Scratch - Gooneydent {Modification}

Modified Excelsior Rocketry Gooneydent Modification

Scratch - Gooneydent {Modification}

Contributed by Matt Gillard

Published:	2010-12-07
Manufacturer:	Scratch

Brief

Only a small amount o' modification was made t' t' original goodydent. Avast, me proud beauty! Aye aye! T' vent tubes were situated higher on t' bottom bodytube. Blimey! Begad! T' recovery system was changed slightly.

Components

A steel fishin' leader was added t' t' middle nosecone as an anchor for t' shock cord. T' shock cord be lengthened t' 4 foot and a snap swivel was added t' t' parachute attachment. Well, blow me down! Well, blow me down! Blimey! T' mosquito nosecones that would have been on t' aft o' t' ventin' tubes were replace with t' bases o' two part nosecones. Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' ends were filled flat.

Construction

T' components were t' same as t' original goonydent, arrr, ya bilge rat, except that three mosquito nosecones were removed, shiver me timbers, a steel fishin' leader was added, t' paint scheme was changed.

Finishing

As this goonydent would nay be havin' t' decals added, I opted t' paint t' entire rocket one colour; a pink/purple.

Flight

There is little difference in t' flight performance betwixt t' original and t' modified rocket. Begad! Except o' course that this one did nay explode in mid air. It's been up in t' air on three occasions, and with t' exception o' a motor failure, me bucko, it has flown perfectly straight, shiver me timbers, and quite high on a D given how much drag thar be in t' design.

Recovery

Despite t' ventin' o' t' gases which should prevent and scorchin' o' t' parachute, I still add a few sheets o' wadding, just t' be on t' safe side. Begad! Ya scallywag! A 12 inch parachute brings her down at a quick pace, but I don't like t' walk long distances

Summary

Pros: it's a bit cheaper and t' recovery is a little better.

Cons: It was built smartly and t' finish is nowhere near as good as t' original.

Big Pro: T' original looked a bit too nice t' be throwin' around in t' sky, this one is a bit rougher but will see more air time than t' original.

Modified Excelsior Rocketry Gooneydent Modification