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MarkB.
07-13-2019, 11:18 PM
Comrades:

Does anybody have a original Mini-Dactyl built or unbuilt? I need to know the length of ST-7 tubing for the booster. I'm guessing somewhere in the 8" range but I'd like to know for sure.

Thanks
Earl
07-14-2019, 06:05 AM
I don't know the full length right off hand, but as I recall, it is made up of two lengths of ST-5 tubing (not ST-7). One piece of tubing is roughly motor length, with the rest being about seven inches long or so. They are joined with a tube coupler which serves as the motor block.

Earl
Chas Russell
07-14-2019, 10:26 AM
http://www.semroc.com/Store/scripts/ClassicParts.asp?ID=591

This shows the body tube designations. Now to find them in the catalog.

Chas
Chas Russell
07-14-2019, 10:34 AM
http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/km-6.htm

Looks like the smaller tube is 2.5" and the main tube is 6.0" of ST-5 tubing.

C
BARGeezer
07-14-2019, 10:50 AM
This model uses Centuri "M" engines. 13mm so the tube size is ST-5. The instructions say the motor tube is 2.5" long. A quick measurement of the parts picture on JimZ's site confirms Charles' measurements. So two different methods comes up with 2.5" for the motor tube and 6" for the main tube.
Tau Zero
07-16-2019, 01:45 AM
Does anybody have a original Mini-Dactyl built or unbuilt? I need to know the length of ST-7 tubing for the booster. I'm guessing somewhere in the 8" range but I'd like to know for sure.Also available here, on Page 9:

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=17799

FWIW, the measurements come directly from an original Mini-Dactyl kit in my possession. :D
Jerry Irvine
07-16-2019, 09:02 AM
The Mini-Dactyl could be flown with the longer B3M motors as well as the A3-M and A6-T from Estes. IIRC Centuri had a spacer for the shorter motors.
5x7
07-16-2019, 09:20 AM
Yup: toothpick is at the break, 2.5/6:
MarkB.
07-16-2019, 07:32 PM
Thanks Guys,

I got the gliders from eRockets/Semroc. The balsa included the rocket mounts, so one clone coming up.
5x7
07-16-2019, 07:58 PM
Getting those would have been nice, now listed as unavailable.
BARGeezer
07-17-2019, 03:14 AM
Gee, how did they do it before lasers were invented?
Old school kit, old school build.
Trace the templates onto balsa and cut out.
Patterns are at JimZ's.
Save yourself a few bucks.
Yeah, I know, I sometimes get lazy and buy laser cut fins for my clones too.
But doing it the old way develops CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Laters.
Ez2cDave
08-12-2019, 09:36 AM
Gee, how did they do it before lasers were invented?
Old school kit, old school build.
Trace the templates onto balsa and cut out.
Patterns are at JimZ's.
Save yourself a few bucks.
Yeah, I know, I sometimes get lazy and buy laser cut fins for my clones too.
But doing it the old way develops CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Laters.

You left out "everyone has to sim their rockets before they fly them' . . .

Dave F.
Joe Wooten
08-12-2019, 10:55 AM
You left out "everyone has to sim their rockets before they fly them' . . .

Dave F.

Why do that? :D
Build it and fly it......
Ez2cDave
08-12-2019, 01:17 PM
Why do that? :D
Build it and fly it......

My sentiments exactly . . . Design it, build it, check the CG, and fly it !

Dave F.
5x7
08-12-2019, 02:43 PM
Gee, how did they do it before lasers were invented?
Old school kit, old school build.
Trace the templates onto balsa and cut out.
Patterns are at JimZ's.
Save yourself a few bucks.
Yeah, I know, I sometimes get lazy and buy laser cut fins for my clones too.
But doing it the old way develops CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Laters.

The parts were die-cut, do you have or can you find a scan of the parts with a ruler?
Ez2cDave
08-12-2019, 03:34 PM
The parts were die-cut, do you have or can you find a scan of the parts with a ruler?

The file below was produced by Jeff Vincent.

Dave F.
5x7
08-12-2019, 04:10 PM
The file below was produced by Jeff Vincent.

Dave F.

Perfect! Is that posted somewhere else?
Ez2cDave
08-12-2019, 04:43 PM
Perfect! Is that posted somewhere else?

