Quest Big Dog Kit

[Initiator001]

Thanks to the efforts of Nettie at Quest Aerospace, the Big Dog kit I ordered on Wednesday arrived at my doorstep today (Saturday). :)

The kit parts come packed in a sturdy cardboard box.

This model is next on my "To Build" list. :D


Bob

[ghrocketman]

Any news on the supposedly "coming soon" BP SU E and F motors ?
I'm MUCH more interested in those than any of their kits.

[Green Dragon]

Any news on the supposedly "coming soon" BP SU E and F motors ?
I'm MUCH more interested in those than any of their kits.

Agreed.

Definately looking forward to those.

will be great for the 2650 and other old school hpr stuff like the Sonic 36 2 stage :)

bring em on ! :)

[Rocketcrab]

Thanks to the efforts of Nettie at Quest Aerospace, the Big Dog kit I ordered on Wednesday arrived at my doorstep today (Saturday). :)

The kit parts come packed in a sturdy cardboard box.

This model is next on my "To Build" list. :D


Bob

Can you post some specifications on this kit?

[Initiator001]

Can you post some specifications on this kit?

Okay, George. ;)

From the kit box label:

Length: 32.5"

Diameter: 1.92"

Weight: 5.8 oz

Fins: Balsa

Recovery: 18" Fabric Parachute

Skill Level 3

Recommended Motors: D12- (That's how it is printed), D12-5, E9-4, E9-6 AeroTech: E20-4W, E20-7W, F32-6W, F20-7W

Flights up to 3000 feet!

The new Quest byline on the box is interesting: "Shaping the Future of Model Rocketry"

I'll start building it this week.

Bob

[Doug Sams]

Diameter: 1.92"
Hmmm, 1.92x25.4=48.768mm - not very metric. Is this the same as anyone else's tubes? AT 1.9"?

Doug

.

[Doug Sams]

Recommended Motors: D12- (That's how it is printed), D12-5, E9-4, E9-6 AeroTech: E20-4W, E20-7W, F32-6W, F20-7WThese are all 24mm motors, right? So the Big Dog came with a 24mm motor tube? Or 28mm and a 28-24 adapter?

[Edit]That is, does this rocket support the forthcoming 28mm motors?

Doug

.

[shrox]

...Recommended Motors: D12- (That's how it is printed), D12-5, E9-4, E9-6 AeroTech: E20-4W, E20-7W, F32-6W, F20-7W...

oops... D12-3

[Green Dragon]

Hmmm, 1.92x25.4=48.768mm - not very metric. Is this the same as anyone else's tubes? AT 1.9"?

Doug

.

have to assume this is the 50mm tubing Quest lists on thier site, along with the nosecone - just got some with my last order , just to check it out .
NOT the same as Aerotech 1.88, if I recall correctly, this was slightly larger then AT, but I;m not at home presently to double check .

~ AL

[hcmbanjo]

I'm a little confused, too.
The available Quest 50 mm body tube is 1.97" outside diameter.
1.92" is the inside diameter of the 50mm tube.

I'm not making a judgement on the dimensions, I don't have the kit in front of me. I'm just curious.

[Initiator001]

These are all 24mm motors, right? So the Big Dog came with a 24mm motor tube? Or 28mm and a 28-24 adapter?

[Edit]That is, does this rocket support the forthcoming 28mm motors?

Doug

.


The Big Dog comes with a 29mm motor mount tube (An AT F20-7W motor fit in it nicely) and a 24mm-29mm motor adapter.

When I visited Quest, Bill Stine showed me a built Big Dog kit with one of the BP F12 motors inserted into the motor mount.

Bill, also, jokingly inserted an AT G80 motor into the Big Dog motor mount tube. Sure, you can put a G80 into the Big Dog but would it survive? :eek: :rolleyes: :D

Bob

[Rocketcrab]

Okay, George. ;)

From the kit box label:

Length: 32.5"

Diameter: 1.92"

Weight: 5.8 oz

Fins: Balsa

Recovery: 18" Fabric Parachute

Skill Level 3

Recommended Motors: D12- (That's how it is printed), D12-5, E9-4, E9-6 AeroTech: E20-4W, E20-7W, F32-6W, F20-7W

Flights up to 3000 feet!

