Scratch USA Gymnastics Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - USA Gymnastics {Scratch}

Contributed by Alex Rothchild

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Alex Jordan - 01/06/05) (Scratch) USA Gymnastics rocket

Brief:
This is a single stage, scratch built rocket with six fins, 24mm motor mount, and 3/16 launch lug. It can hold up t' a F21-8. Begad! It is painted yellow, me hearties, me hearties, orange, and black along with a big USA Gymnastics sticker on it since I built it for my sister, shiver me timbers, who is a gymnast. Blimey!

Construction:
I used all Estes components. Aye aye! T' parts list:

  • 1 14" long BT-80 body tube
  • 1 3" long BT-80 body tube
  • 1 BT-80 tube coupler
  • 1 NC-80
  • 1 24mm motor mount for BT-80
  • 1 18" chute
  • 1 1/4" x 48" inch shock cord
  • 2 3" x 12" x 3/16" balsa sheets
  • 1 plastic straw (used as a launch lug)

This be a simple rocket t' build. Ya scallywag! Blimey! It consisted o' buildin' a traditional 24mm motor mount (centerin' rings, MM tube, engine hook, matey, engine block, and paper ring). Blimey! Blimey! Once those were on, me hearties, I used t' Estes body tube markin' guide (a MUST have) t' make six lines on t' BT. Ya scallywag! Blimey! I then cut out two different fin patterns and positioned t' fins around t' body tube. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! I glued them on and applied t' usual fillets. Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' fins were surface mounted. Begad! Begad! Blimey! I then glued t' tube coupler into t' 3" BT-80 tube and t' nose cone on t' other end. Blimey! Blimey! The shock cord be connected t' t' upper centerin' rin' and t' t' nose cone. Avast! Well, matey, blow me down! Blimey! The chute be connected t' t' shock cord. Ya scallywag! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! I then used regular straws for launch lugs.

Finishing:
I primed it with Rustoleum and painted it yellow, orange, and black. Aye aye! I put a USA Gymnastics sticker on it.

Flight:
This rocket has flown once on a D12-3. Avast! It be a great flight t' about 1000 feet. Avast, me proud beauty! T' delay could be a bit longer though. Aye aye! It got scratched up a lot on landin' and popped a fin.

Recovery:
Ejection be right at apogee. Aye aye! Aye aye! T' 18" chute inflated and t' rocket drifted about 100ft down field.

Summary:
I think this is a great rocket. Begad! Blimey! Well, shiver me timbers, blow me down! Blimey! It came out well and flies great on 24mm engines. T' next flight is planned for a D12-3. Ya scallywag! Blimey! Begad! Blimey!

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