The Thrifty Rocketeer

The Thrifty Rocketeer continues... Our story of the construction of the Cottontail Rabbit "Goonie" (it goes by several different names) will continue in a moment or two.   But first, I have a few side questions to deal with. First, it's been suggested that I flip or turn a few of the photos from last entry.  Believe me, I would if I could.  I'll try to find a tool that will allow that. Second, someone asked if I had considered other wood glue besides Elmer's Wood Glue. (that too goes by many names, but we all know it as Elmers Yellow Carpentry Glue or similar description that sets it off from "School Glue" or "Glue All". While I showed you the bottle for Elmers Wood Glue last entry, I forgot to point out the cap or spout.  It has the distinctive orange cap or opening.  I have confirmed it's $2.09 at Lowes. But you'll note there are two different styles shown below.   While both bottles are examples of washable school glue,...

The Thrifty Rocketeer sets sail... So, if you're just joining us, I've decided to try to share some techniques I use for building low power rockets, but this is my second Bunny Rocket "Goonie".  I learned a few things along the way. As you can see, my phone decides which way is up, not me.  Here's the basis for this rocket. You need the one-sheet from Peter Alway, which can be found on the internet, or in the files at WVSOAR on Facebook.  Look for "Rabbit Rocket Plans".  Because I can find a Baby Bertha more easily than a Big Bertha, that's the rocket we're modifying. You'll need some scissors to cut out the pattern templates of the fins (am I being too basic here?) and at least 9" of 1/8" Balsa wood sheet that is 3 inches wide.  Feel free to modify that if you've got scraps or a wider/narrower sheet of balsa that you want to work from. You'll note that I have access to a photocopier, so when I printed out the ...

Welcome to the Thrifty Rocketeer. This is in response to a challenge from the Daniel, the Rocket N00b, to create and post my own model rocket themed blog entries. Well, I've got some ideas, and have been limited by a lack of computer space and photos. But tonight, I have time on my hands and I have been snapping a lot of photos on an older cell phone (6 yrs old, is that very old?)  in preparation to try my hand.  Unfortunately for me, I hit the wrong button on the phone while trying to sort out hundreds of photos collected over the last year, and lost them all.  Everything. So I started over tonight.  I started with a little project that goes by various names:  The Cottontail,  the Rabbit Goonie, the Avedzdotchka ACM, and Zvezdotchka Anti-Carrot Missile. There was also a "Cloud Hopper" back in 1973-74.   Before I go any farther, I ought to give credit where it's due.  But I can't. I don't know where I first saw these plans, except that so...