Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Mike Bellin » Thu, 01 Aug 1996 04:00:00



Quote:

> I have done some research into some of the larger rockets (E - G motor
> classification) and was impressed by the selection.  However, there in
> lies my problem, is one manufacturer (LOC/Precision, Vaughn Brothers,
> Aerotech, PML, etc.) better than the other?  Is one particular rocket
> better than another?  I would like to keep the rocket under the 16 ounce
> limitation and am interested in spending about $50.

Steve,  I can't speak about the other companies, but I, in a similar
situation as yours, bought a Baracudda from AeroTech (702)641-2301
for about $50.  With an E-28 (or less) engine it is under 16Oz.
I love it!  It flys great and is big (~ 4 feet) enough to see.
Putting it together was easier than many Estes I've done. You will
need to have a 1/4" rod for your launch pad.

One thing might help here to, Mountain Side Hobbies has a good deal
on the AeroTech Initaitor starter kit (~$105).  It's more
than you wanted to spend, but it comes with a high power grade
launch pad and ingition system.  Check it out at:

http://msh.ptd.net/rocspc.htm

Cheers,
Mike Bellino

 
 
 

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Steven C. Smit » Thu, 01 Aug 1996 04:00:00


I am a classic BAR.  I was into model rocketry when I was younger (12
years old) and after a 15 year absence I have rediscovered the joy of
model rocketry.  Since coming back into the hobby I have bought 7 Estes
kits and have flown them countless times with success.  Recently, I
attended both the 'Midwest Regional Fun Fly' (June 96) and 'Eat Cheese
or Fly 96' (July 96) both of which were sponsored by NIRA (NAR 117).  I
was facinated to see the variety of model rockets available.  

I have done some research into some of the larger rockets (E - G motor
classification) and was impressed by the selection.  However, there in
lies my problem, is one manufacturer (LOC/Precision, Vaughn Brothers,
Aerotech, PML, etc.) better than the other?  Is one particular rocket
better than another?  I would like to keep the rocket under the 16 ounce
limitation and am interested in spending about $50.  I know you can get
a number of rockets in that price range, but I don't know which one.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve Smith

 
 
 

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Chris Jacobs (N9V » Fri, 02 Aug 1996 04:00:00




Quote:
>I have done some research into some of the larger rockets (E - G motor
>classification) and was impressed by the selection.  However, there in
>lies my problem, is one manufacturer (LOC/Precision, Vaughn Brothers,
>Aerotech, PML, etc.) better than the other?  Is one particular rocket
>better than another?  I would like to keep the rocket under the 16 ounce
>limitation and am interested in spending about $50.  I know you can get
>a number of rockets in that price range, but I don't know which one.
>Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Steve,

  I like the LOC  Onyx and the LOC Legacy  both pretty easy to put together.
I did have in my second Legacy kit a warped fin but otherwise the kits were
well done.  Both have undersized chutes. OBTW use at least an E with these
kits for your ffirst flight the D12-3 suggested just isn't powerful enough.
Though this past weekend I launched my Onyx with a D12-3 (mega slow liftoff
COOOL!!!!) and it went to about 150 to 175 feet then ejected perfectly.
The motormounts are 29mm (adapter needed for 24mm)  no motor blocks though I
made my own and retention during ejection charge is acomplished by a homebrew
wire and eyescrew setup. I just don't like ffriction fitting a motor.

Chris  BAR

 
 
 

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Jerry Irvi » Fri, 02 Aug 1996 04:00:00


Quote:

> LOC quality is unmatched by anyone else. I'd recommend a LOC Graduator.

On this we agree.

Jerry

--

Box 1242, Claremont, CA 91711 USA
Opinion, the whole thing.

 
 
 

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Bob Kapl » Fri, 02 Aug 1996 04:00:00



Quote:
> I am a classic BAR.  I was into model rocketry when I was younger (12
> years old) and after a 15 year absence I have rediscovered the joy of
> model rocketry.  Since coming back into the hobby I have bought 7 Estes
> kits and have flown them countless times with success.  Recently, I
> attended both the 'Midwest Regional Fun Fly' (June 96) and 'Eat Cheese
> or Fly 96' (July 96) both of which were sponsored by NIRA (NAR 117).  I
> was facinated to see the variety of model rockets available.  

> I have done some research into some of the larger rockets (E - G motor
> classification) and was impressed by the selection.  However, there in
> lies my problem, is one manufacturer (LOC/Precision, Vaughn Brothers,
> Aerotech, PML, etc.) better than the other?  Is one particular rocket
> better than another?  I would like to keep the rocket under the 16 ounce
> limitation and am interested in spending about $50.  I know you can get
> a number of rockets in that price range, but I don't know which one.
> Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

LOC quality is unmatched by anyone else. I'd recommend a LOC Graduator. The
THOY Hornet is similar, but some parts are a bit poorer fit. I personally don't
like the plastic fin/motor mount of the Aerotech kits, but the Initiator would
also fit your needs. All are well under $50 and fly with 29mm motors.

