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-   -   Estes Saturn V/Apollo 11 30th anniversary Master’s kit (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=6276)

AFlyingMonkey 12-07-2009 10:48 AM

Estes Saturn V/Apollo 11 30th anniversary Master’s kit
 
I have recently acquired an Estes Saturn V/Apollo 11 30th anniversary Master’s kit. It was given to me for my master’s degree graduation from a local enthusiast. I’m going to build this thing with a five 18mm or 24mm engine cluster. Now since this is an older kit, I’m going to be replacing the shock cords with something a bit stronger, like some Kevlar wrapped elastic maybe. I think I’ll hand make this stuff. On the same note, what other changes, improvements, or mods should be done for this model to make it a better model, flying or otherwise?

I’m also picking up some thickwall tubing for the engine mounts and stuffer tubes, but should I be using fiberglass tubes instead? Should I be wrapping some of the interior tubes with fiberglass? I want to make this model last a long time, so anything to help prevent yellowing would be a bonus on the paint job. I’m going to be taking my time on this, so progress will be slow.

Now that I’m thinking about how heavy this thing is going to be maybe I should do a 29mm center with 18mm outboards. I’m just not sure at this point, so any suggestions would be greatly welcomed.

Shreadvector 12-07-2009 10:56 AM

Your gonna need big clear plastic fins with all that extra motor weight in the aft end.


I was going to suggest one central 24 mm E9-6 with 4 outboard Quest 20mm D5-0P motors, but....

Let's check the propellant mass total:

35.8 + (4 x 25) = 135.8 Not good for a Model Rocket, over the limit.

Let's scale back to a D12-7 and 4 D5-P

21.1 + (4 x 25) = 121.1 Just below the 125 gram limit. Not too shabby.

AFlyingMonkey 12-07-2009 11:13 AM

I'm thinking this would be cool to use for my level 1 cert. possibility, but then who knows? :chuckle: I'm just looking to do the best with what i've got and what I can get on my limited budget, (trying to save for NARAM and all). I just want to do it right, and do it right the first time, so figured I'm come out and ask the experts before I start cranking on this thing.

I've got the entire week between Christmas Eve and the Monday after New Year's to get started on it. I figure between working on my R&D project, 1/4A Boost Glider, I'd be working on this. I'm used to having many irons in the fire, but this one's special and as I said I want to do it right, so if I need to do it as my level 1 cert I will. I imagine that if its that heavy, it wouldn't go too high and would be a nice flight.

Setting it up so it could be converted so it could use multiple engine types to keep it NAR legal could be a nice way to go. I'm just not sure at this point. ;)

Randy 12-07-2009 06:54 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by AFlyingMonkey
I have recently acquired an Estes Saturn V/Apollo 11 30th anniversary Master’s kit. It was given to me for my master’s degree graduation from a local enthusiast. I’m going to build this thing with a five 18mm or 24mm engine cluster.

Now that I’m thinking about how heavy this thing is going to be maybe I should do a 29mm center with 18mm outboards. I’m just not sure at this point, so any suggestions would be greatly welcomed.



You've got lots of options with that kit. Rather than me make a long post, go here: http://www.sears572.com/supersaturnv.htm follow the links at the bottom of the pages. Should give you some ideas about clustering.

and here: http://www.vernarockets.com/id25.html

and here: http://www.vernarockets.com/id2.html

and for the flying monkey: http://www.vernarockets.com/id3.html scroll about half way down.

Randy
www.vernarockets.com

AFlyingMonkey 12-08-2009 10:52 AM

Randy and Shred,

Thanks for the information. I think I've decided on going with 18mm on the pirimiter and doing a 24mm for the core. This way I can get a nice mix of engines and go for a power shot or a slow lift off. Its all something to think about before I get this thing started.

I was also wanting to know if there were known problems with the rocket or if there were issues outside of bent fins, bent body tubes, weak joints, just things i could shore up while building it.

rocketguy101 12-08-2009 12:22 PM

There are several Saturn V build threads on YORF and on the other rocket forums. search for them and you can glean a lot of information on building these beauties! I was able to cross over some Estes kit info to help me with my Centuri build.

And there is info on Sven's site http://www.ninfinger.org/rockets/saturn_v.faq.html

Good luck, and your cluster sounds awesome--I went with "stock" 3 X 18mm plus a 29 mm adapter. The cluster flew great, the "F" engine not so great...

Edit: plus add pics and info on your build to add to the knowledge base!! (lots of pics!!!)

dwmzmm 12-08-2009 11:20 PM

9 Attachment(s)
Several years ago I built my vintage Estes K-36 Saturn - V and extensively modified it and flew it five engine cluster (24 mm core/ 18 mm outboards). Flew her last July 11 for the Apollo - 11 40th Anniversary Celebration. Flight was perfect except for the upper section recovery, where the lines ripped off due to the extra mass of the added weight in the nose area. A few pics below:

Model was launched using a D12-5 for the core and four C6-5 for the outboards.

garmtn 12-19-2009 09:46 PM

Rocket Improvements
 
One idea I discovered in "Sport Rocketry Mag" is called the "Anti-zipper design." Instead of pushing parachute out, rocket separates in middle and is pulled out. Heavy duty center rings, quick links and 1500 lb tubular nylon is used for a shock cord. I made a Goonybird Zero this way with two different fin assemblys. A single motor and a 3 engine cluster. Very impressive cluster flight! When not in "that" mood, just undo quick link and change out to the single motor assembly. Good Luck!

AFlyingMonkey 12-19-2009 10:05 PM

That's a fantastic Idea. Hopefully I can find the tubing needed in order to do that. I'm going to get started on the 26th Hopefully I can pull this off without a hitch.


Blake

garmtn 12-20-2009 03:03 AM

Tubular Nylon
 
This isn't "tubing" perse.' It's a very strong "flat" woven peice of nylon cord. If u squeeze it sideways, it will look like a tube. Your better mail order hobby stores carry it. Good Luck!


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