RIP Power Patrol

Power Patrol, though you had a short life you were greatly loved by my youngest. You had an extremely tame first flight with an A8-3 motor. Our decision to use a C6-5 for the second launch was exciting at first, going high and straight. Then you drifted towards the trees which consumed you without a trace. There was sadness close to becoming tears.

No disrespect, but mentioning a trip to the store to get a new rocket eased the emotions.

 

RIP

POWER PATROL

8/24/19
 

Model Rocket Kid Build

The kids and I assembled the 3 clearance kits. I have kids from preK through to Middle School, so the level of involvement was varied.

The Spirit kit came with clay for the Nose Cone. I felt the other two kits were very light so I added some Sculpey clay to the those as well. I usually add a little superglue to hopefully secure the clay to the inside of the Nose Cone.

Then I helped the kids move the Shock Cord. It was secure on the inside of the tube with the pre assembled Launch Lugs. This placed it very close to the motor and my fear was that the Ejection Charge would melt it. I cut the cord flush with the inside of the barrel. Had the kids cut out long trapezoids from basic printer paper and helped them secure the Shock Cords to the Nose Cone end of the tube.

All set for Rocket Day tomorrow at Bond Park. I figure if we launch each rocket two times tomorrow (Dad has some rockets to launch as well, it's not all about the kids!) the total cost is about $10 per rocket which includes the kit, motors and recovery wadding.

Hopefully the rain and wind cooperates during our timeslot!

Cheap Easy Build Kits

Picked up some $4 rocket kits from HL this past weekend. Decided that it was time to upgrade my daughters, Bandit rockets to something a little more 'classy' and larger. My son has the Dragonite but wanted him to be included in the family build. Planning to get these built before the local Rocket Day at the park.

I couldn't say no to these as they were marked down from $17. I found them in the clearance area and not in the normal rocket isle at HL.

I plan to make a modification or two when the kids build these. The rockets seem really light, so I will add a little clay to the nose cone before gluing the insert. Also, the shock cord is pre-assembled to the tube. They have it attached at the bottom inside of the tube where the pre-assembled launch lug is. This seems extremely close to the engine and prone to damage during the ejection charge. Most likely will cut it and move it towards the nose cone end.

         PHANTOM BLUE        

 

   

         POWER PATROL         

   

              SPIRIT