Manufacturer: | Modification |
This project began when I read several posts from rec.model.rockets on placing a 24mm motor mount in a Fat Boy, normally a 18mm kit. I first looked at the instructions and made a list of what I needed to do.
I bored out the centering rings with a drill to accommodate the 24mm tube (Estes Bt-50). I constructed the motor tube by the instructions but instead of a 18mm tube I used a 5 1/2 inch 24mm tube. Also, I used a larger engine hook and an engine block made of a heavy duty BT-50/BT-20 centering ring. I changed the engine hook to accommodate the larger engine. After I glued the first centering ring in the normal position (per instructions) with epoxy, I used small strips of thin plywood to reinforce the rings. These were on the side of the centering ring facing the front of the rocket. I repeated this step with a second ring whose reinforcements were facing the front of the rocket and the distance of the "through the wall tab" of a fin from the first centering ring. Looking back, it would have been easier and probably stronger to make a new ring out of aircraft plywood. Oh well. Note the 18mm conversion tube to use smaller engines and the reinforcements on the centering rings:
The balsa strips on the side of the conversion tube were added because the centering ring was not on the inside of the tube. Another mistake that could be corrected. The shock cord was tied to the to the upper centering ring for strength. The ring was then glued on. The fin was used to show the appropriate distance between the rings. Steel wool and another green centering ring were added to the motor tube. A small disk of balsa with holes drilled into it was glued onto the top of the motor tube to make a baffle.
I shaved off some of the TTW fin mounts to accommodate for the larger motor mount tube. Using epoxy, I glued in the fins. They were reinforced with hot glue. I made a 12 inch nylon parachute to attach to the nose. I will add 1.5 ounces of nose weight for stability.
All done!
Brief: After a spell of creative scratch rocket projects, all my fun ideas seemed to have dried up. Looking around the workshop, I smiled at good old Fat Boy: both my kids and my favorite rocket. He's always good for an exciting flight and safe recovery. Why not court disaster by trying to improve ...
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This project begun when I read several posts from rec.model.rockets on placing a 24mm motor mount in a Fat Boy, normally a 18mm kit. I first looked at the instructions and made a list of what I needed to do. Replace the 18mm motor tube with a 24mm one Make bigger motor mount with modified ...
An Estes Fat Boy modified with a 24mm MMT for D and E motors. External dimensions are stock. These modifications change one of Estes best packaged kits into a true performer. Modifications: Construction sequence was pretty normal for a MPR capable rocket: forward CR epoxied to the MMT, shock ...
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Brief: Modified BoatTail FatBoy with a D engine mount, sturdier construction throughout, and better fly-ability with a boat tail. The basic dimensions of a stock Fat Boy were maintained for both body length and fin shape and size. Modifications: Body Tube: Cut the main body tube 5 1/8 inch ...
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