Scratch Transkelion Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Transkelion {Scratch}

Contributed by Glenn Roth

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Glenn Roth - 04/19/09)

Brief:
This is me box o' parts entry. Blimey! Ahoy! Blimey! Single stage rocket with small cargo bay and parachute recovery. (Parts were sent to me, all but DVD and medicine bottle, which were "bonus parts.)"

(Scratch) Transkelion (Scratch) Transkelion

Construction:
Because I was workin' with miscellaneous pieces, I used 2 BT30s and a medicine bottle as a payload section. Bottom was cut off and turned around t' become top t' accept nose cone. Ahoy! Begad! 4 tube fins, me hearties, me bucko, mounted on struts. Ahoy! Ahoy! Balsa and cardboard design with a transducer type engine mount, arrr, BT-20 motor mount, me hearties, 18 "elastic shock cord," attached t' a screw eye in payload section. Unique feature be t' "DVD" center mounted wing.

I'm goin' t' rate this build a 3.5. Cuttin' out t' sections on t' struts, ya bilge rat, t' make it look like struts was a little tricky. Well, arrr, blow me down! T' mountin' o' t' tube fins t' t' struts and t' fin/strut assembly t' t' main body was a little tricky, shiver me timbers, me hearties, too. Blimey! Begad! I do recommend a separation o' t' main rocket and fin assembly for ease o' assembly. Well, blow me down! I also used a hard coat Modge Podge t' protect decals and finish.

(Scratch) Transkelion (Scratch) Transkelion

(Scratch) Transkelion (Scratch) Transkelion

(Scratch) Transkelion (Scratch) Transkelion

(Scratch) Transkelion (Scratch) Transkelion

Finishing:
Made a boat tail t' house motor. Ya scallywag! Cut struts from balsa t' hold tube fins.

Flight:
I'm goin' t' try a Quest A6-4 for first motor.

Flight 1: A6-4 way underpowered. Well, blow me down! Barely got off ground and broke a strut.

Flight 2: After repairin' fin strut, shiver me timbers, I went with a B6-4. Avast, me proud beauty! Started out nice then got all kinds o' unstable. Blimey! Blimey! Crashed and broke 3 fin assemblies.

I will have t' take apart nose t' add some weight, repair fin struts, ya bilge rat, and check for stability with a swin' test before next flight.

Recovery:
Shock cord be quite heavy, 3/8", matey, and attached t' inside o' rocket body. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Assembly was straightforward, just a little tedious t' attach t' struts t' fin tubes.

(Scratch) Transkelion

Summary:
PROs: Nice little rocket and a bit o' challenge t' build so nay your typical build. Skill level 2-3. Begad! Begad! CONs: Because of the extra joints with t' tube fins and struts, shiver me timbers, arrr, care needs t' be taken and heavy fillets added.

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