-02-08)It's so cool to really be able to sim this type rocket! (yes, this sim runs) [Read More]
The Torus (2009-02-10)The other day I was looking through The Spaceship Handbook and began wondering about how to model a toroidal structure in RockSim (v9 not required). So here is an experiment...and it was a pain in ... [Read More]
Rampant broken link alert (2009-02-12)Maybe. This morning, EMRR announced that he will be renaming the directories that hold both reviews and RockSim files. I have made ample use of these in the Dungeon, so unless I fix them, there will ... [Read More]
Rockets Magazine V3 I6 Feb 2009 - including FAA analysis (2009-02-13)I found this to be one of the better issues of Rockets . It features two solid tech articles - one on chain-stitching 'chute lines and one on molding fiberglass parts. I doubt if I'll use either, ... [Read More]
Stand-off Tupolev Tu-123 RockSim9 (2009-02-17)Here is a stand-off scale design inspired by the Tupolev Tu-123 . While you're standing-off, you might want to take a few more steps back! I really like the way pods let components blend together. I ... [Read More]
Revised TU-123 RockSim model (updated) (2009-02-18)(scratch_tu123.rkt) click for bigger images I only simmed it on one motor. Note that, as usual, I didn't sweat the details of the design. If I was building it I'd have to iterate the design to ... [Read More]
High power 10 years ago (2009-02-26)As Feb. 2009 is slipping by, I found the Feb. 1999 issue of High Power Rocketry. So, what was going on in high power 10 years ago? Well, besides me getting into it. Impulse Aerospace started a ... [Read More]
The Mothership refitted with turbojets (2009-03-01)I think I figured out the reason some of my RockSim9 sims won't run. I often add complicated pods on pods on pods. I then copy the top level pod to the flip side of the rocket and adjust all the ... [Read More]
Return of EMRR-on-CD (2009-03-10)Nick just announced that EMRR-on-CD is back , and is now on DVD. For ten bucks, you can now carry around: 3,448 Reviews/Articles from 830 Authors 29,660 Flight Logs 2,064 RockSim Files 1,653 CP ... [Read More]
X-20 Dyna-Soar Carrier in RockSim9 (2009-03-20)As I was pulling my X-20 Dyna-Soar Carrier out for tomorrow's launch, I realized that I could refine the RockSim model by adding the X-20's winglets. Its maiden flight showed that something was ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2009-1 (2009-03-21)Location: Old National Pike Park, Mt. Airy, MD ( NARHAMS ) Weather: up to 48 degs, wind calm to mild, sunny to overcast Total flights: Today - 10; YTD - 10 Total motors: Today - 10; YTD - 10 The ... [Read More]
Pat Gordzelik on the new FAA rules (2009-04-02)Rocketry Planet has just published Pat Gordzelik 's editorial on the FAA's recent changes to their amateur rocketry regulations. The changes went into effect last February. This editorial had ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2009-3 (update) (2009-06-13)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-133) Weather: 80's, calm to a light breeze, no thunder bumpers Total flights: Today - 8; YTD - 24 Total motors: Today - 8; YTD - 29 Another ... [Read More]
First Toypedo half-shell: FAIL (update) (2009-06-23)I tried 2 layers of light fiberglass and used the Toypedo to compress the fiberglass against the mold. The quality is bad, but I guess not that bad for a first try. I need enough cloth so I don't ... [Read More]
Nuclear DC-X RockSim model (2009-06-24)BT60 based, 18mm mount, plenty stable [Read More]
Toypedo update (2009-06-28)Well, since my last Toypedo update, I formed two paper mache shells and am building a rocket from them. It is going to be ugly with a capital UGLY. I may or may not reveal its ugliness. Although they ... [Read More]
RockSim vs Barrowman vs the Toypedo (update) (2009-06-29)Last night, I was making a RockSim model of another strange design (more later) and ran into the often asked question: RockSim or Barrowman? As an aside, RockSim can either compute the CP using the ... [Read More]