The new Quest byline on the box is interesting: "Shaping the Future of Model Rocketry"

I'll start building it this week.

Bob


Thank you sir, sounds good!

[Doug Sams]

The Big Dog comes with a 29mm motor mount tube (An AT F20-7W motor fit in it nicely) and a 24mm-29mm motor adapter.Thanks, Bob. I thought the F20 was 29mm at first - I know the old SU, Econo-Jets were - but I had a (wrong) notion that there was a newer, 24mm F20 reload. I coulda checked first I suppose http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

Looking at the T50 specs on the web site - 1.97" OD, 1.92" ID - at 0.025" wall thickness, the tube appears well suited for D-E-F power, but I might wanna slap a layer of glass on if I'm gonna put a G80 in it http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Doug

.

[Initiator001]

Looking at the T50 specs on the web site - 1.97" OD, 1.92" ID - at 0.025" wall thickness, the tube appears well suited for D-E-F power, but I might wanna slap a layer of glass on if I'm gonna put a G80 in it http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Doug

.

It's not the body tube but the fins you need to worry about if flying with an G80. The fins are surface-mount, not TTW.

Bob

[Initiator001]

have to assume this is the 50mm tubing Quest lists on thier site, along with the nosecone - just got some with my last order , just to check it out .
NOT the same as Aerotech 1.88, if I recall correctly, this was slightly larger then AT, but I;m not at home presently to double check .

~ AL

I just checked the Big Dog T50 tube with AeroTech 1.88" and Centuri/Semroc ST-20 tubing.

The AT 1.88" tube fits inside of the T50 tubing while the T50 fits into ST-20. All are very smooth fitting.

Bob

[Doug Sams]

The AT 1.88" tube fits inside of the T50 tubing while the T50 fits into ST-20. All are very smooth fitting.I want to say someone else is now using a tube which slip fits inside the AT tube. I think Red River's P-Chuter uses that.

Doug

.

[Doug Sams]

It's not the body tube but the fins you need to worry about if flying with an G80. The fins are surface-mount, not TTW.I thought about that http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

But, FWIW, I can build some dang stout surface mount fins. A bit o'glass in the fin roots along with some good fillets makes them about as good as TTW.

So, while I'm putting the glass on the Big Dog, I'd be treating the fins, too http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

That said, in truth, if I wanted to fly G80's in something comparable in size, I'd start with beefier components. It's easier to simply start with the right tube, and cut fins with tabs, IMO, than it is to morph a lower power bird into an HPR.


Doug

.

[Initiator001]

The Big Dog kit is now listed on the Quest website:

http://www.questaerospace.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=5010&eq=&Tp=

Bob

[Green Dragon]

It's not the body tube but the fins you need to worry about if flying with an G80. The fins are surface-mount, not TTW.

Bob

Should be no problem with surface mounts on a G80 .

the balsa will shatter before a proper glue joint lets go .

we consistently flew surface mounted balsa fins on F40 projet motors, and those are full on progressive motors, a lot more violent then a G80 .

Sounds fun :)

[snaquin]

Thanks, Bob. I thought the F20 was 29mm at first - I know the old SU, Econo-Jets were - but I had a (wrong) notion that there was a newer, 24mm F20 reload. I coulda checked first I suppose http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

Doug

.

Doug

You were probably thinking of the new E20W

http://www.rocketryplanet.com/content/view/3079/95/

:)

[Doug Sams]

Doug

You were probably thinking of the new E20W

http://www.rocketryplanet.com/content/view/3079/95/

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/smile.gifGood, I didn't imagine it after all http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

But I still lose track of what I'm looking for walking from one room to the next http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

Doug

.

[Initiator001]

Having just finished two more Enerjet Aero-Dart clones (See thread: http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=6414 ) and now starting to work on the Big Dog kit, I am noting many similarities between the Aero-Dart and Big Dog models.

Both are over 30" tall, 2" in diameter, weigh nearly 6 oz, have 29mm motor mounts, plastic nose cones, surface mounted balsa fins & fabric parachute.

Hmm. Are the Quest Advanced Rocketry models the successors to Enerjet kits? ;) :D

Bob

[snaquin]

Having just finished two more Enerjet Aero-Dart clones (See thread: http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=6414 ) and now starting to work on the Big Dog kit, I am noting many similarities between the Aero-Dart and Big Dog models.

