Estes Power

[mbauer]

Converting some of my rockets to Estes Power.

Not sure if any body might be interested. I have a Honest John converted and can add to the download section.

On a rocket website I did a build thread and then posted the rocket PDF so people can download direct from the post.

Anyone here interested in it?

Printed and will be building a 5+ft tall Saturn V for Estes D12-3 and larger.

The Honest John can be built in two color schemes-Red, White, Blue with stars or the O D green version.


Mike

[fleetsailor1981]

Sounds like fun to me, been years since I launched a model rocket might have to try it again

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by fleetsailor1981

Sounds like fun to me, been years since I launched a model rocket might have to try it again

Both the O D Green and Red/White/Blue version have been uploaded to the Download Real Space section.

Once built you will need to do a swing test to verify if it is stable.

Weigh the model after letting it dry for 24-hours. Go to the Estes website and search for their ESTES ENGINE CHART to find the engines that will lift the finish weight of the model you have. There is a maximum lift weight column on the chart for both grams and ounces. If your rocket is close to this weight (on the chart), use the shorter time delay so the rocket is still in the air when the parachute deploys. If you have a few grams to spare-a longer delay will get it closer to the ground so the wind doesn't carry it to far.

Forgot to ad this link to help with the construction, there is a build thread on a rocket website: Ye Olde Rocket Forum - Working on An Honest John

Have fun.

Mike

[Miles Linnabery]

Dear Mike:
Every once in a wile I check the estes rocket site to see if they rereleased the Booster and glider did one in the 1980's lots of fun will have to try the Long john as it has been years
Thanks
Miles

[The Mole]

Bring on the Saturn V and maybe a Saturn 1B. If its paper let's cut to the chase and do it.

[redwolf28386]

Would love to try them!

[Wyvern]

Sounds great Mike.

[mbauer]

In the post above I mention weighing the rocket and spin testing it.

The reason for the weight check: You can use almost any cardstock to make. The larger ones where made using 125# Tag [203gsm]. Index 110# [199gsm] will work great, however you can use 90lb Index [163gsm] or 65# Cover [176gsm] if you want. This will make a lighter weight rocket.

I'm in the build stage for some testing, should have the Saturn V at 1/60 scale ready for the engine later today/early tomorrow. If calculations, using an estimated weight, are correct D12-3 should work.

Will find out if the drag curve works with the 3-second delay.

Looking at lifting the 1/48 scale with E12-4 power. Printed ready for building. This one will be after the 1/60 flies.

Estes package arrived, still waiting on the Hobbylinc. order.

I'm surprised that more cardstock rockets aren't designed for use with Estes power. Each of the model rocket websites I visit all have cardstock forums. Most are models that the builders need to convert for their use. They love scale rockets-seen plenty here that would work.

Mike

[mbauer]

Been working on a project. 1/60 size Saturn V for an Estes D12-3. Fairly close with the final product.

Estes says 14oz max lift weight. I'm at 12.9oz with my rocket.

It is a heavy weight. Normal way of building didn't work for certain areas. A complete re-draw in those places to make it easier to construct. I had to tear several spots apart fix and then re-glue.

Lots of re-gluing.

I did use some 3/16" foam board for the interior formers.. Balsa wood for the stabilizer fins.

Rocket weight, just cardstock is 10.1oz. 30 inch diameter Nylon parachute weighs 1.2oz and the engine weighs 1.6oz=12.9oz RTF Not much below max weight on the Estes website saying 14oz max lift weight.

Some build photos:





Final Photos:


Red Arrow shows where it will separate for the parachute to deploy. 30" dia. chute inside ready to go.


Mike

[fleetsailor1981]

That looks beautiful, you have pushed the envelope with that rocket. Can't wait to see photos of it fly.