Apogee Newsletter #238 explains the Toypedo (2009-07-01)I had mentioned how the default Barrowman CP of the Toypedo was messed up. Apogee Newsletter #238 not only discusses the differences between the Barrowman and RockSim methods but has an example that ... [Read More]
An existing MLAS flying model! Yeah! (2009-07-10)This is too awesome. TRF member wilostr reports on his completed, but not yet flown, 1:20, 19.8" dia. MLAS model (photo stolen from his post). Beautiful rocket. It is built to fly on 3 G80s, and has ... [Read More]
Boring progress update (2009-07-19)I cut the motor tube for the 8" MLAS. Wow. The replacement cone for the Stink Bomb is installed. It looks even goofier now. I scrounged a suitable plug for the base of the launch tube and ... [Read More]
New sim program: Virtual Range 1.0 for Mac OS X (2009-08-07)Matt Wronkiewicz announces the release of a new simulator, Virtual Range 1.0 for Mac OS X. The program computes stability using the US Air Force DATCOM and Barrowman methods. It records maximum ... [Read More]
ALICE details (2009-08-28)I extracted some tidbits from: Tyler D. Wood, Mark A. Pfeil, Timothee L. Pourpoint, John Tsohas, and Steven F. Son of Purdue University and T.L. Connell, Jr, Grant A. Risha and Richard A. Yetter ... [Read More]
Rocket birdhouse building frenzy (2009-09-18)Well, not exactly a frenzy but compared to the last month or so the Dungeon is buzzing. I surveyed the rocket birdhouses, began gathering parts I had lying around and listing what I need to acquire. ... [Read More]
Raygun Gothic rocket update (2009-09-23)Here's the Raygun Gothic Birdhouse . I got antsy so I clamped my power drill into my vise and ground on the clear fins. All that's left is the nose weight. I updated my RockSim model and ... [Read More]
4 oz (2009-09-24)That's how much nose weight was required to get 1 caliber of stability margin on the Raygun Gothic Birdhouse . After a bad experience with the RockSim model for the D-Fusion Bomb (original ... [Read More]
Rocket weight inflation (2009-10-08)Egads, the as-built weight of the Raygun Gothic HoJo is sitting at a whopping 35 oz without motors. I weighed all the 'major' parts before assembly but it appears that I left something out ... [Read More]
Delta X-15 (2009-12-03)I built a RockSim 9 model of the Hostile Projectiles Delta X-15. There are a couple of measurements that I need to confirm (such as how fat the upper and lower stabilizers hand over the rear ... [Read More]
First iteration of the Frankenstein sims (2009-12-08)There is good news on the Frankenstein's sims. I put an early guess of CG and mass into RockSim and added a couple of pounds of nose weight. This moved the CG to approximately the point ... [Read More]
Got design motivation? (2010-03-05)BARCLONE has, as of 3/5/2010, 722 unique rocket designs . But, don't forget, EMRR has 3,785 articles covering 1,705 commercial products and 2,080 MOPS (modifications, out-of-production, plans, and ... [Read More]
Making 3-D models of your rockets (2010-05-18)(If you know how to use 3-D modeling tools, you can hit your 'back' button now.) That is the subject of Issue 261 of the Apogee Newsletter ( find it here ). In this issue, Tim walks you through ... [Read More]
A week after the launch... (2010-05-22)True Blood and the Delta X-15 have been treated with CA and touch painted. The Wedgie 's streamer has been trimmed and reattached. And, the Helix 29 has a brand new balance beam. Thus, ... [Read More]
12 C6's = ? (2010-06-04)I am planning to fly the 12-Pack on three central Estes C6-7's (for ejection) and 9 Quest 'long burn' C6's (for boost and I got a lot of them). It seems a C6 isn't a C6. The Estes has an ... [Read More]
FLICS Lucky 13, on paper (2010-07-21)I decided to do a RockSim 9 sim on the Lucky 13. After all, the FLICS body panels are just flat fins. I just attached these 'fins' to a pod and moved it away from the body so that the 'V' is ... [Read More]
Early Saturday hodgepodge post (2010-07-31)NARAM-52 Live! is shaping up well. The Friday non-rocket photos includes a rocket girl. Would steal it if it actually included a rocket. I cut the fuse for the Backdraft flight. ... [Read More]