Both are over 30" tall, 2" in diameter, weigh nearly 6 oz, have 29mm motor mounts, plastic nose cones, surface mounted balsa fins & fabric parachute.

Hmm. Are the Quest Advanced Rocketry models the successors to Enerjet kits? ;) :D

Bob

Bob,

Another similarity you mentioned in the first post is the sturdy cardboard box the Big Dog ships in just like many of the EnerJet models did. Also easier to stack on the shelves in my closet!

:cool:

I can't tell from the images you posted and the instructions don't appear on the Quest site just yet but is the Big Dog a payload model or would it be an easy conversion to a payload model. For example could I cut a piece of plywood or foam board to cap off a coupler to fly an altimeter?

:)

.

[Initiator001]

Bob,

I can't tell from the images you posted and the instructions don't appear on the Quest site just yet but is the Big Dog a payload model or would it be an easy conversion to a payload model. For example could I cut a piece of plywood or foam board to cap off a coupler to fly an altimeter?

:)

.

The Big Dog does not have a payload section but you could make one using the method you listed.

Bob

[Initiator001]

I worked on the Big Dog kit today.

Put the first coat of wood filler on the fins. The fins are made out of very hard 1/8" thick balsa. I really had to work at it to round the leading and trailing edges with sandpaper.

I applied filler to the seam on the body tube, also.

Bob

[Initiator001]

As I proceed with the building of my Big Dog kit, I discovered that the included launch lug is too big for a 3/16" launch rod but too small to fit over a 1/4" launch rod. :(

I will replace it with a correct size 1/4" launch lug.

Just a 'heads-up'. ;)

Bob

[Doug Sams]

As I proceed with the building of my Big Dog kit, I discovered that the included launch lug is too big for a 3/16" launch rod but too small to fit over a 1/4" launch rod. :(

I will replace it with a correct size 1/4" launch lug.Bob,

That may be as much about an over-sized rod as it is an undersized lug. In my experience, not all 1/4" rods are the same. (The same applies to the other common sizes as well.)

Doug

.

[Initiator001]

Bob,

That may be as much about an over-sized rod as it is an undersized lug. In my experience, not all 1/4" rods are the same. (The same applies to the other common sizes as well.)

Doug

.

Perhaps. However...

The 1/4" launch rod I use comes from an AeroTech Mantis launch pad. When this launch pad was made, I was in charge of ordering components for Mantis launch pads (Along with the Interlock controller and all the kits).

I think I spec'd it out correctly. ;)

The same rod fits all my other rockets with 1/4" launch lugs whether by AeroTech or any other company.

Bob

PS: All fins attached, waiting for epoxy fin fillets to dry. :)

[shrox]

Perhaps. However...

The 1/4" launch rod I use comes from an AeroTech Mantis launch pad. When this launch pad was made, I was in charge of ordering components for Mantis launch pads (Along with the Interlock controller and all the kits).

I think I spec'd it out correctly. ;)

The same rod fits all my other rockets with 1/4" launch lugs whether by AeroTech or any other company.

Bob

PS: All fins attached, waiting for epoxy fin fillets to dry. :)

I blame society.

[Initiator001]

I finished building my Big Dog model this evening. :)

Weight without parachute/paint/decals was 5.4 oz.

Next step: Primer! :D

Bob

[jdbectec]

I blame society.


Everyone blames it on society! :chuckle:

Does Quest recommend a 3/16" or 1/4" rod for launch? A Loose fit on a 3/16" shouldn't be a problem.

Maybe it's meant to fit a metric rod.

[Rocketcrab]

As I proceed with the building of my Big Dog kit, I discovered that the included launch lug is too big for a 3/16" launch rod but too small to fit over a 1/4" launch rod. :(

I will replace it with a correct size 1/4" launch lug.

Just a 'heads-up'. ;)

Bob

Maybe they are a metric size instead of English. Could be the Chinese slipped on that one? :rolleyes:

[Initiator001]

Does Quest recommend a 3/16" or 1/4" rod for launch? A Loose fit on a 3/16" shouldn't be a problem.

