This model is based on the Estes DOM contest winner "Little Beth X-2" and is upscaled by 266%. To keep the scale appearance, I had to gap stage the model. It stands approximately 57 1/4" tall.

The maiden voyage on 3 D12's in the booster and one D-12 in the upper was a success to a degree. The booster only obtained about 200-300 ft when staging occurred. The 3 second delay in the side pod engines seemed like an eternity as I watched the booster coming down fast. They finally fired the ejection charges (about 50 ft from the ground) and I turned my attention to the sustainer. As I caught sight of it, the model had reached apogee and slipped backwards for a split second then the ejection charge fired. The sustainer was recovered in great shape and was ready to be reloaded and flown again. The booster was in less than perfect condition though. As the pic shows, I recovered it in 3 pieces. This was due to an error in gluing on my part and the speed at which it hit the ground. I used yellow glue where I should have used epoxy and there was not enough time for the 18" chutes to inflate and slow it down. Also, the part of the MMT that stuck up past the top centering ring in the booster was about 60% charred away.

My plans for repair and future flights are as follows: 1. I will epoxy the side pods back to the booster. 2. I am going to line the booster MMT with staging/tubing couplers from the motor block to the point where the upper stage engine extends into the MMT. I am also going to either wrap the upper end of the tube with heavy kraft paper or glass it heavily with epoxy. 3. In the future I will use AT E30 SU's in the booster side pods to get the height needed to let the parachutes do their work in slowing the booster.

Mark Daughtry Sr. (AKA Rockmanzzz@aol.com)
NAR 71556-Sr. (insured)
IAR 123
MSRS 0035-Sr.
 

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