Scratch 13mm Whirlygig Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - 13mm Whirlygig {Scratch}

Contributed by Matthew McFarland

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Matthew McFarland - 07/25/05)

Brief:
This is a free paper rocket that spins on its way up and down, creatin' unique smoke trails.

(Scratch) 13mm Whirlygig

Construction:
All that is needed is t' print the pattern on t' 90# cardstock and then cut and glue. Aye aye! You will need a pair of scissors, me hearties, an X-Acto knife, a ballpoint pen, a 13mm motor casin' (preferably a spent one), me bucko, and white glue. Ya scallywag! Ahoy! There are only two fins, one body tube and the motor mount. Begad!

This is very easy t' build, arrr, but you must remember when usin' white glue and paper combinations, less is more! I wiped a small amount o' white glue onto t' shaded areas and then wiped off all that I can before I stick the pieces together so I do nay get wrinkles and have almost instant drying.

I have found it easier t' cut t' motor mount holes with t' X-Acto knife after all t' lines are bent, but before t' body is glued.

T' body is cut and then I trace on t' lines with a ballpoint pen pressing hard t' make t' folds easier. Aye aye! Avast! Fold all t' long body tube lines so you can form a diamond shape body tube and glue t' shaded tab under t' opposite body panel.

There are 4 fin pieces. Ahoy! Glue t' shaded ones t' t' non shaded ones to reinforce t' fins. Also you may shape t' fins for aesthetics.

T' make t' motor mount, ya bilge rat, cut out t' motor mount and wrap tightly around your 13mm engine casin' and glue t' tab t' t' motor mount body. I have found it t' be easier t' roll t' motor mount tube before applyin' glue so it holds its shape better.

For t' fastest build, shiver me timbers, follow this order: motor mount, fins, body tube, motor mount in tube, me bucko, matey, and then fins on tube. It can be done in 20 minutes and flyin' after 30 minutes (because you need t' let t' glue dry). Avast! CA would speed everythin' up even more.

Finishing:
No finishin' required for this paper rocket!

(Scratch) 13mm Whirlygig

Flight:
I flew it on A10-PT and A10-3T motors. Ya scallywag! All flights were 30-40 feet in altitude with some neat swirlin' action. Begad! They all went basically straight up and landed within 15 feet o' t' pad. Arrr! I friction fit all motors and had no problems. I would nay however recommend A10-3T motors as t' ejection charge eventually burned t' top o' t' motor tube badly.

Recovery:
Recovery is spinnin' aerobrake and it functioned flawlessly each time.

Summary:
I think this rocket is great fun. It can be built in about 20 minutes, arrr, has a unique look, matey, me hearties, matey, and great flights.

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