BSG Viper MK II LN Sport Scale Rocket

[rosko_racer]

Hi folks:

My name is Raul and I like to design, build and fly low power rockets. I am mostly interested in SCIFI inspired models. I also like anything associated with SCI FI. I often submit posts at a rocket forum called "The Rocketry Forum".

Back in Jan 2008 a fellow rocketeer started a thread on his Viper MK II build on TRF. I have wanted to build a rocket based on the new BSG Viper MK II since the start of the series and the thread got me started on building one based on the instructions posted.

I found this forum during my research for decals and graphics for my model's decals. I looked up the thread by B.J., fellow forum member, who has been making excellent paint themes for the Vipers. I got the "warning labels" from his thread... Thanks B.J.

Along the way I made my own little mods to the model until I ended up with what I am posting here. I have not flown this "rocket" yet but the SIM and the "swing test" indicates that it will be a stable flight with excellent chances of recovery.

It is not an exact model since a detail scale model would be difficult to balance for a stable flight... not impossible, but difficult.

The model is made out of cardboard, balsa (some parts were hand carved), cardstock, and dowels. I used white glue, wood glue, and epoxy to glue the parts. Cardstock parts where hardened with thin CA glue. Painted the model with Krylon's white primer and gloss white acrylic paints. The red stripes were hand painted. Decals were made with Power Point, converted the file into a PDF, and then printed them using an ALPS MD-5000 printer.

I will post a link to the build thread but right now the Forum is down.

Comments and suggestions are welcome. Enjoy.

- Raul

[rosko_racer]

Here is the last pic I have of the model.

If you are wondering what the "LN" stands for, it is for "Long Nose"...

[peragrin]

Nice. Be sure to post a link to lift off.

Oh and what are you using for recovery? nose mounted parachute?

[rosko_racer]

Originally Posted by peragrin

Nice. Be sure to post a link to lift off.

Oh and what are you using for recovery? nose mounted parachute?

Will do!!! If weather permits I may fly it this weekend and will post pictures of the launch.

Note that the decals were "customized", that is why you do not see some of the original decals from the BSG models.

If you would like to follow the building thread, you can find it here then I continued here.

[rosko_racer]

Originally Posted by peragrin

...what are you using for recovery? nose mounted parachute?

I will be using an 18" "trash bag" hexagonal parachute. The parachute will be anchored inside the body tube of the rocket. The "nose cone" of this rocket separates where the top red stripe ends.

[B.J.]

Looks great! Last time I looked it was still unpainted. I'd personally hate to launch it because I'd be scared of it getting ruined.

And glad I could help!

[peragrin]

Originally Posted by rosko_racer

I will be using an 18" "trash bag" hexagonal parachute. The parachute will be anchored inside the body tube of the rocket. The "nose cone" of this rocket separates where the top red stripe ends.

I thought so but in some pics it looked smooth while in other there appeared to be a line.

Just make sure you fly it on a calm day. chasing after that thing is going to be hard enough. Curious what size engines?

[rosko_racer]

I flew the rocket on Memorial day along other rockets. I used an Estes C11-3 engine to fly the rocket and used an 18 inch parachute for recovery. You can check the thread on that day's events on this link. Flew great and recovered it without a scratch... Now it is part of my retired fleet of rockets. See the attached picture for shots of the Viper on the launch pad and on take off.

[peragrin]

Totally cool. go get those cylons.

Edit: just read the other thread, are you sure it wasn't chasing a cylon?