Maybe it's meant to fit a metric rod.

Quest does not state a launch rod size in the Big Dog instructions.

The instructions describe using the standard Quest launch pad (1/8" launch rod) when using D12 motors and to anchor the launch pad legs with stakes made from coat hangers.

In the case of 'E' or 'F' motors, the Big Dog instructions say to use the AeroTech Mantis launch pad and Interlock launch controller (Pictures of both items are shown in the instructions).

No mention of any launch rod size.

I had some BMS 1/4" launch lug tubing (paper on the outside, mylar on the inside) which I used to replace the kit included launch lug. It tested fine with my Mantis pad launch rod. :)

Bob

[Initiator001]

Maybe they are a metric size instead of English. Could be the Chinese slipped on that one? :rolleyes:

Many of the parts for the Big Dog kit are "Made in USA". :)

It appears to me that all the 'tubing' for the Big Dog kit (body tube, motor mount, launch lug) were made by Euclid.

The decal sheet has printed on it "Made in China" and the nose cone is molded there, too.

I think the parachute is made in China, also.

Bob

[Rocketcrab]

Many of the parts for the Big Dog kit are "Made in USA". :)

It appears to me that all the 'tubing' for the Big Dog kit (body tube, motor mount, launch lug) were made by Euclid.

The decal sheet has printed on it "Made in China" and the nose cone is molded there, too.

I think the parachute is made in China, also.

Bob

I'm pleasantly surprised by that. I assumed that Quest kit production was all Chinese. :o

[Initiator001]

My Quest Big Dog build is moving along nicely. :)

Today, I sanded down the last primer coat and applied the gloss white color to the rocket.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) the nose cone will be painted red. According to Nettie at Quest (Just following Fred Shecter's advice ;) ) she thought the red color was Krylon Banner Red. I will do a color test and see if it matches the 'red' on the decal sheet.

Nettie was also kind enough to tell me some things about the decal placement on the model by looking at the actual photo model in Bill Stine's office. :D

I may get this kit done by Saturday so I can fly it (If it does not rain).

Bob

[Initiator001]

No joy on the Krylon Banner Red. :( The color needs more 'orange' in it.

Off to the hobby shop. Maybe Tamiya will have a color that will be a better match.

Bob

[Initiator001]

I found some Testors Gloss Bright Red # 1321 which looks like a good match for the Big Dog decals.

Nose cone has been painted. Decals are next (Tomorrow/Thursday).

Bob

[Shreadvector]

I found some Testors Gloss Bright Red # 1321 which looks like a good match for the Big Dog decals.

Nose cone has been painted. Decals are next (Tomorrow/Thursday).

Bob

Regarding the Saturday launch: The water level is finally rising behind the dam:
http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/zinger/slProjReport.cgi?snfeData.in

http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/resreg/htdocs/snfeface.html

Nowhere near the level of our launch area, but it is early Thursday morning and the "worst is yet to come" as the fourth wave of storms hits us.

They tend to not hold a lot of water at the Santa Fe Dam unless there is really, really extreme rainfall. This has just been "bad". And most of the burn area in the mountains is not draining directly into the SFD, but into the other two dams upriver and the western side of the mountains (closer to JPL).

I called the park office yesteray and the never answered the phone, so that probably means they were told to evacuate. The US Army Corps of Engineers will call them and let them know if there is a likelihood or a certainty of a "release" from the two upriver dams, and they leave for other nearby regional park offices (or maybe they go catch a movie?).

I'll call again later today and tomorrow as necessary and I'll even call the other nearby regional parks if necessary to get a status. Then I'll post it in our club YahooGroup and the TARC YahooGroup. And maybe leave word in a forum or two.

Good thing I shoveled out the drainage ditch that leads down the hill behind my house and into the street storm drain catch basin on Saturday and again last evening. Hopefully the gophers did not do a good job of building a "safe room" and are drowning.
.in (http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/zinger/slProjReport.cgi?snfeData.inhttp://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/zinger/slProjReport.cgi?snfeData.in)

[Initiator001]

Regarding the Saturday launch: The water level is finally rising behind the dam:
http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/zinger/slProjReport.cgi?snfeData.in

http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/resreg/htdocs/snfeface.html

Nowhere near the level of our launch area, but it is early Thursday morning and the "worst is yet to come" as the fourth wave of storms hits us.

