I just rec'd the LOC Graduator kit. This is really my second rocket. The
first being an Estes Alpha.
A few things about the kit I found less than desirable and thought that
I'd ask the experienced for your thoughts and suggestions:
1) I was suprised that the engine mount has not block, and no retaining
clip. They suggest that the engine be wrapped with masking tape to get a
nice snug fit. That is supposed to stop the engine from blowing right
through the rocket on ignition, and keep the engine in the mount when the
ejection charge blows. Seems to me that this is a really funky way to
retain an engine and that it would have been very simple and inexpensive
to develop a more explicit method of holding the engine in place. Is this
a standard way to mount engines ? Am I concerned about nothing ?
2) I was also suprised to see a slotted body tube, with cut plywood fins,
yet the fins only extend into the body tube about 1/8 inch. I would have
expeected the fins to extend all the way to the motor mount for better
structural support. Again, a very inexpensive way to provide a much more
robust rocket. Thoughts from the experts ?
Thanks in advance for your assistance !
-Robert
p.s. take a look at http://www.scibid.com/ for rocketry auctions. Complete
free and a very sophisticated auction site that caters to technical
hobbies. I've added a category for Rocketry.