BSD High Power Rocketry Thor

BSD High Power Rocketry - Thor {Kit}

Contributed by Allan Trau

Manufacturer: BSD High Power Rocketry
Rating
(by Allan Trau - 07/01/02)

Rocket PicBrief:
Single stage, dual deployment capable, three split-fin design.

Construction:
The kit includes:

  • 3 body tubes, 34" aft, 10" electronics payload, 24" forward
  • 2 coupler tubes
  • 3 plywood centering rings
  • 3 aft 3/16" plywood fins
  • 3 fore 3/16" plywood fins
  • plastic nose cone
  • 45" nylon chute
  • 20' elastic shock cord
  • Quick links
  • eyebolts
  • rail buttons
  • plastic rivets
  • motor retention system
  • vinyl graphic decals

Instructions a excellent, easy to read and follow. Pictures are included with most steps. Diagrams of the rocket are provided for dual deployment. A fin alignment template is included.

The materials are of high quality and fit with minimal sanding. The rocket is solid when completed. Addition of finishing epoxy plus some sanding to the couplers makes the payload sections a snug fit.

Finishing:
When applied properly, the vinyl decals look like paint. If you've never applied this type of decal before, it's a piece of cake and the outcome will surprise you. I can't get over how good they look.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
Have only flown it once so far, but the motor selection for the Thor includes a wide range. I flew it on an Aerotech J420 Redline.

Wadding is suggested, but I replaced it with leather chute protectors. The motor retention system provided are two blind nuts, screws, and clips. Simple and effective.

The rocket flew straight as an arrow, did not notice any spin.

Recovery:
Shock cord is a braided nylon strap and 20' of elastic shock cord. I added another nylon strap for dual deployment. The chute provides a quick decent, not fast or anything, but the sturdy design of the rocket can withstand the landing. Upsize the chute for harder surfaces. I encountered no damage at all.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
A pleasure to build - really fun. The instructions are excellent, materials are excellent, design is great. The screws with the motor retention system have a shoulder, so they can't be tightened all the way, but easily replaced with some from the hardware store. The plastic rivets ensure you do not separate at locations on the rocket not intended.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • BSD High Power Rocketry Thor By Chuck Pierce

    ( Contributed - by Chuck Pierce - 04/01/03) Mark Saunders, of BSD High Power Rocketry, graciously donated a 4" Thor kit for a raffle prize, for the Huntsville Area Rocketry Association's (HARA) Rocket City Blastoff (RCBO), October 2002. I was the lucky winner of this kit, and as such, would like to reward Mark's generosity by posting this review to RMR. I approached Mark during ...

  • BSD High Power Rocketry Thor By Gary Sinclair

    ( Contributed - by Gary Sinclair) Brief: Kevlar ® /Fiberglass body with Carbon Fibre reinforced fins mounted externally to the motor mount. Giant leap electronics bay added for dual deployment. All thread reinforcement of zipperless fin-can. Nosecone reinforced and thickened with fiberglass. Internal nosecone all-thread and bulkhead added for recovery harness attachment. Mo ...

  • BSD High Power Rocketry Thor By Allan Trau

    When I purchased my BSD Thor, I knew I would also need to purchase new motor hardware. So I also purchased a 38mm set with a 38-240, 360 and 480 case. I also purchased a PML 54mm to 38mm adaptor to allow me to fly the 54mm-based Thor on my new hardware. So needless to say, this was a large outflow of money to venture into the largest rocket I have built. Is it the tallest I've built? No, the ...

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