Friday build status (2010-08-06)The Spikor is named and is getting primer. How it got there: As I mentioned last time, the base of the spike section matches a 2.125" mailing tube well. I made a coupler using the ... [Read More]
Hermes A-1 - first iteration (2010-08-31)Photo - check. Ruler - check. As-built Semroc V-2 - check. Mash this stuff up and shove it into RockSim. And this is what you get. Since the Hermes A-1 is not based on ... [Read More]
It ain't heavy, it's my Hermes (2010-09-30)Final tweaks were made to the RockSim model and lead was measured out. I swapped the stock screw eye for a small eyebolt so will be securely buried in the lead/epoxy slurry. It weighs 3 oz ... [Read More]
REVIEW: Apogee Components Model Rocket Design and Construction (2010-12-02)I just picked up and began re-scanning this book and had wanted to post something about it. Since I had an existing EMRR review, and considering the site's current state of flux, I decided to ... [Read More]
Review: First Flight Hobbies Corn Roc (2010-12-18)The Corn-Roc is a limited availability kit from First Flight Hobbies . Click through the page break for my review of this interesting oddroc. Brief: This is a seasonal oddroc based on a Styrofoam ear ... [Read More]
Review: First Flight Hobbies Under Dawg (Beta) (2010-12-18)The First Flight Hobbies Under Dawg is a large (58" x 2.22" - 5.6oz) , 4FNC, 2-stager. It features a BT-70 body that transitions to BT-60, an appealing set of booster/sustainer fins and a small ... [Read More]
Reviews: Heavenly Hobbies Resistor 224 (and H.H. Simit) (2010-12-18)The Resistor 224 Planetary Defense Weapon is the latest offering from Heavenly Hobbies . This futuristic, dual motor, 24mm design features their ‘Amaze’ ejection baffle, laser cut plywood fins, ... [Read More]
Review - Public Enemy Ultra Fayboy (3") (2010-12-19)The Public Enemy 3" Ultra Fatboy was my first high power rocket and was purchased for my TRA Level-I certification. I picked this kit primarily because of its sleek design and capability to fly on ... [Read More]
Review - The Grand Whazoo (2010-12-20)The goal of this project was to build an eight inch diameter rocket that was light enough to be flown on a mid-power motor. I decided to use foam board for the fins and centering rings, and thick ... [Read More]
Review: CrayShipOne (2010-12-22)This Crayon bank rocket was obviously motivated by the SpaceShipOne, but is not anywhere close to scale. It is also my EMRR MonsterROC contest entry and flies on 38mm H motors. Major compone ... [Read More]
Review: Fireball XL5 (2010-12-23)This is a fantasy-scale model of the Fireball XL5 spacecraft, which was the subject of an old TV show. My motivation came from a thread on the The Rocketry Forum. Inspired by a model being developed ... [Read More]
Review: Upscale BLU-97B Cluster Bomb (2010-12-23)This is a description of my G-powered upscale of the Estes BLU-97B Cluster Bomb. The body consists of two 5" Quaker Oats bins. Here it is next to it's Estes cousin. The nose cone tip was turned ... [Read More]
Review: Goonball XL5 (2010-12-24)This 'goony' version of the Fireball XL5 sci-fi spacecraft is based on the Estes SpaceShipOne kit. That rocket is now my favorite kits to bash. The modifications included replacing the stock ... [Read More]
Review: Deuce XL5 (2010-12-24)The Deuce XL5 was my Descon-13 entry and, for the record, the following were the attributes as they applied to the contest: no Micro-Maxx, x2 cluster, sci-fi, comedy(?), most parts from a ... [Read More]
Review: The Whole Enchilada (2010-12-28)The Whole Enchilada "The rocket that is the meal!" The idea for The Whole Enchilada came into being one Sunday afternoon while cleaning out the frig. We had leftover tortillas that had ... [Read More]
Reviews: Recycled daiquiri glasses from Las Vegas (2010-12-28)If you've ever been to Las Vegas, you couldn't have missed that about a quarter of the people wandering the Strip seem to be sipping on long plastic doohickeys filled with colored liquids. These ... [Read More]
