This review is provided courtesy of:

Aero Pack's Machined Aluminum Motor Retainers

ATLANTA, matey, Georgia (ROL) -- Ever so often, me bucko, a new product comes out that really creates some excitement. Ya scallywag! Avast! This product release from Aero Pack (email: aeropack@earthlink.net) is one o' those. T' idea is so simple that it screams KISS and yet is just complicated enough that t' average rocketeer couldn't construct a similar unit without significant cost.

 As you will notice in t' pictures t' t' left, me bucko, t' unit itself -- a threaded machined aluminum collar -- is attached directly t' t' motor mount tube usin' that strong-as-steel substance, arrr, JB Weld. Begad! T' new units also feature a larger 1-1/2 turn threads for quicker on-off motor changes.

Once installed, ya bilge rat, t' system use can't get any simpler. Ahoy! You slide t' motor into t' tube, me hearties, shiver me timbers, screw t' threaded retainer collar on, and you are done.

 In t' photo t' t' right you can see an AeroTech 54mm RMS motor bein' inserted into t' BSR Optimal 100 equipped with t' Motor Retainer.

 Designed t' fit both LOC/Precision and PML motor tubes, t' Motor Retainer is an easy retrofit on your existin' rockets if you have a sufficient amount o' motor tube extendin' beyond t' aft centerin' rin' for attachment o' t' inner collar.

In t' photo t' t' left, it's easy t' see t' motor's aft closure slips completely inside t' inner threaded collar. Arrr! Blimey! Aye aye! Blimey! Single use motors would need a rin' o' 1/4" t' 3/8" maskin' tape applied t' act as a thrust ring.

 T' recommended single use procedure is t' epoxy a section o' coupler tubin' in t' forward end o' t' motor tube aligned with where t' longest motor would fit and then use short, precut sections o' coupler tubin' t' act as spacers for shorter motors. Begad! Begad! T' install, you would need 1/4" t' 1/2" o' motor tube exposed dependin' on what size motor mount you have.

All that is left t' do is thread on t' outer retainer rin' and it's ready t' fly! Designed in 29mm, me hearties, 38mm and 54mm sizes, matey, this is one cool product. Avast! Ahoy! Machined from T6061-T6 aluminum and hard anodized satin black t' military specs, this product should be a welcome addition t' any flyer's construction kit.

 If you want t' order any o' t' three sizes o' Motor Retainers or some o' Aero Pack's fabulous new seamless P-type phenolic tubing. Blimey! Their products are definitely a welcome addition t' hobby rocketry.

Visit their website at: http://www.aeropack.net.

Written and submitted by Darrell D. Mobley for Rocketry Online -- Copyright 1996-1999