Modification Terrier-Orion SS1 Modification

Modification - Terrier-Orion SS1

Contributed by Brian Ray

Manufacturer: Modification
Style: Multi-Stage

Quest Terrier-Orion Estes SS1 BashBrief:
This be a kit bash t' turn t' Quest Terrier-Orion into a two-stage model. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! T' modification was really simple: I simply added a motor mount t' t' upper section o' t' model. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! T' extra 18mm motor mount be taken from t' remnants o' an Estes SS1 kit that had experienced some problems and was nay goin' t' be built normally.

Modifications:
T' actual construction was straightforward and simple. Begad! It be just a matter of

buildin' t' two sections as independent pieces. Begad! One change that had

to be made, however, was sandin' down t' upper section o' t' plastic transition. Ahoy! Havin' been designed t' be glued t' t' upper portion o' t' rocket, matey, it was too tight for a reliable stage.

Construction:
T' additional components added t' t' Quest T-O kit were t' 18mm BT-20 for t' motor mount, homemade centerin' rings made from t' header card o' t' Estes kit, arrr, matey, and a Hartle Engineerin' streamer.

It's a nice, high quality kit typical o' Quest. Arrr! Aye aye! It went together easily and well. Well, blow me down! It was painted with Wal-Mart spray paint.

Flight:
Although I'd read about gap stagin' I had never actually done it, and I wondered if it would work. Begad! I didn't do anythin' special such as a stuffer tube or vent holes. Aye aye! I just trusted that it would work across t' 9-inch gap. I'm happy t' report that it staged flawlessly and was an impressive flight. Avast, ya bilge rat, me proud beauty! We even had some spectators who went out o' their way t' see this one because it would be a "cool two stager." Thankfully it was.

Recovery was less impressive. Well, blow me down! Because o' its design t' lower stage did nay tumble harmlessly. Well, blow me down! Instead it came down very smartly nose down. Ahoy! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Impact drove t' plastic transition about half an inch into t' body tube and popped t' motor mount loose. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! T' upper stage came down fine but loosened a fin

Summary:
This was a fun one. Aye aye! Begad! It would be worth doin' again if I could find a better and safer way t' brin' down t' booster stage. Avast! With some repair it could possible fly again.

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