I was in Clark Rubber on the weekend and spotted this huge-ass 28cm (11") funnel. It took me about 3 seconds to figure I could launch that! The build was straight-forward, two ply centering rings, a lenght of tube for a 29mm motor and a 1/4" launch lug.
To work out where I needed to cut the funnel for the launch lug, I inserted the engine mount and used a torch to illuminate the right spot on the plastic through the launch lug.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Vern and Gleda Estes start in the rocketry business - and really the start of the hobby for so many people, Semroc have re-released the very first Estes kit - the Scout. Since this is the golden anniversary, they have called it the Golden Scout! Everyone has been encouraged to purchase a kit, paint it gold and fly it during July. All flights logged on the Semroc site during July will be sent a certificate signed by Vern and Gleda. This is my Golden Scout, waiting for it's moment of glory next month!
Win some, lose some. Over the weekend I launched a 60mm rocket with a candy motor that seemed to be a successful design. The motor sim'ed as an E40. The rocket was constructed with through-the-wall plywood fins, a 60mm x 600mm postage tube and a balsa nosecone. Ejection was with a magnetic apogee detector (purchased from Aerocon Systems). First flight went without a hitch but the second CATO'ed. Both the forward and rear enclosure of the motors failed - appears that the glue may have given way due to overpressurisation. 2nd flight after the jump.
Rocketry 
