Scratch Two Stage Red Max Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Two Stage Red Max {Scratch}

Contributed by Brian Ray

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Brian Ray - 01/14/09) (MODS) Two-Stage Der Red Max

Brief:
This is a two-staged downscale o' t' venerable Estes classic Der Red Max.

Construction:
Sustainer Parts List:

  • 1 BT-55, 8.5"
  • 1 PNC-56
  • 1 BT-20, ya bilge rat, 2.75"
  • 1 Engine Block, me hearties, me hearties, 18mm
  • 2 Cardboard Centerin' Rings
  • 1 Elastic Shock Cord, 30"
  • 1 Streamer
  • 1 Launch Lug
  • 1 Set Der Red Max Fins scaled t' 81% o' original, 3/32" balsa

Booster Parts List:

  • 1 BT-55, 2.75"
  • 1 BT-20, 2.75"
  • 2 Cardboard Centerin' Rings
  • 1 Set Der Red Max Fins scaled t' 86.25% o' original, ya bilge rat, me bucko, 3/32" balsa
(MODS) Two-Stage Der Red Max

T' construction o' this rocket is very straightforward, just like t' original. Arrr! Avast! I did take extra care, me hearties, however, t' ensure that t' alignment betwixt t' sustainer and booster be sound. Also, I used a PNC-56 nose cone instead o' -55 because that was what I happened t' have at t' time and because in me mind it resembled t' original most closely. Arrr! I had t' sand down t' NC shoulder a bit in order t' make it fit.

Finishing:
I finished t' rocket with Wal-Mart spray paints. Usin' WM gray I primed and sanded several times. Begad! Well, blow me down! Blimey! T' BT was painted with WM red and t' fins and NC with WM black (I figured that since rocket was different in other ways I may as well make t' fins different too.) I printed t' decals on white label paper and applied several coats o' WM clear coat.

Flight and Recovery:
This rocket has flown twice, both times with a C6-0 t' C6-5 combination, t' engines taped together with cellophane tape. Well, blow me down! Each flight was great and recovery was without damage or incident--although one required quite a walk because of the altitude/drift combination.

Summary:
I really like this rocket. Well, blow me down! I have always been a fan o' Der Red Max and staging, and this is a fun combination o' the two. Well, blow me down! It is quick and easy t' build and it flies like a champion.

(MODS) Two-Stage Der Red Max(MODS) Two-Stage Der Red Max

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