They tend to not hold a lot of water at the Santa Fe Dam unless there is really, really extreme rainfall. This has just been "bad". And most of the burn area in the mountains is not draining directly into the SFD, but into the other two dams upriver and the western side of the mountains (closer to JPL).

I called the park office yesteray and the never answered the phone, so that probably means they were told to evacuate. The US Army Corps of Engineers will call them and let them know if there is a likelihood or a certainty of a "release" from the two upriver dams, and they leave for other nearby regional park offices (or maybe they go catch a movie?).

I'll call again later today and tomorrow as necessary and I'll even call the other nearby regional parks if necessary to get a status. Then I'll post it in our club YahooGroup and the TARC YahooGroup. And maybe leave word in a forum or two.

Good thing I shoveled out the drainage ditch that leads down the hill behind my house and into the street storm drain catch basin on Saturday and again last evening. Hopefully the gophers did not do a good job of building a "safe room" and are drowning.
.in (http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/zinger/slProjReport.cgi?snfeData.inhttp://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/zinger/slProjReport.cgi?snfeData.in)

Sorry, Fred.

I won't be attending the Saturday launch at SFD this weekend. I'll be flying the Big Dog at Fiesta Island.

Bob

[Initiator001]

Nose cone has been painted and repainted (It had some 'runs' in it :o ).

Decals have been applied.

Tomorrow/Friday, the Big Dog gets a coat of Future floor polish then the shock cord and parachute will be attached.

First flight will be Saturday (Weather permitting).

I will post pictures when the model is finished. :)

Bob

[Initiator001]

My Big Dog model is finished. :)

The decals really 'make' this model. :D

Weight without motor is 7.1 oz. I added a baffle and longer shock cord to the model.

Weather permitting, it will fly tomorrow/Saturday.

Bob

[snaquin]

My Big Dog model is finished. :)

The decals really 'make' this model. :D

Weight without motor is 7.1 oz. I added a baffle and longer shock cord to the model.

Weather permitting, it will fly tomorrow/Saturday.

Bob

Looks great Bob!

Good luck with your first flight. What motor have you selected for the first flight?

.

[Rocketcrab]

Yet another winner there sir!! Looks great. Good luck on that first flight! ;)

[Initiator001]

Looks great Bob!

Good luck with your first flight. What motor have you selected for the first flight?

.

I'm going to be conservative on the first flight and launch the Big Dog on a D12-5. :o

The San Diego launch site is an island surrounded by water and I don't want to go swimming after the rocket on it's first flight. :eek:

However, the launch looks like it will be cancelled as there is many areas of standing water in our launching area. :(

The NAR Section Prez will check the field out early Saturday morning and if the conditions have not improved then he will cancel the launch.


Bob

[Initiator001]

Yet another winner there sir!! Looks great. Good luck on that first flight! ;)

Thanks, George!

Bob

[kevinj]

Saw one of these at the local hobby store. Thought the box was a great idea for packaging. I'm waiting on the Quadrunner with the 4 motor mount, though. The Grunt would be nice to have too.

kj

[Initiator001]

Well, no Big Dog launch today. :(

The NAR Section Prez went out to the launch site this morning and there is several large areas of standing water so the launch has been cancelled.

I will try, again, in a few weeks.

Bob

[Initiator001]

I'm waiting on the Quadrunner with the 4 motor mount, though. The Grunt would be nice to have too.

kj

No news on if Quest will or has plans to produce the Quadrunner model (I like it, too :D ).

The Grunt is scheduled for availability sometime in the next 1-2 months.

Bob

[rokitflite]

No news on if Quest will or has plans to produce the Quadrunner model (I like it, too :D ).

Bob


Its in 'dere! ;)

[Initiator001]

Its in 'dere! ;)


Cool! :)

I look forward to flying the Quadrunner on four Quest, Chinese made, C6 motors. :eek:

Bob

[Green Dragon]

Cool! :)

I look forward to flying the Quadrunner on four Quest, Chinese made, C6 motors. :eek:

Bob

Still awaiting the rerelease of those Super C motors.

I had inquired a bit ago, but still do n ot see thier return to the website.

