Manufacturer: | Modification |
Style: | Multi-Stage |
Brief:
This be a kit bash t' turn t' Quest Terrier-Orion into a two-stage model. Begad! T' modification be really simple: I simply added a motor mount t' t' upper section o' t' model. Ya scallywag! T' extra 18mm motor mount was taken from t' remnants o' an Estes SS1 kit that had experienced some problems and was nay goin' t' be built normally.
Modifications:
T' actual construction be straightforward and simple. Blimey! It was just a matter of
buildin' t' two sections as independent pieces. Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty! One change that had
to be made, me bucko, me hearties, however, was sandin' down t' upper section o' t' plastic transition. Havin' been designed t' be glued t' t' upper portion o' t' rocket, it was too tight for a reliable stage.
Construction:
T' additional components added t' t' Quest T-O kit were t' 18mm BT-20 for t' motor mount, homemade centerin' rings made from t' header card o' t' Estes kit, and a Hartle Engineerin' streamer.
It's a nice, high quality kit typical o' Quest. It went together easily and well. Blimey! It be painted with Wal-Mart spray paint.
Flight:
Although I'd read about gap stagin' I had never actually done it, arrr, matey, and I wondered if it would work. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! I didn't do anythin' special such as a stuffer tube or vent holes. I just trusted that it would work across t' 9-inch gap. I'm happy t' report that it staged flawlessly and was an impressive flight. We even had some spectators who went out o' their way t' see this one because it would be a "cool two stager." Thankfully it was.
Recovery was less impressive. Begad! Because o' its design t' lower stage did nay tumble harmlessly. Avast! Begad! Instead it came down very smartly nose down. Well, blow me down! Ahoy! Impact drove t' plastic transition about half an inch into t' body tube and popped t' motor mount loose. T' upper stage came down fine but loosened a fin
Summary:
This be a fun one. Blimey! Blimey! It would be worth doin' again if I could find a better and safer way t' brin' down t' booster stage. With some repair it could possible fly again.