I'm currently working on the Ares models that I mentioned in my last BLOG entry. I'm making pretty good progress but I've noticed that the design keeps changing. It's extraordinarily difficult to build a model of something when the design keeps changing. And if I'm having this much difficulty, what do you think it's like for the poor people who have to build the real article? How can they possibly think they'll get this spacecraft into orbit before the given deadline if they haven't even settled on some the major design elements?  But I digress...

The design for my models is now set - no more changes for me. I'm sure there are differences between what I am building and the current version of the launch vehicles but if I keep making design changes, I'll never build the rockets. The current plans for my models put the Ares I at about 55" tall and the Ares V at 61". Both models will be able to be flown with mid-power motors but smaller high-power motors would also work. As I had hoped, the models should be sized properly for the Launch Utility Tower that I built in my Saturn V article so expect to see the tower again.

Beyond that, I have a big pile of personal projects backing up in my work area:

I plan to look into what it might take to add a booster to my 3X Interceptor. If you remember the plans that came with the original Interceptor kit from Estes you'll recall a photo with the model on a display stand that includes a booster between the strakes on the bottom of the fuselage. It wouldn't take too much to build such a booster, but I don't currently know if it would fly properly with the offset thrust. I'll test it on a standard size model first. Estes has made this part of the project easier by re-issuing the kit and a larger E powered version. If you like the Interceptor now is the time to stock up on them.

I've also got a Tango Papa Mars Lander that I started building years ago that I need to dust off and finish. I don't even remember if it's a 2X or 3X model but I really want to get it ready to fly this year. I've already modified the hinges on the landing legs to beef them up a bit. The rubber tubing and wooden ball have been replaced by a hinge that Rick Weber, a friend of mine, machined out of aluminum for me. It’s a much better setup that should last for a large number of flights.

Another kit that I really want to get into is the Squirrelworks Nike-Hercules that I purchased at NSL 2007. The parts of the kit are beautifully made so it should be a nice display model when it’s not being flown. I plan to practice my cluster ignition methods before I fly this one. Oh, and unlike a person who flew one at NSL, I plan to always put a parachute on mine when I fly it.

The list is a lot longer than that so it should be an interesting year...

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