Will have to keep watch ( and buy a bunch when they turn up :) )

~ AL

[Initiator001]

Still awaiting the rerelease of those Super C motors.

I had inquired a bit ago, but still do n ot see thier return to the website.

Will have to keep watch ( and buy a bunch when they turn up :) )

~ AL

When I spoke to Nettie in December, she told me Quest had the Chinese motors in stock.

You might want to give Quest a call and check on it. ;)

Bob

[JRThro]

You might want to give Quest a call and check on it. ;)
Don't you mean, "What did Quest say when you called them?"
;) :D

[JRThro]

Its in 'dere! ;)
Cool! I been likin' dat one for the last two years... or at least since NARAM-50.
:)

[ghrocketman]

You guys let a little standing water scrub a launch ???
Isn't california the state that one has to have permits ad infinitum along with approval this, tax stamp that, waiver this, fire marshal inspection that just to ignite a match in public ?
C'mon now. If I had to deal with all that red tape and NUISANCE NONSENSE any time one wants to ignite anything within commiefornia there is NO WAY a little (less than 2 standing FEET) water would scrub a launch.
That section prez should suck it up and still hold the launch for those who want it to continue- get out the waders or at least a pair of boots and go for it.

[pantherjon]

Really! And wouldn't the standing water(does it really stand, or does it just pretend to stand? :chuckle: ) help in fire mitigation..:confused:

[ghrocketman]

One would think that one of the ridiculous launch requirements in california would be that the launch occurs no more than one hour after a typhoon level rain or that the launcher be located on a small pontoon in the middle of a swamp. It would take an 8 figure salary to get me to live in that state for one year with all the regs and nonsense. Even given that, I'd still register my car in NEVADA !!!

[BRS Hobbies]

I might have missed the information in this thread but does the kit come with thru-the-wall fins?

Best regards,
Brian

[rokitflite]

I might have missed the information in this thread but does the kit come with thru-the-wall fins?

Best regards,
Brian

Nope, surface mount.

[ghrocketman]

Bummr- that would be nice to have TTW on a model this size, especially if one chooses to "push the envelope" with something like a G104 or HIGHER avg thrust.

[kevinj]

And if you really are a modeller that's planning on doing that, you should have zero trouble making TTW fins and slots on your own. If you can't ,you have zero business "pushing the envelope".

kj

Bummr- that would be nice to have TTW on a model this size, especially if one chooses to "push the envelope" with something like a G104 or HIGHER avg thrust.

[foose4string]

And if you really are a modeller that's planning on doing that, you should have zero trouble making TTW fins and slots on your own. If you can't ,you have zero business "pushing the envelope".

kj


TTW fins would be a nice touch with the kit, but that would be a relatively easy mod. If someone were intent on "pushing the envelope" with this bird(dog), wouldn't they want basswood fins and plywood rings while they're at it? If I was going through all that trouble to mod it, I would question why I bought a kit in the first place.

[Green Dragon]

Not sure all the hype over modifications is needed - I have personally flown G70 powered birds with wall mounted balsa fins. have seen Estes Maniacs flown on G200 ( I mean this fin can was made for Enerjets :) .

the centering rings might be a concern - some balsa strips, or a 1/4" layer of epoxy to make epoxy rings . then pinhole punch the roots, and good fillets - G104 or similar should be fine :)

[Initiator001]

Not sure all the hype over modifications is needed - I have personally flown G70 powered birds with wall mounted balsa fins. have seen Estes Maniacs flown on G200 ( I mean this fin can was made for Enerjets :) .

the centering rings might be a concern - some balsa strips, or a 1/4" layer of epoxy to make epoxy rings . then pinhole punch the roots, and good fillets - G104 or similar should be fine :)

I have/had modified several Maniac kits with 29mm motor mounts. One Maniac ended up in the trees at NARAM-41 when flown on an AeroTech F25-9W. A second 29mm modified Maniac structurally failed at NARAM-42 when flown with a NCR Darkstar F62-9. Matt Steele, when he worked at Estes, told me if the velocity on the fin unit was not kept below Mach 1 the fins would 'buzz' and the fin can would come apart.

