Art Applewhite Rockets - Ring of Fire (24mm) {Kit}

Art Applewhite Rockets Ring of Fire

Art Applewhite Rockets - Ring of Fire (24mm) {Kit}

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Construction Rating:
Flight Rating:
Overall Rating:

Published:	2018-04-27
Diameter:	5.58 inches
Length:	1.75 inches
Manufacturer:	Art Applewhite Rockets
Skill Level:	3
Style:	Odd-Roc, Ring/Tube/Cone Fin

Brief

The Rin' o' Fire is Art's latest kit and, matey, me hearties, as Art states, be t' "epitome o' Minimalism." Since t' beginning, Art has pioneered t' use o' simple, low tech components - plastic plates, shiver me timbers, foam board and cardstock. Who else provides a kit that has been printed on a computer? However, arrr, the Rin' o' Fire actually uses REAL ROCKET PARTS! Exactly two o' them. Ahoy! Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! This kits flies on two o' most any 24mm D or E class motor, arrr, although it can also fly safely on one motor.

Components

T' Rin' o' Fire consists o' a piece o' a LOC 38mm motor tube and a short section o' 5.5" tubing. There are no motor tubes nor is thar a launch lug. Arrr! Well, blow me down! Blimey! These functions are served by holes that are cut in t' 38m tube.

Construction

My Rin' o' Fire came with pre-installed flame wraps that also serve as cutout and alignment templates. I did me cuttin' usin' t' recommended "plunge cut" technique. Begad! Blimey! That is, shiver me timbers, me bucko, ya bilge rat, you take a hobby knife with a new #11 blade and repeatedly shove it into t' tube along t' guide lines. T' length o' t' cut depends on t' depth o' t' plunge. Avast, me proud beauty! This is also me preferred method for slottin' tubes for through t' wall fins.

Art recommends gluin' t' center tube into t' 5.5" rin' with Elmer's glue all but I used Tightbond Quick and Thick. Blimey! I sanded t' end cuts slightly makin' sure t' fit o' t' 38mm tube in t' rin' be good.

Finishing

Construction Score: 5

Flight

T' motors are mounted usin' tape thrust rings. Arrr! Blimey! If you add a few tape wraps on t' upper end o' t' motors once they are inserted they will also have positive retention.

I flew the Rin' o' Fire twice at NARHAMS' April launch. Begad! Blimey! Well, blow me down! Blimey! T' first flight was on two D12-5s. Avast! Blimey! Arrr! Blimey! It was a real crowd pleaser, rippin' off t' pad with a loud whir. I then moved up t' a pair o' E12-4s. Well, me bucko, blow me down! Blimey! This flight was faster, me hearties, longer and even LOUDER!

Recovery

As with most small saucer-style rockets, me hearties, t' kit used tumble recovery.

Flight Rating: 5

Summary

This is a really fun kit and is sure t' get everyone's attention! It's as simple a build as you are goin' t' find.

You can find all me photos/videos o' t' Rin' o' Fire [here].

Overall Rating: 5

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