RED NOVA & ESAM-58 Double Build

With the loss of 3 rockets during the last Bond Park Rocket Day and the potential family launch in a few weeks I decided to do a double build. Not sure if the cousins are going to have rockets to fly so I wanted to make sure my fleet is large enough so everyone can launch. I am in the process of building a Red Nova and Esam-58 at the same time.

They are very similar in size and build so the process does seem to be going very well in tandem. At this stage the Engine Mounts and Shock Cords have been attached to the BodyTtubes. What is left is Fin sanding and attachment, fillets, sealing and painting.

Deciding on a color selection is always hard and fun at the same time. To be honest sometime I fall asleep thinking about it (which is better than thinking and stressing about work or other things).

Did some quick mock-ups in Word and right now I'm thinking...

RED NOVA

...I guess more like Yellow Nova

ESAM-58

EPIC II Complete

Didn't take any pictures of the progress, just the finished product.

With this model I decided to take the extra step to seal the balsa wood. I used Elmer's Wood Sealer. The Apogee Components video suggested sealing prior to gluing to the body tube. I debated back and forth on this and finally decided to seal after gluing. The main reasoning was that the fins were so thin I couldn't get a wire into them to hold them during application or drying without causing damage. I think I made the correct decision and the application and sanding went smoothly. To be honest I enjoyed the sanding portion even though it seamed to take forever.

My wife has family visiting in about a month and I am trying to coordinate a trip to the field for the cousins. Excited to hopefully launch my first 2 stage rocket.

Wood Filler

Took another cue from Apogee Components after watching their Sealing & Smoothing Balsa Fins video. I am going to try using Elmer's Wood Filler to seal the balsawood fins on my next build. Probably going to be the Epic II.

Ebay Purchase - ROGUE VOYAGER

I'm not always a fan of buying rockets over the internet. I purchased a Goblin off Amazon that had some tube crushing which I assume was from shipping. Even though it was packaged in a corrugate case, the shipper they used was just large enough for the kit and the case corrugate was very low strength. I was able to smooth out the tube and after panting it was unnoticeable but it still bothered me.

 

I took a chance on eBay. A seller had several discontinues models and the Rogue Voyager (Estes 7223) with it's multiple tubes really grabbed me. A asked a few questions ahead of time about warped or damaged fins and of course crushed tubes. $14, free shipping and free returns; I thought it made sense to give it a chance.

So glad I did. The seller was awesome. Quick response to questions, fast delivery, package properly and exactly as described in new condition.

Now the problem is what rocket to purchase next.