As for the Big Dog centering rings, they are of the same material used in the AeroTech kits and are plenty strong. ;)

Bob

[ScaleNut]

I built a special maniac for a Road Runner G80, it shed the fins from the fin can about 25' of the pad .

[Ltvscout]

I built a special maniac for a Road Runner G80, it shed the fins from the fin can about 25' of the pad .
Cool! Did it start looping, or did it continue on up?

[ghrocketman]

THAT road runner probably got caught by Wile E. Coyote using a quality ACME rocket motor !

[Ltvscout]

THAT road runner probably got caught by Wile E. Coyote using a quality ACME rocket motor !
Too bad it didn't have an ACME fin can. ;) Is that company still around?

[Shreadvector]

Too bad it didn't have an ACME fin can. ;) Is that company still around?

I've got a couple of the fin cans on my table.

http://www.rocketryplanet.com/content/view/838/93/


http://www.giantleaprocketry.com/hpdefault.asp

http://www.giantleaprocketry.com/pdf/acmefincans.pdf

[foose4string]

As for the Big Dog centering rings, they are of the same material used in the AeroTech kits and are plenty strong. ;)

Bob

Nice. If I end up grabbing one of these kits, I'll end up laminating the fins(something I usually do regardless of size). Other than that, it'll probably be built stock. I don't plan on "pushing the envelope". ;)

[Doug Sams]

If someone were intent on "pushing the envelope" with this bird(dog), wouldn't they want basswood fins and plywood rings while they're at it? Nice. If I end up grabbing one of these kits, I'll end up laminating the fins(something I usually do regardless of size).
I think that's the best answer to your question. I find basswood to be one of those substitutions that is too often made as a monkey-see/monkey-do kinda thing, sort of like fiberglassing amongst the HPR types. <Insert Tim Allen grunt here> Frankly, while basswood may be stronger than balsa, I think laminating is all that's needed - unless somebody's gonna put a G in it.

Either typing paper or card stock, or a maybe even some 1/2 oz glass, if you just gotta indulge http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Or, another laminating technique is to stack some thin balsa together into balsa-ply and cut some new fins. These will be about the same weight as the originals, but be much stiffer and stronger. I've use such ply on several birds, and really like how it improves the tolerance to hard landings.

Doug

.

[Initiator001]

Tomorrow, my Quest Big Dog kit should get it's first flight.

Rain predicted for Saturday night and Sunday afternoon/evening in Los Angeles.

No rain Sunday morning.

It's time to fly! :D

Bob

[Initiator001]

I arrived at the launch site in Los Angeles to find it raining. :(

There were some 'crazy' people who were actually launching rockets in the rain. I stayed in my car. :rolleyes:

The rain finally stop and the ground water soaked in.

Flying time! :)

After flying several models, it was time to fly the Quest Big Dog.

It was prepped with a D12-5.

Upon ignition, the Big Dog rose into the sky on a trail of flame & smoke.

The parachute ejected at apogee and the model floated to the ground (My homemade copy of the AeroTech baffle system worked very well, no damage at all to the parachute).

On landing, a fin broke off. :mad: (I used a double Titebond glue joint with 30 minute epoxy fin fillets).

Otherwise, not a scratch.

I will fix the fin and fly it again.

Bob

[garmtn]

Heres my builds to date this year: "CW Saucer", short for cool whip; Iniator is actually a "Screech": Quest Commander; and a dual 13mm cluster called "Star Chaser".

[A Fish Named Wallyum]

:eek: How did the saucer fly?

[Rocketcrab]

I arrived at the launch site in Los Angeles to find it raining. :(

There were some 'crazy' people who were actually launching rockets in the rain. I stayed in my car. :rolleyes:

The rain finally stop and the ground water soaked in.

Flying time! :)

After flying several models, it was time to fly the Quest Big Dog.

It was prepped with a D12-5.

Upon ignition, the Big Dog rose into the sky on a trail of flame & smoke.

The parachute ejected at apogee and the model floated to the ground (My homemade copy of the AeroTech baffle system worked very well, no damage at all to the parachute).

On landing, a fin broke off. :mad: (I used a double Titebond glue joint with 30 minute epoxy fin fillets).

Otherwise, not a scratch.

I will fix the fin and fly it again.

Bob


That stinks about the fin Bob, but thanks for the report and the photos!