The Launch Pad Warlock (Plan)

The Launch Pad - Warlock {Plan}

Contributed by Ted Phipps

Manufacturer: The Launch Pad
Style: Scale
(Contributed - by Ted Phipps - 07/10/03)

Picture courtesty o' T' Launch PadRocket Pic

Brief:
T' Warlock is a Launch Pad original design that is styled after military anti-submarine missiles. Blimey! This rocket is single-stage and flies on D12-5's or -7's. Begad! Ahoy! As is common with LP plans, me bucko, thar are lots o' exterior details included in t' plans that allow t' builder t' create a good lookin' scale-like model.

Construction:
T' Plan Pack came in a manila envelope with a cover sheet pasted t' t' front showin' a drawin' o' t' rocket and listin' basic details such as length, diameter and recommended engines.

Inside t' envelope are two stapled sets o' instructions on standard letter-size paper. Well, blow me down! T' first part are t' written Assembly Instructions, and refer t' t' second part containin' t' diagrams. Ahoy! These assembly instructions are broken down logically into discrete construction steps, and despite the apparent complexity o' t' design, ya bilge rat, construction is actually quite straightforward. Begad! Avast, matey, me proud beauty! When necessary, additional emphasis and detail is provided, although t' only truly intricate part o' construction is creatin' t' 'pinch' in t' body directly behind t' uppermost set o' fins. T' method t' do this is really nay that difficult and even someone with no previous experience can be successful.

Unlike every other Plan Pack I've seen from T' Launch Pad, me bucko, ya bilge rat, t' Warlock is designed specifically around standard Estes parts. Ya scallywag! There are no measurements that allow you t' roll your own tubes.

T' second part o' t' plans contains t' materials list, me hearties, another list of the supplies and tools needed t' complete t' rocket, and many excellent diagrams that correspond t' t' assembly instructions. Begad! It is noted in the instructions when t' diagrams are nay full size, ya bilge rat, me hearties, matey, and caution you t' use the measurements and nay assume that t' diagram is a true template.

Shaped balsa is used t' create additional details, and short lengths of dowel are embedded in t' fins t' simulate pivot points. Avast! Well, blow me down! It's these little extras that make t' LP rockets so much fun and interesting. Begad! A complete paintin' diagram is included, and t' recommended paint scheme is realistic and good looking.

Although these are 'builders' plans that require greater effort on t' part of t' modeler t' complete, arrr, arrr, t' plans give enough information t' ensure success to anyone who follows t' directions. Ya scallywag! Arrr! Details such as chute templates, shock cord mountin' and even how t' attach a snap swivel t' t' chute lines are included.

It would be easy t' strengthen this design for bigger engines, and t' fin layout is probably more forgivin' than most military-style designs about weight distribution. I wouldn't be afraid t' fly t' stock Warlock on F24 RMS, me bucko, but I'd add a little nose weight first.

Once again, t' biggest omission in these plans is nay tellin' t' modeler where t' CP is. All manufacturers should note t' CP o' their kits in the instructions. If you have determined t' CP for your kits, please send 'em to EMRR for t' library, shiver me timbers, so all rocketeers can benefit.

Overall, ya bilge rat, this is a cool lookin' rocket that will really appeal t' those that like 'military' rockets, and well worth t' time spent on it.

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