This BLOG entry is a random collection of thoughts about the stuff that I do for LAUNCH Magazine.

First, I want to take care of a pet peve - I want to define my use of the term model rocket. To me, any model of a rocket is a model rocket – it doesn’t have to fly. I know that there are some people in the model rocket community who will have a problem with that – they’ll just have to deal with it. For the purposes of my BLOG the term model rocket will apply to any kind of rocket model.

Since starting to write for LAUNCH I’ve gone to a few launches outside my normal stomping grounds. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of rocketeers from around the country and when they find out that I write for LAUNCH many of them have questions. Some questions get asked a lot…

Probably the most asked question is, “How do you decide what rocket you will write about?” The short answer is that I write about whatever Mark Mayfield tells me to write about. The longer answer is a little more involved. Sometimes I just write about something that I happen to have on my workbench. Upscaling a Classic about my 2X Interceptor is an example of this – I was building the model anyway and Mark thought it’d be good to write it up. Sometimes the build article is related to a feature story like Build your own Saturn V. Other build subjects just seem like a good idea – my Mercury-Redstone article is one of those.

Another common question asked is, “Where do you get the scale information that you need?” If you’re building scale rocket models you absolutely must have a copy of Rockets of the World by Peter Alway. Another great source of information about rockets is the internet – search engines are your friend. A lot of scale information is derived from photographs, a ruler and a calculator. And don’t forget the library; there are a lot of great books about the space program on the shelves there.

What’s on my Workbench?

I recently completed Modeling the Rocketplane XP which will appear in the March/April issue. This project was very challenging for me on a number of levels. First, there isn’t a lot of scale information available for the Rocketplane XP yet and much of what is available is contradictory. Second, working with foam and fiberglass meant that I needed to use a lot of building techniques that were new to me. Finally, I was dealing with a medical issue that caused a fair amount of pain – not the best thing to deal with when you need to concentrate.

The Rocketplane XP model is one of the model rockets that don’t fly – I never intended that it would. The model uses some basic model rocket parts and some items that were constructed in much the same way as a model airplane. Foam between forming ribs was covered with fiberglass for strength. Some of the techniques that I learned for this project will be used again on future projects. It was another fun build that I hope readers will enjoy.

Next up will be two medium sized models of NASA’s new Ares launch vehicles. I’ll be modeling both the Ares I and Ares V at 1/70^th scale (or thereabouts.) This should be a very interesting project because the models will be very close to the scale of the Saturn V Launch Utility Tower from an earlier article. It will be fun to get photos of the rockets with the tower. This is another project where the available information is not real consistent, but I should be able to get a good looking pair of models put together. Models that you can also build and fly.

 
Quote this article on your site | Views: 456

	1. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 27-02-2008 08:34
	My 2 Cents I just wqanted to comment on your thoughts. I feel that model rockets are just what we have been calling them for the past 50 years. Minature replicas's of those that have been and still are launched form the cape.    I would consider static rocket models as "rocket models" not , model rockets.     When you speak of model rockets, your first thought is rockets that are flown, or as many call them "Estes" rockets.    I think that the distiction should be made and not use a broad paint brush to identify model rockets in a general phrase or topic.    I would also say that model rocket do not include high power rockets, a completely different category.    I would say that "hobby Rockets", "EStes type Rockets" should be considered "Model Rockets"..It's been that way for 50 years, and why should we change it now.    I would consider high power rockets just like the name sugtgests "High Power Rockets".    And, any static, plastic or similiar "rocket" as a "Rocket Model".    Now for the workbench, my workbench is filled with projects. Scouts, Spacemans's and more.    I usually have several projects going at one time. To many it might seem confusing, but, I know what is wehre and the end result is what is important.    Right now, I'm in the finishing stages of those many builds, sanding and sealing, I'm at the point that I might need a gallon of sanding sealer to finish off all of the balsa.    Now is the time to build up one's fleet and get ready for the flying season.    With NARCON, NSL and NMARAM 50 on the horizon, I'm sure many fellow rocketeers workbenshe's are fill up.    It alsways good to agree to disagree. Is it rocket engines or motors, is it igniters or ignitors?    Happily, the hobby has been with us for 50 years, and hopefully another 50 and more.    Just my 2 cents  Ken Montanye  Rocket Doctor

	2. Written by Mario Perdue on 27-02-2008 11:55
	My 2 Cents Ken,    Thanks for sharing but in this BLOG any model of a rocket will be called a model rocket much like a model of a car is called a model car.    Mario

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved