All Rocketry Blogs

Model Rocket Building: Spaced Needle Build, Part 1 Parts (2019-01-14)

I've never put together a skinny rocket. Estes has their Fletcher, Skinny Mini, Mean Machine and Mini Mean machine. The problem with the Skinny Mini and Mini Mean Machine is the thin wall BT-20 ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 2, Kevlar and Coupler (2019-01-15)

I learned something on this build. Really tall rockets have different needs. The version built here was two 18" tubes coupled together. Long in transport, long in flight and recovery. This rocket ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 3, Gluing The Tubes Together (2019-01-16)

Before gluing together any two tubes, roll over the inside taking down any burrs left from when the tubes were cut. It doesn't take a lot of pressure, don't distort the tube. TIP: Before you glue ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 4, Coupling The Tubes Together - The Better Way! (2019-01-17)

Here's how the coupler was made on the new version of the Spaced Needle design to allow the model to break at the middle at ejection and for easier transport. A pencil line was traced around the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 5, Coupling The Tubes Together, The Better Way! (2019-01-18)

The coupler is slid halfway into the tube. A pencil line is traced around the tube. The coupler is removed. After sanding the coupler for a better fit in the tubes the outside surface is a bit ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 6, Engine Block and Kevlar Tie (2019-01-19)

TIP: I don't recommend the Elmer's Glue anymore. The "New Stronger Formula" glues are thinner consistency and parts that are slid into the glue can freeze in the wrong position. Use Titebond II or ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 7, Fins and Launch Lug (2019-01-20)

Check out the grain direction near the rear of the root edge. (This fin is upside down) These corners can easily break off down the grain line. TIP: Notice the direction of the blade cut. In the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 8, Undercoats and Some Color (2019-01-22)

I didn't have much luck with the white paint undercoats. The gray areas are where rough spots were sanded smooth, down to the filler primer coat. More white coats followed. Even using the Titebond ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Part 9, Trim Strips (2019-01-23)

Some strips were cut from Monokote chrome trim and Contact Paper blackboard covering material. I did some test fitting on a scrap piece of BT-200 to check the visual width and spacing before placing ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: OR Spaced Needle Build, Finished (2019-01-24)

These pictures are of the first version of the long Spaced Needle rocket. The second picture shows how the trim strips placement was staggered. The name decal was applied at the center. The new ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: 3 Spaced Needles! (2019-02-06)

As if one wasn't enough! These new Spaced Needles are just short of 39" tall! Made for 18mm engines, these skinny Odd'l Rockets feature heavy walled BT-20H tubing and a mid break this time. Much ... [Read More]