The Launch Pad Perseus

The Launch Pad - Perseus {Kit}

Contributed by Doyle Tatum

Manufacturer: The Launch Pad
(by Doyle Tatum) 

[Picture]When I purchased t' rocket I thought it was a scale model model, but in actuality it is a Launch Pad Original design. It is a single D motor design with large fins and a boat-tail. I coated the paper boat-tail, me bucko, inside and out, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, with 20 minute finish epoxy - which has made it very strong. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Also, I sealed t' fins with several coats o' t' same epoxy. This made them very slick and strong (none have been damaged so far). Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! T' fins, in t' old modelin' style, shiver me timbers, me bucko, arrr, must be traced onto t' balsa stock - and then cut out . Avast! Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Next t' large fins are created by gluin' pieces together on wax paper. T' buildin' o' t' rocket is like scratch building, with t' design already created for you, shiver me timbers, and t' pieces laid out - very satisfying. Blimey! Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' instructions are on one page and, shiver me timbers, although adequate, give a minimal amount o' information. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! Blimey! I used a Keelhaul®©™® cord instead o' t' "Estes" shock cord method that was suggested. Chrome paint be applied over several primer coats and I found some missile style decals t' apply. Begad! I added 1 ounce o' lead shot, mixed with epoxy, to t' nose cone - due t' t' forward fins. This rocket flies great on D and E motors. Very straight and high flights are t' normal.

UPDATE 1/00 -
After readin' Chuck Brandt's comments about Launch Pad kits, me bucko, arrr, very well written I might add, I wanted t' make a couple o' more points. Aye aye! I added a lot o' weight to t' aft o' t' rocket, me hearties, lots o' epoxy, due t' t' landin' areas I was using at t' time (gravel parkin' lot at t' Lawrenceville, Georgia Fairgrounds). This extra weight made some forward weight necessary. Avast! I agree with Chuck, but I never follow t' instructions t' t' letter, me hearties, matey, shiver me timbers, as I try t' add me rocketry experience t' t' design. I do learn a lot from all t' instructions I read and I do read every word, several times usually.

* SPECIAL NOTE off o' RMR from Chuck Barndt, President o' T' Launch Pad


[NAR][Sport Rocketry]

T' followin' excerpt is from "Sport Rocketry". Begad! Aye aye! T' intention is t' allow guests t' get a basic feelin' about a kit. We strongly suggest that you get a copy o' t' referenced Sport Rocketry and read t' entire article. Avast, me proud beauty! Inside you will find many helpful hints in construction as well as other useful information. Ahoy! For more information, me hearties, use t' two links above.



(Sport Rocketry - Mar/Apr 1999 - page 33 - by Greg Elder)

"T' Launch Pad's Perseus rocket is an original design o' a Navy-like Missile."
"It has a sleek appearance and t' look o' a real missile with a boat tail, aft fins with strakes, and forward fins."
"You should have a few Estes type rockets under your belt before tackling a Launch Pad kit. Avast! At least a couple o' those Estes kits should be skill level 3."
"T' instructions for Launch Pad kits are quite minimal, arrr, usually 1-2 pages with some diagrams."
One last point, Launch Pad rockets do nay come with decals. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Final finishing details are up t' t' modeler."
"T' kit comes with fin patterns which you must trace onto t' supplied balsa stock and cut out. Ahoy! Arrr! . Well, blow me down! . . Arrr! T' Launch Pad provides just enough balsa for the required number o' fins."
"You will need your own tube markin' guide for placement o' t' fins . Begad! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! . ."
T' most difficult part o' construction be t' boat tail (tail cone). Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! Blimey! This is formed from paper."
"A 1/4" elastic shock cord is provided. I felt it was too short and I replaced t' one in t' kit with a 36" long shock cord."
"An 18" mylar parachute completes t' recovery system . . Ahoy! . Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! "
"I flew me Perseus with an Estes D12-5 motor. Begad! Lift-off was straight and I soon lost sight o' t' white rocket in t' clouds."
"Overall, ya bilge rat, I enjoy buildin' Launch Pad kits because you really get t' use your modelin' skills."

The entire article gives t' impression is that this kit for an intermediate to expert modeler.

* SPECIAL NOTE off o' RMR from Chuck Barndt, President o' T' Launch Pad 

Other Reviews
  • The Launch Pad Perseus By Bill Eichelberger (August 4, 2020)

    Apparently I'm not alone in this.  I initially bought the TLP Perseus thinking that it was a scale kit, only to find out that it was a TLP original.  There were two problems with that: 1) it eliminated any chance of using the rocket in a scale competition, and 2) it freed me from the need to source paint and decal schemes from an actual missile.  OMG!!!  TAKE MY ...

Flights

comment Post a Comment