The StormCaster looks like a nice kit, but I think that the next thing that I build will be of my own design. I may still treat myself (since it is easily available at Michaels) though 8 kits later and the only true happiness I seem to be finding is in kits like the Viking and Guardian.

I do want something bi.gger.

Need to find the Meanie that was mentioned.

Does thru the wall fin make the fins stronger? Is it that increased thrust of D engines and up rip glued on fins right off (keeeewl!)?

BTW, the link to the scratch builts really has my mind reeling with possibilities.

Thanks for allowing me to be chatty and ask lots of Noob questions.

Welcome fellow BAR! You might like the Thrustline Arapahoe-E, the next generation Cherokee-D. A very interesting build with the boat-tail and strakes, and even better looking when its done. Takes C11 through E9 engines. The kits from Thrustline are very nice.

www.thrustaero.com

-Paul

The through-the-wall fin constrution technique is one used by those flying LMR and HPR; but
can be just as effective in standard model rockets. It gives the fin/bodytube joints much more strength as the fins can be straighter and less prone to striping during stress in flight
resulting from the "larger" motors. A case in point, my FSI vintage Maverick has flown many
times using the D12 and E9; after several flights, one fin did strip off. To date, just about all
four of the fins have striped off in one form or another, but I've always been able to just re-
glue them each time.

__________________
Dave, NAR # 21853 SR.

You need some pretty fearsome acceleration to rip off a well-glued-on surface-mounted fin.

Where TTW helps is resist breakage during general handling and (especially) landing. The very long BT-60 model you mention would be especially subject to rough landings. "Mean Machines" break fins like crazy!

I forgot about the Stormcaster. I also recommend it as a good introduction to D / E power flying. With a 40% off Michael's coupon you can get one for a very reasonable amount of money.

Where's that coupon right now. Last Sunday's paper?

Who cares, I might go after that StormCaster, just to try one out.

I wish there was a local shop to buy tubes. I hate waiting on the mail.

You should sign up for Hobby Lobby's internet advertisements. That's where we get the coupons, and the "heads-up" for their infamous half-price sales...

__________________
Craig McGraw

BARCLONE Rocketry -- http://barclone.rocketshoppe.com
BARCLONE Blogsite -- http://barclone.wordpress.com
BARCLONE Forum -- BARCLONE Forum

BARs helping BARs

SAM 0044
AMA 352635

What Craig said:
http://www.hobbylobby.com/site3/home2.cfm

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2

Yes, this past Sunday had a Michael's ad with a 40% off coupon in it.

__________________
Scott D. Hansen
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe - Your One Stop BAR Shoppe!
Ye Olde Rocket Plans - OOP Rocket Plans From 38 Companies!
Ye Olde Rocket Forum
WOOSH NAR Section #558

Yeah, welcome to BARhood and open your wallet wide. Also, you oughta increase the limit on your plastic money while you're at it.

I agree with trying Semroc, and if you want to try some good semi-scale models, go to Dr. Zooch at:

http://drzooch.com/

Wes makes some really good challenging scale kits. I've built the SA-5 and it was fun to build and fly.

Joe W

HobbyLobby is unfortunately hours away from me.

I am currently searching for Sunday's paper.


That E rocket may take a backseat to a booster pack of engines (24). I currently have 8 in my fleet. 6 of them take standard engines.