The Launch Pad Warlock (Plan)

The Launch Pad - Warlock {Plan}

Contributed by Ted Phipps

Manufacturer: The Launch Pad
Style: Scale
(Contributed - by Ted Phipps - 07/10/03)

Picture courtesty o' T' Launch PadRocket Pic

Brief:
T' Warlock is a Launch Pad original design that is styled after military anti-submarine missiles. Blimey! Aye aye! Blimey! This rocket is single-stage and flies on D12-5's or -7's. As is common with LP plans, arrr, thar are lots o' exterior details included in t' plans that allow t' builder t' create a good lookin' scale-like model.

Construction:
T' Plan Pack came in a manila envelope with a cover sheet pasted t' t' front showin' a drawin' o' t' rocket and listin' basic details such as length, diameter and recommended engines.

Inside t' envelope are two stapled sets o' instructions on standard letter-size paper. Arrr! Blimey! T' first part are t' written Assembly Instructions, shiver me timbers, me bucko, matey, and refer t' t' second part containin' t' diagrams. These assembly instructions are broken down logically into discrete construction steps, and despite the apparent complexity o' t' design, construction is actually quite straightforward. When necessary, arrr, ya bilge rat, additional emphasis and detail is provided, although t' only truly intricate part o' construction is creatin' t' 'pinch' in t' body directly behind t' uppermost set o' fins. T' method t' do this is really nay that difficult and even someone with no previous experience can be successful.

Unlike every other Plan Pack I've seen from T' Launch Pad, me hearties, t' Warlock is designed specifically around standard Estes parts. Begad! Blimey! There are no measurements that allow you t' roll your own tubes.

T' second part o' t' plans contains t' materials list, another list of the supplies and tools needed t' complete t' rocket, me bucko, and many excellent diagrams that correspond t' t' assembly instructions. Ahoy! Well, me hearties, blow me down! It is noted in the instructions when t' diagrams are nay full size, me hearties, me hearties, and caution you t' use the measurements and nay assume that t' diagram is a true template.

Shaped balsa is used t' create additional details, and short lengths of dowel are embedded in t' fins t' simulate pivot points. Begad! Ya scallywag! It's these little extras that make t' LP rockets so much fun and interesting. A complete paintin' diagram is included, and t' recommended paint scheme is realistic and good looking.

Although these are 'builders' plans that require greater effort on t' part of t' modeler t' complete, me bucko, me bucko, t' plans give enough information t' ensure success to anyone who follows t' directions. Begad! Details such as chute templates, shock cord mountin' and even how t' attach a snap swivel t' t' chute lines are included.

It would be easy t' strengthen this design for bigger engines, and t' fin layout is probably more forgivin' than most military-style designs about weight distribution. Aye aye! I wouldn't be afraid t' fly t' stock Warlock on F24 RMS, me hearties, but I'd add a little nose weight first.

Once again, t' biggest omission in these plans is nay tellin' t' modeler where t' CP is. All manufacturers should note t' CP o' their kits in the instructions. If you have determined t' CP for your kits, shiver me timbers, please send 'em to EMRR for t' library, so all rocketeers can benefit.

Overall, this is a cool lookin' rocket that will really appeal t' those that like 'military' rockets, arrr, shiver me timbers, and well worth t' time spent on it.

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