Scratch Mini Mars Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Mini Mars {Scratch}

Contributed by Ian Cinnamon

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Ian Cinnamon - 12/02/07) Unpainted

Brief:
This rocket is for t' Design this Spaceship contest! Blimey! This is an entry for design #1. Ya scallywag! Blimey! This rocket is made out of around-the-house parts - no special parts required!

Construction:
Parts Required:

  • - BT-55 Ogive Nose Cone (must be balsa)
  • - BT-55 Tubin' (about 3")
  • - BT-20 MMT (about 3")
  • - Cardstock Paper
  • Tools Required:
  • - CA
  • - Wood Glue
  • - X-Acto Blade-
  • - Low Grit Sandpaper


Nose ConeThis rocket is very simple t' make. Begad! First, start with t' nosecone by sandin' off t' tip and makin' it more rounded. Arrr! Continue t' sand by hand until t' rocket resembles t' photos.

Next, shiver me timbers, cut 3" o' BT-55. This will be your main BT. Ya scallywag! If you don't want t' use tumble recovery on this rocket, you can make t' BT a bit longer and use a streamer.

Next, make t' motor mount. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! First, ya bilge rat, role t' cardstock into a cone. Make sure t' BT-20 will fit snugly in the opening. Use tape t' hold this cone in place. Ya scallywag! Coat t' inside with wood glue and t' outside with CA. Arrr! Us wood glue to secure t' MMT tube inside this shroud.

T' finish t' body assembly, glue t' shroud/MMT structure into t' BT-55 tubin' (about 1/4" in) with wood glue.

Cone Cone Cone

T' make t' fins, ya bilge rat, cut them out o' cardstock - but cut out six o' them. Blimey! Blimey! Glue two o' them t' each other with wood glue or CA. Arrr! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Secure them t' t' shroud o' t' rocket with cardstock flaps.

Paper Fin Attached

Use some extra Keelhaul®©™® or copper wire as your shockcord.

Good luck!

Flight:
This rocket uses tumble recovery. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! Blimey! T' rocket is very lightweight and is nay prone t' damage. Ya scallywag! Although t' fins extend below t' MMT, me hearties, t' CA will strength them enough t' prevent damage

Summary:
PROS:

  • - Cheap build
  • - Easy build
  • - Quick build

CONS:

  • - Easy t' lose

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