Trevor

I know that when you're doing model rockets, you want to generally do tall, thin rockets. But I've played enough Kerbal Space Program to know that dumpy little rockets are fun. So in addition to trying out an Estes kit with the kids, I'm going to print up some parts, stick 'em on a small Pringles tin, and we're going to fly a dumpy little rocket. The idea is that it separates and lands the capsule and ascent stage separately. Still work to do, especially figuring out the parachute. Wish me luck!

#rocket #modelrocket #3Dprinting #Fusion360 #maker #rocketry #WIP #KerbalSpaceProgram

Mar 25 at 3:20amWeb
Show threadTrevorMar 25

I think this is the design I'm going with. Clearly I am going for vibes, not optimization. We'll try three smaller chutes for the capsule, like Apollo would use, and see how that goes. Connection point for the chutes will be an eye hook under the parachute cap, with channels for the strings to run into the fuselage. First time I'm trying anything like this so I have no idea if this is going to work at all, or how much altitute I'll get or how destroyed it'll be on takeoff or landing, but at the very least it'll be fun to see what happens. Time to get printing!

#rocket #modelrocket #3Dprinting #Fusion360 #maker #rocketry #WIP #KerbalSpaceProgram

Show threadTrevorMar 26

This is so dumb and I'm so happy with how it's coming together. Needs parachutes and some glue. And paint, I think!

#rocket #modelrocket #3Dprinting #Fusion360 #maker #rocketry #WIP #KerbalSpaceProgram

Show threadTrevorMar 28
Model rocket side quest: our own space program! Last weekend, littlest and I looked through space program logos from all over the world and identified some shapes and imagery. She drew a graphic that she really liked. We interpreted it as a rocket rising off the red plastic Estes launchpad from our kit, up the launch rail into the sky. So with her input and guidance I drew a refined version, and tonight I made variations for us to use as patches and stickers for our rockets. And, of course, we named our program: the Family Rocket Lab. I'll fire up the Cricut tomorrow and do some print-and-cut vinyl stickers for the rockets, and maybe some others for us to wear while we launch. #rocket
#modelrocket
#3Dprinting
#Inkscape
#maker #rocketry #WIP #KerbalSpaceProgram
Show threadTrevorMar 29
Conditions are looking windy, but the Family Rocket Lab team is still hitting the road and heading for the launch site today. Estes says to fly their kits in wind speeds of less than 20 mph and we're looking at speeds of about 20 kph, which is only about 2/3 of their recommended maximum. Littlest is very excited, teens are dragging a bit. Grandparents and my sister's family joining soon, including my tiny niece, which is exciting! We'll launch into the wind and hope for the best!
#modelrocket #3Dprinting #Inkscape #maker #rocketry #Estes #WIP #KerbalSpaceProgram
Show threadTrevorMar 30

The FRL team had a tremendous day. Perfect weather (except for the wind). Barbecue and tire d'érable. Five flights, with the whole extended family getting very into it. Three flights with the Estes rocket kit and two with the custom Kerbal-inspired rocket.

Unsurprisingly, the Kerbal rocket performed as a Kerbal rocket is wont to do. Short, wobbly, and unbalanced are words I would use to describe it! Lots of learning happened. I look forward to redesigning this one, and developing other silly, fun rockets to print and fly.

The Estes rocket that the littlest built performed beautifully. Two flawless flights on A and B motors, perfect chute deployment and landings. Unfortunately, we pushed our luck with the last flight of the day. We launched between small gusts of wind, which weren't much stronger than others we'd flown in earlier, but the wind picked up and sustained after parachute deployment. The rocket whipped *up* and away and found a place at the top of a very, very tall tree, hundreds of feet away. Littlest was heartbroken, but on balance had a blast, and we're already planning to get another kit. Or maybe two. And being more conservative about flying in windy conditions. Onward and upward!

#modelrocket #3Dprinting #Inkscape #maker #rocketry #Estes #WIP #KerbalSpaceProgram

Show threadJohn Francis 🇨🇦🦫🍁🫎Apr 7
@lovemakeshare from my KSP experience, it needs a small figure in a chair strapped to the nose of the rocket, to balance out the wobbling (maybe).
Show threadTrevorApr 7
@johnefrancis If we had more time for me to prototype prior to the launch, I *absolutely* would have made this a crewed capsule! Didn't consider adding an external command chair though! Next time.
Show threadJason Lenz  Mar 29
@lovemakeshare Sounds like some great family fun! I like the looks of the rocket, but I have to admit my first reaction was concern that its too short and may not fly in a straight line up. I hope I'm wrong!
Show threadTrevorMar 29
@lenzj you are not wrong 😂 it was built on vibes, not sound principles. It flew in a very Kerbal-appropriate way, we'll put it that way for the moment. But we had a blast, learned a lot, and a few very good flights with the Estes rocket we brought.