Review: Lindberg 1:48 XFY-1 "Pogo" (PMC) (2010-12-29)Convair's XFY-1 "Pogo" was an experimental tail-sitting VTOL aircraft from the 1950s. It actually flew but never made it into production. I had a model of it as a little kid and always liked its ... [Read More]
Review: THOY - Snipe (2010-12-30)The Snipe, which flies on a cluster of three 24mm motors, is a typical MPR kit. I received the Snipe in 2002 as a prize in EMRR's Fantasy Rocket Photo Contest. The manufacturer, THOY, has been ... [Read More]
Review: AquaBottleBat (2010-12-31)This is a basic 29mm "el cheapo" tube fin rocket inspired by Larry Brand's BottleBat 3.0 . Like the original, this one is made from a mailing tube and uses a bottle for the nose cone (an Aquapod, ... [Read More]
Review: Public Missiles - Small Endeavour (2011-01-01)The Small Endeavour is a simple single stage rocket designed for G - I motors. It is based on PML's Quantum Tube, has a 38mm motor mount, uses piston ejection, and sports a cool split-fin design. ... [Read More]
Review: Upscale Big Brute (2011-01-02)My first mid-powered rocket was the North Coast Big Brute . I love that stubby rocket and when it came time to decide how to use some of the 5.38" tubing that I won from LOC, an upscale Big ... [Read More]
Review: A trio of post-BAR LPR designs (2011-01-02)This review covers three LPR rockets that I built after becoming a BAR - The GI Joe , the Tiger Shark , and the XR-71 Green Burd . GI Joe This is a scratch rocket built with parts from an Estes ... [Read More]
Review: Standard Cray-ARM (2011-01-03)This is a review of my first Crayon rocket. I decided not to go with the typical clear fins and instead went for a 'goony' version of the Standard Missile. This one used an original 'Ralphco' brand ... [Read More]
Review: Mirror Image (2011-01-04)I couldn't believe it when my wife spotted the Guillow's foam Shuttles on clearance at Michael's Crafts. I am finally getting her fully trained to spot rocket components. Anyway, I bought two more ... [Read More]
Review: SpaceShipSqrt(-1) (2011-01-08)When one of my rocketry buddies decided to hold a building session, I was scrambling to decide what to work on. I decided to use a 50% off Michael's coupon to grab an Estes SS1 kit for bashing. I ... [Read More]
Review: Talk Radio (2011-01-11)This rocket is made from a sports water bottle that was donated by a local talk radio station, hence the name. It has a 24mm mount, recovers by parachute, and uses 'plate fins'. 'High tech' features ... [Read More]
Mega Review of Micro Projects: Six MicroMaxx Rockets (2011-01-12)I decided these little things were too small to warrant their own posts, so I grouped a bunch of them together, including the Quest Tomahawk Starter Set, Heller 1/300 X-15 PMC, and several scratch ... [Read More]
Mega Review: Component Reviews (2011-01-13)This is an aggregation of all my old EMRR reviews of miscellaneous components: Giant Leap Rocketry - Honeycomb Composite Fins Giant Leap Rocketry - Slimline Retainer (38mm) Hartle Engineering - Solid ... [Read More]
Reviews: Two Birdhouses (the original ones) (2011-01-15)After seeing David Jarkey's flying birdhouse, I grabbed several coupons and went to Michael's Crafts. I bought a couple, one hexagonal and one round, on a 2-for-1 sale (and used the coupons for ... [Read More]
EMRR transition observation (2011-01-15)My reviews now seem to be accessible from the new site, including the scratch/plans/MODS, etc. To look for yours, click 'Site Features' on the left, select 'Rocket Kit Reviews', and select 'By ... [Read More]
Review: Semroc - Golden Scout (2011-01-19)When buying some parts and supplies, I decided to go ahead and grab a Golden Scout to commemorate Vern and Gleda Estes' 50 years of contributions to this educational and fun hobby. Without their ... [Read More]
Mega Review: When a Stock Saucer Isn't Enough (2011-01-20)This post will describe goofy modifications to otherwise normal flying saucers. Three started life as Art Applewhite paper kits and one was a Quest MicroMaxx 'brick'. Crew Exploration Saucer I really ... [Read More]
