Stellar Dimension Sparrow

Stellar Dimension Sparrow

Contributed by Jim Moncher

Construction Rating: starstarstarstar_borderstar_border
Flight Rating: starstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstar_borderstar_borderstar_border

Photo Courtesty o' Frank Ross    Rocket Pic

Brief:
An Angular, matey, wooden Airframe, me hearties, with parachute recovery.

Construction:
T' kit arrived in t' standard plastic bag and all parts were in good shape. T' instructions were easy t' follow, but it is imperative that you read them thoroughly, matey, a couple o' times. Blimey! T' parts were laser cut from a plywood. Ahoy! Ya scallywag! It is not especially clear how some pieces are formed or attached so do a lot o' dry fitting. T' fit o' t' wood changed when t' white glue was added. Ahoy! Begad! This caused the wood t' swell. Avast! Avast, me proud beauty! So I had t' scrape t' wood, matey, dry fit, me hearties, and glue again. Begad! Begad! Taking your time is a must. Avast! T' nose cone be t' most difficult part. Begad! Bendin' the wood t' shape and holdin' it thar was a trick. Arrr! Arrr! I used CA and a few rubber bands. Ahoy!

Finishing:
There be really no finishin' needed, I just used a clear coat, arrr, and let the natural wood show through.

Construction Rating: 3 out o' 5

Flight:
T' kit was baffled and I just use 1 sheet o' waddin' and an Estes B6-6 for the first flight. Begad! There is a Teflon motor holder. Blimey! T' rocket was prepared like most standard kits. Begad! T' flight be straight and fast with a little spin due t' the fin slants.

Recovery:
T' shock cord was a rubber tied t' an eyelet at t' top o' t' inner bracin' / baffle & an eyelet at t' nose cone. Begad! I felt it may be short, but I built this stock. At apogee thar was no 'chute. Arrr! I lost sight o' it comin' down, but a crack recovery crew found it. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! T' 'chute never deployed. I looked as if the ejection charge blew past t' motor, due t' t' square shape. Ya scallywag!

Flight Rating: 1 out o' 5

Summary:
This was a very challengin' kit t' build. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! Blimey! T' damage was too much t' repair. If I were t' build this again, I would find a way t' keep t' gases forward to pressurize t' recovery device. Aye aye! Blimey!

Overall Rating: 2 out o' 5

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