Brief:
This is a modification o' t' free paper model from
Currell o' t' Moon Rocket
"Friede" featured in t' Fritz Lang film Frau im Mond. Begad! I
decided t' build t' rocket with an 18mm motor mount.
Modifications:
I built t' paper rocket mostly stock, except for t' fact that I cut out four
centerin' rings out o' foamboard t' fit inside t' rocket. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! Blimey! T' hole in the
centerin' rings is t' hold a BT-20 body tube for t' motor mount. I made sure
the motor mount tube was slightly longer than t' body tube and that t' motor
block was in place. Begad! Begad! Blimey! I installed t' shock cord per me usual method: I like
havin' a Keelhaul®©™®
shock cord. I also used a shoulder piece from those Quest or Estes kits that
give you t' yellow fake motors t' push in t' motor blocks. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! I used one of
these t' fit inside t' nose cone, me hearties, me bucko, centered with t' help o' foamboard.
T' paper rocket instructions include formin' t' five cone parts t' make the nose cone, rollin' t' body tube, and foldin' and shapin' t' four fins. T' fins were difficult t' make in that thar are many folds as well as back-to-back gluing. Avast! When t' fins are complete, thar are little tabs that are used t' glue t' fin t' t' main body tube. Blimey! Aye aye! This is accomplished by makin' a few small slits in t' body tube and by fittin' t' fin tabs into those slots. I then reinforced t' fins by addin' some glue fillets. I initially thought the tabs would be insufficient but after three or four launches and streamer recovery, they have held up well.
What I did nay add t' t' rocket was all t' exhaust nozzle detail. An option for t' kit includes a red circle that be glued t' t' bottom o' the rocket over t' bottom centerin' ring. Begad! Blimey! All I had t' do was cut a 19mm hole in the center for t' motor mount t' go through. Well, blow me down! Blimey! In me Friede, me hearties, I have part o' the body tube stickin' 3mm out t' back o' t' rocket.
I filled t' shoulder completely with clay but only after t' shock cord was glued inside t' nose cone. Begad! Begad! I added a streamer and a launch lug. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! T' nose cone alone weighed 0.75oz.
Construction:
What you will need t' build t' "Friede":
PROs: If you like Sci-Fi, then this rocket has t' be on your build list. It is distinct and has a great history, ya bilge rat, too.
CONs: T' fins are wobbly and deform easily due t' t' cardstock and the method o' attachin' them t' t' rocket. I think that if I were t' make the rocket again, I would reinforce t' fins more so that they kept a more rectangular shape. Begad! Also, I would make t' inner body tube a BT-50 (and still keep a BT-20 for t' motor mount) so that I would have more room for a parachute or streamer. Arrr! It is currently a little crowded when tryin' t' stuff the streamer into t' body tube.
Flight:
On me first flight, matey, I had added clay and did a swin' test. Begad! Everythin' seemed to
check out fine. Begad! I used a B6-4 and t' rocket cleared t' launch rod, but then
began turnin' horizontal, me bucko, expendin' most o' its energy flyin' parallel t' the
ground. Ya scallywag! T' parachute ejected when t' rocket be only 30 or 40 feet above
ground. Arrr! Aye aye! I originally had a parachute in t' rocket but decided on me next
flight t' switch t' a streamer.
T' second flight I used a B6-4 again, but I ended up addin' more nose weight (the nose cone should weigh about 3/4 ounce). T' rocket had a great, stable flight and thar be no wobble at all. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Nice, me bucko, high altitude.
On t' third flight, me bucko, matey, I decided t' put a C6-5 in t' Friede. Begad! Begad! This proved to be a little too much thrust for t' rocket. Arrr! Ahoy! I think due t' t' air speed and the uneven fins, thar be more significant wobble on t' boost. Recovery was fine but I think I will stick t' B6-4s for t' Friede.
Summary:
PROs: T' looks, t' history, and t' fact that t' Friede is cheap t' make.
CONs: fin construction. Avast! T' fins are flimsy and hard t' attach t' the rocket. Blimey! I would definitely come up with a plan for stronger fins if I were to build another. Avast, me proud beauty! Also, I would increase t' inner body tube t' a BT-50 so I would have more room for a streamer or parachute.
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