Hexagonal tubing?

[EchoVictor]

After reading through some of the SVDT threads here, I got a sense that some folks would like to see something completely new come out of this endeavor. While a lot of folks are excited about new motor possibilities, I've been brainstorming about what "new" thing could be done on the design side.

We all pretty much work with standard components, such as fins, nose cones, and body tubes. But what if you could really change the shape (and thus the look) of those?

Where I'm headed with this line of thought is changing the look of the body tubes. I've never rolled my own, but would it be possible to do a different shape than a circle? Say, a hexagon or a square?

The look I have in my head is along the lines of Estes #1929 Stealth kit. The only problem with that one was that the plastic body made it really heavy. What if you could have hexagonal paper tubes? You could make some really wild, angular looking designs. I think this would have real visual impact, like how a Cadillac CTS really stands out from all of the other "aerodynamic-jelly bean" shaped cars.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Eric

[sandman]

If you could make a hexaon form out of a piece of wood. Or an octaon...that would be easier...then form the tube around it.

It could be done.

I could make a nose cone that would fit it. :D

[Ltvscout]

If you could make a hexaon form out of a piece of wood. Or an octaon...that would be easier...then form the tube around it.

It could be done.

I could make a nose cone that would fit it. :D
At one time Apogee sold wood tubes. That endeavor flopped.

SDI sold those laser cut wood rockets. That endeavor flopped as well.

[A Fish Named Wallyum]

Gimmick. Reminds me of the "cheesy foam controversy", and we know where that one went.

[barone]

I think if you're looking for the "angular" look, probably the best way to accomplish it would be to start with a body tube and build a balsa (or paper) body around it. One now defunct company (I think it was FatCat Rocketry) used two body tubes glued side to side and covered them with a paper shroud to achieve a somewhat angular apperance. I wish I had gotten the rocket...... :(

[Mark II]

I think if you're looking for the "angular" look, probably the best way to accomplish it would be to start with a body tube and build a balsa (or paper) body around it. One now defunct company (I think it was FatCat Rocketry) used two body tubes glued side to side and covered them with a paper shroud to achieve a somewhat angular apperance. I wish I had gotten the rocket...... :(

Still, I think that Eric's idea has some merit. It would be much easier to achieve that effect if the tube already started out in that shape. Might open up new possibilities for designs. Such a part could be used to fabricate some elements of a design (and not be used for gimmicky, cheesy-looking rockets). I'm thinking, for instance, of the Jupiter expedition rocket (the one with HAL) from 2001. The suggestion is worth a consideration, at least.

Mark Kulka

[EchoVictor]

Coming soon from Estes;

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LNTZN6&P=G

They been snooping around here and grab my idea? Maybe? ;)

Later,
EV

[mycrofte]

Anyone ever find a hexagonal tube? Only ones I can find online are metal or cardstock shapes. None with the strength of a rocket tube.

Had an idea running through my head but cardstock wouldn't work without massive structural support.
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[Jerry Irvine]

My tube company can make those really easy. Ace Rocket Manufacturing circa 1970-2 made a square rocket kit WITH balsa nose cone to fit. If I had 24 kit reservations I would manufacture an approx 2-3" diameter 29mm rocket with all the proper parts for about $99 direct sale only.

No need to wish when it is reality.

Square, hex or oct practical. I prefer octagonal.

[Bluegrass Rocket]

After having some health issues with a short hiatus, I’m working on new kits for release later this year. As such, 2019 marks 10 years of NewWay making square kits. There are many other tube shapes available from the manufacturer, having seen them in person, and I have an octagonal sample. Like any thing, it just takes the investment to have them made. I had looked into other shapes but, the nose ones seemed impossible to make. Now with 3D printing technology it seems like a more realistic possibility to make nose cones.

[ghrocketman]

One question:
WHYYYYYYY ?

One word description : IDIOTIC.

[mycrofte]

Been watching Babylon 5 and got to thinking about the Warlock Class Destroyer. It wouldn't look right with a round tube.
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[LeeR]

If you could make a hexaon form out of a piece of wood. Or an octaon...that would be easier...then form the tube around it.

It could be done.

