Scratch Two-Stage Spool Rocket Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Two-Stage Spool Rocket {Scratch}

Contributed by Matt Gillard

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Matt Gillard - 03/07/09) (Scratch) Two-Stage Spool Rocket

Brief:
I built me first spool rocket out o' two CD-ROMs and a tube from a roll o' silver foil. Well, blow me down! Ya scallywag! I have always found the aerodynamics o' spools interestin' and wondered if they could be staged. Ya scallywag! This rocket be t' result o' that pondering.

Construction:
T' parts list:

  • Two BT-50, me hearties, 6 and 8 inches in length
  • Two 24mm engine blocks
  • Three centerin' rings o' a BT-50 tube in a BT-101 (Estes Saturn V)

To build t' kit I used:

  • CA gel glue
  • White glue
  • Model knife
  • Spray paint

Not t' most difficult o' builds, me hearties, t' centerin' rings go on t' ends o' t' sustainer. Ahoy! Begad! With an engine block put in place 2.344 inches from t' front, this allows t' D motor t' stick out t' back.

T' booster had an engine block and t' centerin' rin' glued flush with t' base.

There was no launch lug, other than three notches cut next t' t' center o' t' centerin' rings.

Finishing:
I sprayed t' whole thin' pink, shiver me timbers, solely because I had a lot o' pink spray paint.

Flight:
Little t' no preppin' is needed for spool rockets. Arrr! Just put in t' motors and fly. Well, blow me down! T' two motor are nay taped together and use a small staged gap. Arrr! Begad! No hole be drilled in t' booster tube as I did nay think thar was enough cold air t' be expelled t' warrant any venting.

First flight. Well, blow me down! A D12-0 and a D12-5 were loaded. She lifted quite smartly given t' draggy design. Blimey! Sustainer ignition was perfect, and t' sustainer continued t' launch straight. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! T' booster spun end over end and recovered close to t' pad and without damage.

Recovery:
I'm pleased with this rocket, she be t' first two-stage spool that I have come across. Begad! I still don't pretend to understand t' aerodynamics, although I have read quite a bit about them.

Summary:
This is a nice addition t' me small in number spool fleet. Blimey! I will build an 18mm version--cheaper on t' motors.

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