HPR Rocket - Space Patrol Terra IV (29mm Motor Mount)

thingiverse

<b>Intro</b> Space Patrol was a groundbreaking US TV & Radio show from the 1950s, set in the 30th century where Commander Buzz Corry and Cadet Happy embarked on thrilling adventures aboard the Space ship Terra IV. This ambitious project involves creating a flyable model version of this iconic spacecraft using 29mm Aerotech/Cesaroni motors in the F/G class as part of the 2019 Midland Sky Rocket event. I've aimed to replicate the look of the original rocket while taking creative liberties, so let's just say it's "inspired by" the classic design. <b>Assembly Instructions</b> This project requires 29mm phenolic motor tube (PML) and 2.5" (Estes Cardboard) style rocket tubes to build a model that's both accurate and functional. 1. Insert the 2.5inch tubing into the nose cone, secure it with glue, and cut it flush for a better fit on the centring rings. 2. Assemble the nose cone bulk plate using epoxy, ensuring the eye bolt is well secured as it bears the load during deployment. 3. Attach the bulk plate to the nose cone using epoxy, making sure the eyebolt faces down – again, this is crucial for stability during deployment. 4. Securely attach the nose point into the nose cone using superglue or epoxy; this step is purely cosmetic but adds a nice touch. 5. Apply epoxy to the 29mm motor tube and insert it through the base of the rocket, leaving enough protrusion at both ends for motor retention and rigging attachment – superglue should suffice here, just ensure the motor tube is secure. 6. Drill through the motor tube using a bar or small piece of threaded rod to create an anchor point for your recovery rigging. 7. Use Kevlar or tubular nylon to craft a parachute and recovery hardware; these are essential components for a successful launch. 8. Apply masking tape to give the nose cone a snug fit with the main body. <b>Misc Notes</b> <i><font color="RED">15/9/19 - The 29mm and 38mm versions of this rocket flew exceptionally well at Midland Sky.</font></i> <i><font color="RED">23/08/19 - An upscale insert for the nose cone has been added to accommodate a 38mm motor.</font></i> <i><font color="RED">19/08/19 - A missing nosecone file has been uploaded; apologies for the inconvenience.</font></i> <i><font color="RED">17/08/19 - The V3 launch lug has been added, contoured for a better fit.</font></i> The final rocket measures approximately 45cm in length and may be a bit too tight for recovery; however, it seems to perform well during swing tests. To print the nose cone, use a brim and support, but only the first 50mm requires support – adjust as needed (my print time was about 18 hours). The rear section doesn't require any support (my print time was around 12 hours), while the nose point should be printed with a brim and no support (my print time was approximately 2 hours). I added two centring rings just above the motor section on the test version; these are included in the final file, but you can also use them to add additional support. Printing the pointed tip at 98% of its size yields perfect results – printing it at 100% may require some sanding to achieve a smooth finish. A small amount of lead shot was added behind the cone bulk plate to bring the CoG slightly more forward. Two launch lugs have been added, but they're currently attached using number plate tape and will likely be glued in place for added security. The test flight is scheduled for September on AT G104 and/or Pro29 2G G80 Skidmark – pictures and videos to follow.