Scratch Mini Mars Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Mini Mars {Scratch}

Contributed by Ian Cinnamon

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Ian Cinnamon - 12/02/07) Unpainted

Brief:
This rocket is for t' Design this Spaceship contest! This is an entry for design #1. Avast, me proud beauty! This rocket is made out of around-the-house parts - no special parts required!

Construction:
Parts Required:

  • - BT-55 Ogive Nose Cone (must be balsa)
  • - BT-55 Tubin' (about 3")
  • - BT-20 MMT (about 3")
  • - Cardstock Paper
  • Tools Required:
  • - CA
  • - Wood Glue
  • - X-Acto Blade-
  • - Low Grit Sandpaper


Nose ConeThis rocket is very simple t' make. Aye aye! First, ya bilge rat, start with t' nosecone by sandin' off t' tip and makin' it more rounded. Avast! Continue t' sand by hand until t' rocket resembles t' photos.

Next, cut 3" o' BT-55. This will be your main BT. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me proud beauty! If you don't want t' use tumble recovery on this rocket, you can make t' BT a bit longer and use a streamer.

Next, make t' motor mount. Begad! First, role t' cardstock into a cone. Arrr! Well, blow me down! Make sure t' BT-20 will fit snugly in the opening. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Use tape t' hold this cone in place. Begad! Coat t' inside with wood glue and t' outside with CA. Us wood glue to secure t' MMT tube inside this shroud.

T' finish t' body assembly, arrr, glue t' shroud/MMT structure into t' BT-55 tubin' (about 1/4" in) with wood glue.

Cone Cone Cone

T' make t' fins, cut them out o' cardstock - but cut out six o' them. Begad! Glue two o' them t' each other with wood glue or CA. Well, blow me down! Begad! Secure them t' t' shroud o' t' rocket with cardstock flaps.

Paper Fin Attached

Use some extra Keelhaul®©™® or copper wire as your shockcord.

Good luck!

Flight:
This rocket uses tumble recovery. Begad! Aye aye! T' rocket is very lightweight and is nay prone t' damage. Well, arrr, blow me down! Although t' fins extend below t' MMT, shiver me timbers, me bucko, t' CA will strength them enough t' prevent damage

Summary:
PROS:

  • - Cheap build
  • - Easy build
  • - Quick build

CONS:

  • - Easy t' lose

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