I've had the file, since, at least, 2011 . . . I can't recall the original source.

There is an article, where Jeff Vincent did a Mini-Dactyl upscale for "D" power.

http://www.astre471.org/Newsletter/sd1999-0102.pdf

Dave F.
BARGeezer
08-12-2019, 04:44 PM
The parts were die-cut, do you have or can you find a scan of the parts with a ruler?
Template scans are here, but unfortunately no ruler :
http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/km-6.htm

Or just buy 'em here:
http://www.erockets.biz/semroc-laser-cut-fins-mini-dactyl-sheet-a-1-16-sheet-b-3-32-sem-fce-km6/
Ez2cDave
08-12-2019, 05:47 PM
Or just buy 'em here:
http://www.erockets.biz/semroc-laser-cut-fins-mini-dactyl-sheet-a-1-16-sheet-b-3-32-sem-fce-km6/

Nice link !

Dave F.

https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server4100/hljc78/products/3183/images/10478/0203191413-1__43991.1549223925.1280.1280.jpg
5x7
08-12-2019, 05:48 PM
Nice, you all are a wealth of info!
Ez2cDave
08-12-2019, 06:22 PM
Nice, you all are a wealth of info!

Currently preparing your Invoice . . . LOL !

Dave F.
Rktman
03-07-2020, 12:29 PM
Late to the party, but if you haven't flown it yet, be aware that although it's diminutive, the Mini Dactyl is capable of traveling quite a distance due to its light weight and design. I made the mistake of not setting it up to circle for its test flight on a 1/2A3-2T and I was chasing it for almost the length of a football field before it touched down. Color it something easy to see against the sky because it's really hard to track when it gets up there.
Ez2cDave
03-07-2020, 01:15 PM
http://www.semroc.com/Store/scripts/ClassicParts.asp?ID=591

There were TWO sections of tube. One was 6" long and the other was 2.5", as I recall.

Dave F.

http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/centuri/km-6b.jpg
5x7
03-07-2020, 01:35 PM
http://www.semroc.com/Store/scripts/ClassicParts.asp?ID=591

There were TWO sections of tube. One was 6" long and the other was 2.5", as I recall.

Dave F.

http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/centuri/km-6b.jpg


Got it (https://www.oldrocketforum.com/showpost.php?p=230459&postcount=8)
Rktman
05-23-2020, 09:20 AM
The file below was produced by Jeff Vincent

When I printed out the Maxi Dactyl templates, the glider ended up being barely larger than the Pterodactyl (which I also have), so perhaps a 3x upscale of the Mini Dactyl would be more appropriate for a D or E powered version?
A Fish Named Wallyum
05-23-2020, 10:51 AM
At some point during my freshman year of college I found a Centuri Mini-Dactyl on a clearance table in front of a Kay-Bee Toy & Hobby at the mall. Since the price was literally pennies, I bought it in a moment of nostalgia. It sat on a shelf in my room for several years, then I guess it accumulated too much dust and got tossed. When I got back into the hobby I went home and looked for it on the odd chance that it somehow survived, but alas, it never turned up. I've had the patterns sitting down by my desk for several years, so maybe this will be just what was needed to get me started on the build.
Tau Zero
05-23-2020, 12:05 PM
At some point during my freshman year of college I found a Centuri Mini-Dactyl on a clearance table in front of a Kay-Bee Toy & Hobby at the mall. [SNIP]
I've had the patterns sitting down by my desk for several years, so maybe this will be just what was needed to get me started on the build.I've been meaning to do an ST-10 upscale (~!.91X) for years myself, but haven't managed to get around to it yet.

I'd also planned to do ST-10 upscales of other Centuri Mini-Line kits, including the Nova, Star Trooper, and the Fireflash. I've been working on the latter in recent weeks, but ran out of steam.
A Fish Named Wallyum
05-23-2020, 12:36 PM
I've been meaning to do an ST-10 upscale (~!.91X) for years myself, but haven't managed to get around to it yet.

I'd also planned to do ST-10 upscales of other Centuri Mini-Line kits, including the Nova, Star Trooper, and the Fireflash. I've been working on the latter in recent weeks, but ran out of steam.
:cool: I'm treading lightly on builds of late. I'm fixing and flying long neglected projects, but I really like this idea.