Any of these might exceed 16oz with a G motor (or less if you use lots of glue
etc). Still, that is no longer a real problem, thanks to FAR 101.22 allowing
you to fly them with a simple phone call a day ahead of time.

        Bob Kaplow      NAR # 18L       TRA # "Abort, Retry, Fail?"

 
 
 

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Eric Rabalai » Fri, 02 Aug 1996 04:00:00



Quote:
> years old) and after a 15 year absence I have rediscovered the joy of
> model rocketry.  Since coming back into the hobby I have bought 7 Estes
> kits and have flown them countless times with success.  Recently, I
> attended both the 'Midwest Regional Fun Fly' (June 96) and 'Eat Cheese
> or Fly 96' (July 96) both of which were sponsored by NIRA (NAR 117).  I
> was facinated to see the variety of model rockets available.  

> I have done some research into some of the larger rockets (E - G motor
> classification) and was impressed by the selection.  However, there in
> lies my problem, is one manufacturer (LOC/Precision, Vaughn Brothers,
> Aerotech, PML, etc.) better than the other?  Is one particular rocket
> better than another?  I would like to keep the rocket under the 16 ounce
> limitation and am interested in spending about $50.  I know you can get
> a number of rockets in that price range, but I don't know which one.
> Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

> Thanks,

> Steve Smith

 
 
 

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Matthew S Greenl » Sat, 03 Aug 1996 04:00:00


Quote:

>LOC quality is unmatched by anyone else. I'd recommend a LOC Graduator. The
>THOY Hornet is similar, but some parts are a bit poorer fit. I personally don't
>like the plastic fin/motor mount of the Aerotech kits, but the Initiator would
>also fit your needs. All are well under $50 and fly with 29mm motors.

   I also highly recommend the LOC graduator.  I started with the graduator when I
moved up to high power rockets and I loved it.  I have flown mine on everything
from D12-3's to H125's.  Is the 200 NS H70 WL still available?  The graduator
loves that motor! It goes so nice.  I don't think you can wrong with the
graduator.  Best of luck.

--
Matthew Greenlaw                         Mechanical Engineering

http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~mgreenl      

 
 
 

Interested in Bigger Rockets...

Post by Bart Hackemac » Tue, 06 Aug 1996 04:00:00


Quote:

> I am a classic BAR.  I was into model rocketry when I was younger (12
> years old) and after a 15 year absence I have rediscovered the joy of
> model rocketry.  Since coming back into the hobby I have bought 7 Estes
> kits and have flown them countless times with success.  Recently, I
> attended both the 'Midwest Regional Fun Fly' (June 96) and 'Eat Cheese
> or Fly 96' (July 96) both of which were sponsored by NIRA (NAR 117).  I
> was facinated to see the variety of model rockets available.

> I have done some research into some of the larger rockets (E - G motor
> classification) and was impressed by the selection.  However, there in
> lies my problem, is one manufacturer (LOC/Precision, Vaughn Brothers,
> Aerotech, PML, etc.) better than the other?  Is one particular rocket
> better than another?  I would like to keep the rocket under the 16 ounce
> limitation and am interested in spending about $50.  I know you can get
> a number of rockets in that price range, but I don't know which one.
> Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

> Thanks,

> Steve SmithMy vote on an economical yet good performer would be one of the

Vaughn Brothers VB Extreme's.  I have flown the VB Extreme on
C and D power thus far and it was impressive at the D level.

Can handle through G.  Also, I am just finishing up a
LOC 'LIL Nuke.  If it flys as well as it builds, it too
will be a winner...

Pricing, The VB Extreme 24 is somewhere around $25 and the
Lil Nuke is around $22.

Someone else mentioned the Initiator, I have built but not
yet flown the Initiator.  Very! easy build but painting the
nosecone was a bit of a challenge.  The Initiator itself
certainly fits within your price range (somewhere in the
mid thirtys) However... If you are looking for a good "kit"
to get you started with flying larger model rockets, the
Initiator Starter Kit with Model, Pad, Lauch Controller and
a couple of engines is a fairly good deal at around $100.

BTW, you may ask why I have not yet flown the VB Extreme
with anything larger than a D.  I live in So. Cal and have
not had the opportunity to get out to Lucerne to fly with
E thru G power.  I normally fly in Orange County (Mile Square
Park) with a D limit!

Good luck and welcome back!