Review: Deanston Marauder (2011-01-22)This is a ducted, stubby, 24mm-powered rocket that sports replaceable foamcore fins. It flew nicely, but recovery was less than optimal. The name Deanston came from the source of the larger tube--a ... [Read More]
Review: Massive Gassive (2011-01-22)This is a cluster rocket based on a Crayon bank, which will help eat up my stash of D12-0s. It has one central 24mm motor mount surrounded by a ring of six motor mounts. On three sides, there is an ... [Read More]
Review: Boot Hill (2011-01-23)This is a Halloween-themed oddroc based on a toy coffin. It features a 24mm mount and patented Coffin Lid Recovery . Construction: The parts list: * One pine (basswood?) coffin from Michael's * Three ... [Read More]
Mega Review: r.m.r. DesCon (2011-01-25)This post presents several of my DesCon entries. I've listed all of them below. Shaded items with links point to rockets documented in other posts. DesCon 07 - Skyrocket A rocket made ... [Read More]
Review: Squishy Foam Rockets (2011-01-28)Rigid foam is commonly used in rocketry, mostly for custom nose cones. However, you don't see flexible foam rubber, such as that used in pool noodles, very often. Way back in 2001, EMRR ... [Read More]
Review: Three Estes MODifications (2011-01-28)This post includes: Big Dipper Daddy Fat Boy 7x18mm Motor Eater Phinagain Cruise Missile Big Dipper Daddy I bought this Big Daddy (on sale, of course) as a test-bed for a Micro-Hybrid motor. This ... [Read More]
Review: Powered FLICS (2011-01-29)When I read that Hans "Chris" Michielssen had converted a Quest FLICS rubber band powered rocket to MicroMaxx power, I immediately gave it a try. I too have had a stash of these freebies with no ... [Read More]
Reviews: Two scratch stand-off scale models (2011-01-29)The Little Joe I is stand-off and the Talos is quasi-scale (i.e. even less accurate). Little Joe I This is a very stand-off scale model of the Little Joe I. It is 2.6" in diameter, has a 29mm mount, ... [Read More]
Review: Two models made from Aquapod bottles (2011-01-30)Aquapods are short, stubby, bulbous bottles whose shape is self-described as orbastic . These things scream ROCKETS ! I've used them for a nose cone , a tail cone , and for the bodies of the ... [Read More]
Review: Killer Bee (2011-01-30)The Killer Bee is a 3" diameter rocket that I built around a set of Aerospace Composite fins from Giant Leap Rocketry. It sports a 29mm motor mount and zipperless construction. Construction: The ... [Read More]
Review: D-Fusion Bomb (2011-01-31)Denny's serves(-ed) kid's drinks in this cool retro-styled rocket cup. I whined until our waitress gave me one. I originally wanted to make this fly on 29mm motors without added fins. The dimensions ... [Read More]
Mega Review: Four missile-aneous scratch builds (2011-01-31)This post includes: Scrap Rocket 2 - once of my oldest, no wadding required One Shot - may not have broken Mach, but who could tell? Mini-Toobah - my tiniest tube finned rocket Spikor ... [Read More]
EMRR progress - sorting out the URL's (2011-03-10)In yesterday's status email, Roger announced that the original EMRR URL ( www.rocketreviews.com ) now points to the new site. It looks like the interim my.rocketreviews.com redirects there ... [Read More]
Review: Hermes A-1 (2011-03-22)This review explains how I converted a sport scale Semroc V-2 xKit to a Hermes A-1. Construction The following parts are required: One Semroc V-2 xKit, using the scale fin option 3/32” balsa stock ... [Read More]
New RockSim Page (2011-03-24)I've added a RockSim page to the header bar, which points to all of the RockSim files that I've loaded onto EMRR. I created the page because, while the new EMRR does a good job organizing new ... [Read More]
Back to building (2011-03-25)I finally slithered back down into the Dungeon and started some building. I cut some fins and built four boosters with the I Build Rockets resin cones and nozzles. I decided to go with 4 ... [Read More]
How do winged things on the tip of your rocket affect its stability? (2011-04-02)That's what was studied in "AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS FROM MACH 1.50 TO 2.86 OF A LIFTING ENTRY VEHICLE ALONE, WITH ADAPTER SECTIONS, AND WITH A SATURN LAUNCH VEHICLE," Aug. 4, 1965, NASA TM ... [Read More]
