BMS Astron DrifterThis project is a build of the BMS - Astron Drifter, a clone of the Estes Drifter. I got the BMS kit for Christmas. I really liked the Drifter as a kid so I ordered some additional parts from Semroc so that I could build 2 Drifters at the same time. Below is a shot of the Astron Drifter from one of the old Estes catalog.
The BMS kit includes everything you need to recreate this great rocket except the decals so I ordered 2 sets from Excelsior Rocketry.Below is the BMS kit along with the extra parts I ordered from Semroc.
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Engine mount and shroud (2013-05-21 16:45:30)
For the shroud I am using 100 lb. Bristol board. 100 lb. weight may be a little on the thick side but if I get it to roll without creasing the shrouds will be nice and sturdy. I cut the strips that serve as the glue tab and glued them on the inner side of the shroud so that the seems will be flush.
The 2 shrouds are done and test fit pretty well into the body tubes.
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Shrouds attached to body tubes (2013-06-04 11:21:38) The shrouds have been attached to the body tubes.
Here is a shot showing the seams. I will glue one of the fins on the seam so it will not show on the finished rocket.
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Fins (2013-06-04 11:22:40) For the fins I am using 1/16" basswood instead of balsa. One of the BMS clone die cut balsa fins is shown with the sheet of basswood below.
Here is a shot of the 6 fins. The BMS fin template did not fit my shroud-body tube joint as well as I wanted so I made my own on a piece of the bristol board. I used this new template as a guide to cut out the fins.
The fins seem to fit the body tube and shroud fairly well. I still need to sand the fins.
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Fins attached and epoxy fillets (2013-06-24 21:23:58) The fins are glued on and ready for epoxy fillets..
Fins being masked in preparation for the epoxy.
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Priming and painting (2013-08-20 10:20:54)
Both rockets were primed with filler primer
Painting the rockets. The fins still need to be painted the same blue as the nose cones.
Here is a closeup
Masking off the white in preparation for spray painting the fins
Both rockets are painted and I am ready to apply the decals. The decals I ordered from Excelsior Rocketry arrived a while back. They do a great job making the decals and they will be the perfect finishing touch for my Drifters.
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Decals (2013-09-24 19:23:20)
The decals are on and the Drifters look great.
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What You Can Do
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