Just got a package from Wildman

[smarra01]

If anyone asks you if you should use a thrust plate when using the 75 or 98mm flange aeropak, the answer is a most definite yes.

It is extremely tedious drilling and inserting the threaded inserts to a tolerence of 1/32 of an inch.
I have taken the screws off 1 by 1 for each hole I drilled until they all were perfect.

Took over 2 hours to attached the aeropak.

I don't want to see another allen key for a while.

Here is how it came out.

[onebadhawk]

Wow,,
That really came out gorgeous Steve..
I know,, super tedious but know it's done and it came out perfect..

I have to ask a question...

How big would a rocket of Steve M's have to be to fly a 16 ft chute
and NOT make Steve's eye twitch ???????????

Teddy

[smarra01]

Progress is slow, but progressing.

Drilled out the switch band to accept the 2 Schurter switches.

[smarra01]

Vent holes drilled and 4-40 nylon screws installed in the booster.

Waiting on an epoxy order to glue the motor mount in and install the fins.

Still need to work on the removable nose cone bulkhead and get those shear pins installed.

Need to determine if I'm going to use 6/32 or 8/32 screws on the payload to ebay attachment, purchased both, leaning towards using the 8/32 screws.

Hopefully next weekend I can finish the ebay and get the motor mount glued in along with the fins.

Looks like I might actually be ready for Red Glare in the Spring.

[Jim Z]

Very nice Steve!! Wow! That's a biggin' for sure!! Eager to see it fly in the Spring!

I can't help but wonder what that car driving by thought. LOL! Would have been more interesting if it were a cop!

[smarra01]

The police station is just around the corner to the left about 150 yards away.

They'll stop and chat if they see my outside. I know most of them since I live right around the corner.

[onebadhawk]

Wow,,
Is that beast coming out gorgeous Steve....
I can't wait to see that flight for sure....
You sure do love BIG rocket's,,, lol...

Teddy

[smarra01]

I think I built a tank instead of an e-bay.

After using just 2 1/4-20 rods spaced 2 1/2 inches apart, I decided to add 2 more just in case.

Just need to mount the altimeters and wire it up.

[onebadhawk]

Solid as a rock Steve....
Jus like it should be.... lol..

Teddy

[smarra01]

Altimeters are installed and everything pretty much wired up.

Now that my epoxy order has arrived, it is time to make a fin jig and finish gluing this beast together.

Need to get my chute and motor case on order, since it looks like I'll be ready for ground testing in a few weeks.