Pool Noodle 'boink' rocket - status update (2011-06-16)First off, I found that the name Ankyo, followed by a long series of numbers, is marked on a fin. Sounds like a rocket name to me. So, the rocket is now named the Ankyo234 (using the first 3 ... [Read More]
You can do this, or you can do that (post-launch update) (2011-06-19)As noted in my launch report, the Ankyo234 was, well, unstable. Is my RockSim model was flawed? The fins too floppy? The nose weight shifted? The model certainly may not reflect the ... [Read More]
Real-time design (2011-07-06)In a prior incarnation, that title would invoke thoughts of hardware, embedded software, interrupts, etc. Now it just implies that I have a general thought of what I want to build and start ... [Read More]
Launch Report 2011-3 (2011-07-16)Location: Central Sod Farm, Centreville, MD ( MDRA ESL-158) Weather: clear, mid 80s, wind 5-10 MPH Total flights: Today - 7; YTD - 28 Total motors: Today - 7; YTD - 40 The weather was nearly perfect ... [Read More]
Re-building the Ankyo234 (2011-07-19)As you may have noticed, I flew the Ankyo234-1 last weekend. This time, it went up nicely and gravity did its thing. As Neil McGilvray likes to say, "we've never left one up there, ... [Read More]
Build Session! (2011-09-24)Warthog hosted another great build session. It was fun to talk rockets, eat pizza, and look at what the other attendees were building. I made good progress on my Big Brute repla ... [Read More]
Simulating square rockets (2011-09-27)In Apogee Newsletter #296 , Bruce Levinson begins to explore how to simulate square bodied rockets, such as those offered by New Way Space Models . He starts with a standard round rocket ... [Read More]
Air Serpent progress and concern (2012-05-02)Here it is, dry fit, and without lugs and trim fins. I made a RockSim model to get a feel on stability and found it is pretty close as is. I need to install the final parts and the ... [Read More]
Big Daddy post flight ramblings (2012-05-22)As I mentioned in Sunday's launch report , I flew the 29mm-powered Big Daddy on a G40-10. I didn't build it to specifically fly on G class motors, but somewhere along the line I added ... [Read More]
Reworked a couple of rockets (2012-06-26)I haven't decided on a new build but have done some tweaking of a couple of rockets. First up is my oft-reworked BNC-R1 from the mid '80's. It started with a custom turned balsa nose ... [Read More]
Semi-scale 4" Harpoon build (2012-07-03)I finally decided on something to build with the BT-101 and custom foam nose cone that has been sitting around gathering dust. I ran across some photos of the AGM-84 Harpoon and decided my nose cone ... [Read More]
24mm Paper Honest John, Part 2 (2012-08-12)I made good progress on the 24mm paper Honest John today. As I mentioned in the previous post, I attached three centering rings to the 24mm tube. I didn't fully think out the recovery harness but ... [Read More]
Building another expendable rocket (updated, photo added) (2012-09-08)Early in the 2000's, I built a lot of small, minimum or near-minimum diameter rockets to fly on G motors. My love for these expendable rockets started with the Rocket Vision Mach Buster . I ... [Read More]
This Is (still) Not the Rocket You are Looking For (2013-07-16)I did some real-time design and slapped this together. As expected, I went for an 18mm mount. The tube fits perfectly in base of the fin can. I thought that I might be able to ream the fin can ... [Read More]
Finally, some activity in the Rocket Dungeon! (2013-07-17)The physical one, that is. First off, the main components of the This Is Not the Rocket You Are Looking For are all together. I still need a streamer, launch lug and a tube to route air to the ... [Read More]
New build: MLAS 29mm (2013-10-04)Here's a rendering of the 1st cut at a RockSim model. I was scrounging around looking for something to build for the new Estes 29mm BP motors. I had an extra Quest MLAS kit and decided to convert ... [Read More]