I could make a nose cone that would fit it. :D

Your lathe skills amaze me ... ;)

[mycrofte]

It would seem making a form and wrapping a tube is my only option.
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[Gus]

After having some health issues with a short hiatus, I’m working on new kits for release later this year. As such, 2019 marks 10 years of NewWay making square kits. There are many other tube shapes available from the manufacturer, having seen them in person, and I have an octagonal sample. Like any thing, it just takes the investment to have them made. I had looked into other shapes but, the nose ones seemed impossible to make. Now with 3D printing technology it seems like a more realistic possibility to make nose cones.Rick,

Glad to hear the health issues have improved! Absolutely love the NewWay kits. Not just the design, but the thoughtfulness of all the stuff you include to make the builds simpler is just amazing!

I would love to see some different tube shapes, just a fun idea. But I certainly understand the cost and nosecone issues.

Keep up the great work!

Steve

[BARGeezer]

Rick,
I am also a big NewWay fan. Have most of your kits. Looking forward to your new designs, and good to hear about the improvements to your health. Was wondering if you would consider offering components as part of your sales inventory? Would allow buyers to repair damaged kits and scratch builders to produce their own square designs. And add another income stream. Just a thought. Cheers.

[mycrofte]

Next on the list is a nose cone. Been going through the old Semroc list but nothing I like. I need something like a Mercury nose cone for the sensor boom in a BT-50 size.
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[BARGeezer]

Next on the list is a nose cone. Been going through the old Semroc list but nothing I like. I need something like a Mercury nose cone for the sensor boom in a BT-50 size.
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http://www.erockets.biz/semroc-balsa-nose-cone-bt-50-2-7-capsule/

[olDave]

You can make your starting cross-sectional shape anything you want, but after one or two ejections you are probably gonna end up with a round shape. You see, there is this whole thing about pressure and heat, and the lack of structural strength of paper.....

So just use a proper body tube, and you can hang whatever decorations on the outside that you want.

[scott_mills]

Pretty easy to fudge if you build it yourself using foam core. I would recommend doing it around a core body tube just so you can use standard centering rings. The weight would not be very much more because foam core is extremely light.

[mycrofte]

You can make your starting cross-sectional shape anything you want, but after one or two ejections you are probably gonna end up with a round shape. You see, there is this whole thing about pressure and heat, and the lack of structural strength of paper.....

So just use a proper body tube, and you can hang whatever decorations on the outside that you want.

I am thinking about a 2-3 inch hex tube with a BT-50 center. Hard part will be tapering it down to the nose. So all the ejection pressure will just push out a chute.
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[EchoVictor]

Holy resurrected thread, Batman! While I'd still love to see some hexagonal tubes, Rick's square tubing makes for a neat look.

One question:
WHYYYYYYY ?
One answer:
So that I can design cool stuff like this;

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=6452

Later,
EV

[ghrocketman]

Would look better with PROPERLY SHAPED ROUND tubes.

[BARGeezer]

Holy resurrected thread, Batman! While I'd still love to see some hexagonal tubes, Rick's square tubing makes for a neat look.


One answer:
So that I can design cool stuff like this;

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=6452

Later,
EV

Welcome back, EV. It's been a while. I think that design
LOOKS GREAT!

I hear that Rick is overcoming his health issues. I see he even released a new design:
http://www.erockets.biz/newway-flying-model-rocket-kit-micro-square-one/
Hopefully there'll be many more in the upcoming months.

LOVE THOSE NEW WAY ROCKETS!

[Tau Zero]

One answer:
So that I can design cool stuff like this;

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=6452EV,

To use the correct scientific terminology: "Stinkin' *cool!*" :cool:


Veddy nice. :D
.

[mycrofte]

Made a cardstock version to look at. No fins but a good idea of overall shape.
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[Ez2cDave]

You can make your starting cross-sectional shape anything you want, but after one or two ejections you are probably gonna end up with a round shape. You see, there is this whole thing about pressure and heat, and the lack of structural strength of paper.....

So just use a proper body tube, and you can hang whatever decorations on the outside that you want.

Give the tube a layer of fiberglass and it will retain its shape.

[Ez2cDave]

Made a cardstock version to look at. No fins but a good idea of overall shape.
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Do a Google search for "VS-40M" & "SHEFEX-II" . . .

Dave F.

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