I enjoy making crazy, non-traditional model rockets. I built regular ones as a kid, and I still find it extremely rewarding to test out new building methods and trying to push what I can do with simple, inexpensive materials.
I thought it would be neat to build a life-size Bullet Bill model rocket, as it provided all sorts of great challenges. I ended up building two versions, both of which I thought were beautiful in many ways, and they taught me a lot of new tricks.
Version 1 is covered briefly in steps 1 - 3. I began this first attempt with most of the planning focused on how to create a lightweight, visually accurate model of Bullet Bill. I didn't think much about its flight-worthiness until it was complete. At that point, I knew it surely wouldn't fly well, but thought, "Well, lets just go shoot this off and see what happens."
It didn't end pretty. The video is in step 3.
For version 2, which the photos show here, I applied the building techniques I learned with version 1, but paid closer attention to giving it a shot at actually flying. It was scaled down a bit, and built (somewhat) more like a real model rocket. The video of the launch of version 2 is in step 15.
Take a look at the steps involved and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
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Signing UpStep 1: Version 1 - A quick view
Construction details were very similar for both versions, and will be covered fully in steps 4 - 14.





















































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Set a compass directly on the printed plans to get the exact measurements for each radius that will make up the layout for each ring. Put the point of the compass on the center line in the plan, directly inline with the distance you need to measure. Set the compass accordingly, and draw out each circle that makes up each ring using the compass as it is set. See? No real numbers when you measure, just set the compass and transfer the distance directly. I planned it this way so I could build another one of these at some later date if I wanted, with minimal trouble.
I hope that helps. If you have any trouble, just keep trying. You'll get it. Good luck.
lol
wth
brb :)
THAT WAS EPIIIIIIC!!!!
with and without the tailpiece? please let me know. :D
Be warned, this is a tricky one! If you do make one, I'd love to see a photo when you're done! Good luck!
If you do, post a photo so I can see it!
Are you going to make one? If you do, post a photo when you're done!
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towq1000.html
great project! good pictures too.