Centuri Bulldog

[foose4string]

I'm hoping some of you kit gurus can help me. Jimz has a well documented set of plans for the Centuri Bulldog, including dimensions and part numbers. However, I'm wondering if the part numbers listed in those plans are accurate. Did this kit actually use the Estes parts as listed per the person who submitted the plans? Or, were they just "close enough" Estes replacement parts that could be used for the purpose of cloning with what was available at the time. For instance, was a BNC-70AJ(as listed in Jimz plans) the cone that was actually used in the original kit, or is there an actual Centuri nose that is a better match. With the advent of Semroc, and parts that weren't previously available, I'm wondering if there are better part matches can be obtained now, or if I should follow what is currently listed? Thanks.

-Craig Z.

[tbzep]

For years Estes and Centuri were jointly owned, but functioned seperately. The Bulldog was released after Centuri and Estes became the same company...shipping out of the same place. Look in the 1983 Centuri catalog and it will not only have Estes parts, but it will have the same diagrams, and graphics in the parts section of the book.


Now for the short answer, it used Estes parts. :)

[foose4string]

I knew they were jointly owned by Damon at one point, but I wasn't sure just how far things intertwined. Thanks for clearing that up. Guess I can proceed with ordering a few parts.

[foose4string]

I found the BNC 70AJ cone at a semi-local hobby shop a while back. The cone didn't have a price on it, and it looked like it could have been an early BMS cone that may have sat in inventory for a while. When I inquired about the price, the store owner said "3 bucks"......sold! They had two, and I should have gotten both...but one of them needed much more TLC with the wood filler(looked customer abused). The only thing I needed to order was more BT70.

After seeing a beautifully done Bulldog at NARAM, I decided to get busy on mine. Mine's built and needs filler and paint, but I haven't decided on a motor mount yet. The directions call for an 18mm motor mount, but I'm wondering how grossly underpowered this might be. I think it could make for some slow and low flights, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it might be nice to hit it with a C11, new Quest D5 or D8(when released), D12, E9, or any number of AT reloads. I can always adapt down if I make the motor mount 24mm...which is what I'm strongly leaning towards. Right now, it's just the open BT55 in the rear. Any thoughts?

[Phred]

I personally would add a 24mm E9 length mount. This will allow C11s and Ds like you mentioned, but will also allow you to use QUEST Es when they come out!

Phred

[Doug Sams]

Right now, it's just the open BT55 in the rear. Any thoughts?I'm with Phred - 24mm mount. No forward thrust ring (nor forward motor hook tang). Instead, use an aft tape thrust ring (but still have an aft motor hook). That way, you're good from C11 to G55 including the defunct F32 and the new 24/60 case. You probably won't fly that much impulse, but leave your options open for now.

Given that it's a 2.2" diameter rocket, there'll be enough drag that F and G motors aren't way overkill. A G might be stretching the limits, but F's are realistic considerations, so having that flexibility isn't eccentric (IMNSHO).

Doug

.

[foose4string]

I personally would add a 24mm E9 length mount. This will allow C11s and Ds like you mentioned, but will also allow you to use QUEST Es when they come out!

Phred

I like the sound of it, but I think the Quest E's will be 28mm which would require a 29mm mount and a "wrap of tape" around the motor.

The D8's will be 24mm.

I installed 3/16" lugs, papered the fins, the rings I cut from a Priority Mail shipping box(surprisingly strong), and I plan to use a Kevlar shock leader. So it's not 100% stock anyway. Looks like I have enough options with 24mm. So you guys really think I should go 29mm??? I think a C5 and C6 were the only engines listed for this, which says to me it could probably use more junk in the trunk. ;)

[Intruder]

I found the BNC 70AJ cone at a semi-local hobby shop a while back. The cone didn't have a price on it, and it looked like it could have been an early BMS cone that may have sat in inventory for a while. When I inquired about the price, the store owner said "3 bucks"......sold! They had two, and I should have gotten both...but one of them needed much more TLC with the wood filler(looked customer abused). The only thing I needed to order was more BT70.

After seeing a beautifully done Bulldog at NARAM, I decided to get busy on mine. Mine's built and needs filler and paint, but I haven't decided on a motor mount yet. The directions call for an 18mm motor mount, but I'm wondering how grossly underpowered this might be. I think it could make for some slow and low flights, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it might be nice to hit it with a C11, new Quest D5 or D8(when released), D12, E9, or any number of AT reloads. I can always adapt down if I make the motor mount 24mm...which is what I'm strongly leaning towards. Right now, it's just the open BT55 in the rear. Any thoughts?

Make a removeable mount. That way you can have a dedicated 29/28mm, 24mm, 18, even a triple 13mm mount that can be used with other BT-55 based removable mounts as well.

[Pem Tech]

I'm with Phred - 24mm mount. No forward thrust ring (nor forward motor hook tang). Instead, use an aft tape thrust ring (but still have an aft motor hook). That way, you're good from C11 to G55 including the defunct F32 and the new 24/60 case. (IMNSHO).

Doug

.


Does anyone have the eng file for the F32? Would love to see what some of our kits would do on that motor.

[PaulK]

This one?

Aerotech F32 (http://www.thrustcurve.org/simfilesearch.jsp?id=1111)

[Pem Tech]

Thanks!

[jdud]

Your clone looks great - I've got a 70AJ cone reserved for the exact same project.

Does anyone have any pictures of this missile? The web seems pretty lacking and I was looking for some ideas for a paint scheme.