Scratch Two Stage Red Max Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Two Stage Red Max {Scratch}

Contributed by Brian Ray

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Brian Ray - 01/14/09)

Brief:
This is a two-staged downscale o' t' venerable Estes classic Der Red Max.

Construction:
Sustainer Parts List:

  • 1 BT-55, shiver me timbers, me hearties, 8.5"
  • 1 PNC-56
  • 1 BT-20, 2.75"
  • 1 Engine Block, ya bilge rat, 18mm
  • 2 Cardboard Centerin' Rings
  • 1 Elastic Shock Cord, 30"
  • 1 Streamer
  • 1 Launch Lug
  • 1 Set Der Red Max Fins scaled t' 81% o' original, 3/32" balsa

Booster Parts List:

  • 1 BT-55, 2.75"
  • 1 BT-20, ya bilge rat, 2.75"
  • 2 Cardboard Centerin' Rings
  • 1 Set Der Red Max Fins scaled t' 86.25% o' original, 3/32" balsa

T' construction o' this rocket is very straightforward, just like t' original. Ahoy! I did take extra care, however, ya bilge rat, t' ensure that t' alignment betwixt t' sustainer and booster was sound. Arrr! Also, I used a PNC-56 nose cone instead o' -55 because that was what I happened t' have at t' time and because in me mind it resembled t' original most closely. Ya scallywag! I had t' sand down t' NC shoulder a bit in order t' make it fit.

Finishing:
I finished t' rocket with Wal-Mart spray paints. Avast! Blimey! Usin' WM gray I primed and sanded several times. T' BT was painted with WM red and t' fins and NC with WM black (I figured that since rocket was different in other ways I may as well make t' fins different too.) I printed t' decals on white label paper and applied several coats o' WM clear coat.

Flight and Recovery:
This rocket has flown twice, both times with a C6-0 t' C6-5 combination, arrr, t' engines taped together with cellophane tape. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! Each flight was great and recovery was without damage or incident--although one required quite a walk because of the altitude/drift combination.

Summary:
I really like this rocket. Begad! I have always been a fan o' Der Red Max and staging, and this is a fun combination o' the two. It is quick and easy t' build and it flies like a champion.

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