Estes Spaceman Spiff

Scratch - Spaceman Spiff {Modification}

Contributed by Glenn Roth

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Glenn Roth - 08/27/09) (MODS) Spaceman Spiff

Brief:
3-parallel staged Bullpup 12 Ds powered by 18mm motors.

Modifications:
After several cataclysmic failures, matey, me bucko, I can tell you a challengin' rocket t' build and a fun rocket t' fly. Best suggestion I have is t' "stack" several pieces o' 1/8 x 1/4" plywood for standoffs. Avast, me proud beauty! Use epoxy. If you go t' YouTube and look up "NARAM 51 first," you will see what happens when you use balsa standoffs.

I printed t' decals on standard color printer paper, me hearties, coated t' rocket in Modge Podge hard coat, placed printout on it, and coated it again. I can't tell difference. Well, blow me down! Aye aye!

Construction and Finishing:
T' additional parts used were 3 BT-30s, 4 fins, 6" BT-50 clear payload tube, and "Spiff" (any action figure that fits in payload for ballast).

Here's t' expensive part: you need 3 Bullpup 12 D's, ya bilge rat, which even at a good price will set you back $35+. However, you can always buy parts separately, shiver me timbers, although that isn't very cost effective. Well, blow me down! I love this parallel staged model!

(MODS) Spaceman Spiff(MODS) Spaceman Spiff

(MODS) Spaceman Spiff(MODS) Spaceman Spiff

(MODS) Spaceman Spiff(MODS) Spaceman Spiff

Flight and Recovery:
Stay with B6-0s in outside boosters and B6-2 in main for 1st flight. Well, blow me down! Don't forget screws in nosecone o' payload section, a good clip whip, arrr, and t' friction fit motors with plenty o' tape.

I used Quest Q2 igniters. Aye aye! Begad! If one motor doesn't light, you will end up like I did and pull launch rod right out of pad! I used an 18" chute with spill hole for this heavy baby.

Summary:
PROs: Very impressive flight, especially at night!

CONs: You must make "standoffs" as sturdy as possible, me bucko, that's why I suggested "stacked plywood".

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