It's looking like a rocket (the MLAS 29mm, that is) (2013-10-08)The MLAS derivative is pretty much together, save for a launch lug and the proper amount of nose weight. Determining the 'proper' amount is the trick. Without the stock nose weight, the dry mass is ... [Read More]
Estes Mega Mosquito, Steam Punk, Forward Mounted Canted Cluster build thread, part 5 (2014-07-16)Spent yesterday cutting cardstock, placing stick on rivets, and add other missile-aneous trim. I could add more but I want to have it ready for the next MDRA launch and want to take advantage of ... [Read More]
Cohete Gigante (a.k.a. Son of The Dude) (2014-07-22)A while back I bought one of these for the grand rocketeers - $1.50 at Michael's. It is a rocket shaped Mylar balloon. The fins are held on with 2-sided tape. I glides pretty well and is indoor safe ... [Read More]
Sirius SS Cestris build, part 1 (2014-12-09)This series of posts will describe the build of the Sirius SS Cestris . I won this kit from Verna and Randy and it came complete with a custom decal set themed to Randy's Rocket Babe series of ... [Read More]
SS Cestris build, part 6 (2015-01-25)I didn't achieve my goal of finishing this build before the New Year, however, it is now pretty much done. Rather than buying some gloss white paint, I opted for a couple of clear gloss coats ... [Read More]
Fat Cat Centaurus clone (2015-06-01)I finally decided on what to do with the PSII Argent that I picked up last year in one of Estes' mega-sales. Chuck Sackett, aka Project463, has limited editions of some of his old kits (see ... [Read More]
Centaurus, pt 2 (2015-06-03)The following is the next iteration of my RockSim model. So far, I have cut the bottom tube and the transition section, and made a custom ring to adapt the 29mm mount to the upper 2" tube. I have a ... [Read More]
Centaurus, pt 4 (2015-06-08)Driven by a deep desire to minimize masking, this is turning out to be one of the more complicated builds that I've done in quite a while. Construction wise, I have finished up the main fins and the ... [Read More]
Archer downscale, pt 3 (2015-06-23)The Mini Archer is basically together. NCR Archer aficionados will notice that something is a bit off. That is, it is about 4" longer than it should be to be true to scale. I could have cut the ... [Read More]
Archer downscale, pt 5 (2015-06-30)It's getting real close! Here it is complete with vinyl decals from Stickershock23. I've been waiting on them for a couple of days and today caught the mailperson. For the 2nd time in a row, the ... [Read More]
Trial ringtail (2015-09-22)I've continued fretting abou t the potential Coleoptere/Coccinellida/Flying Stovepipe build. The good news is that the stability issue isn't as bleak as I had thought. A big point is the BIG ... [Read More]
It's still Not-a-MIRV (2015-10-05)Here's the progress on this simple build. I have to touch paint the lug. I had hoped that a 1/4" rod would fit down the middle between the tubes but found it was a tad tight. So, I added a lug after ... [Read More]
Rainy day ekranoplan thoughts (2015-12-02)It's been too rainy to prime and even get in a swing test. I decided to make a Rocksim model just for kicks. Despite having put in all sorts of crazy winged things with pods and pods on pods, I was ... [Read More]
Yes. Yes there is an ekranoplan Rocksim model (2015-12-02)Well, my inability to get Rocksim to cooperate ate at me until I decided to give it another try. The trick is that I couldn't copy pod-on-pod structures or their constituent parts. For instance, ... [Read More]
The Chesapeake Sea Monster is a real swinger (2015-12-04)I took advantage of this mild and sunny day to do my swing test. I my heart hiccupped as it initially started belly forward. However, it quickly righted itself and went totally nose first! Yay. I ... [Read More]
More swinging with the Chesapeake Sea Monster (2015-12-08)Since the only comments from anyone who may have to hide under their car involved more swing tests, that's what I did. And to think this came from someone who's 'handle' in Mayhem :) Actually, I ... [Read More]
Sponsored Ads
