Torellian Invader (1.6" upscale): Difference between revisions

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This is a project to build a 1.6" diameter upscale of my [[Torellian Invader]] out of an Estes Super Neon XL kit.
{{RocketInfoBox
|image        = Torellian-invader-finished-1.jpg
|diameter    = 1.6 inches (41mm)
|length      = 33.5 inches (0.85 m)
|weight      = 9.25 oz. (262 g)
|motor-size  = 24mm
|recovery    = Top Flight 20" X-Type parachute (black/neon green)
|flights      = 0
|max-altitude = TBD
|max-speed    = TBD
|status      = Ready to fly
|simfile      = TBD
}}


* The nose cone and canopy will need to be 3D-printed, but I can re-use those designs when I do a [[Torellian_Invader_(3"_or_4"_upscale)|bigger upscale.]]
This is an upscale of my [[Torellian Invader]], made mostly out of an Estes Super Neon XL kit. The tubes and motor mount were from the Super Neon XL, the fins were hand-cut from 1/8" basswood, and the nose and canopy were 3D printed from my own approximations. The stickers came from [https://stickershock23.com/ StickerShock23]. I did not get the shape of the canopy exactly right, so the sticker for the canopy did not fit smoothly over the 3D printed part; I decided to just paint it silver and may possibly try adding some more detail to it. I also did not find olive green paint at Michael's, so in order to get it done in time for my club launch I used hunter green rustoleum that I got from Menard's. So it doesn't match the original very closely, but I still think it looks good. First flight is planned for the SLRA Summer Solstice launch on June 24, 2023, on an E30-4.
* Thinking about papering the fins (see [https://www.apogeerockets.com/Advanced_Construction_Videos/Rocketry_Video_16 here] and [https://www.apogeerockets.com/Advanced_Construction_videos/Rocketry_Video_381 here]). (SKIPPED - I made the fins from 1/8" basswood so they don't need papering)
 
UPDATE 5/7/2023: I just found that [https://stickershock23.com/ StickerShock23] makes a [https://stickershock23.com/product/estes-starfighter-combo/ vinyl graphics set for the Torellian Invader]! I just ordered graphics for the 1.6" rocket.
 
UPDATE 6/12/2023: Airframe assembly is complete except for the canopy. All fins are on the rocket as well as the launch lug. Nose cone is painted and the first couple of stickers are on. I am aiming to fly this at the SLRA summer solstice night launch in two weeks (June 24).
 
REMAINING TODOS AS OF 6/14/2023 (with tentative dates):
 
* Paint main color (green) on airframe (6/17)
* Buy red brush-on paint for tube interiors (6/17)
* Apply remaining vinyl (6/20)
* Mount shock cord and rig parachute (6/20)
* Paint tube interiors (6/21)


<gallery mode="slideshow">
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:Torellian-invader-finished-2.jpg|Finished rocket.|alt=An upscaled Torellian Invader model rocket next to the original.
File:Torellian-invader-finished-1.jpg|Finished rocket.|alt=An upscaled Torellian Invader model rocket next to the original.
File:Torellian-invader-painted.jpg|Painted, ready for vinyl.|alt=A green painted Torellian Invader model rocket on a workbench.
File:Torellian-invader-before-painting.jpg|Assembled rocket before painting.|alt=An unpainted upscaled Torellian Invader model rocket on a workbench alongside a finished original Torellian Invader.
File:Torellian-invader-1.6-nose.jpg|3d-printed nose cone.|alt=A 3d-printed nose cone for the Torellian Invader, with egg-shaped bulges on the sides.
File:Torellian-invader-1.6-nose.jpg|3d-printed nose cone.|alt=A 3d-printed nose cone for the Torellian Invader, with egg-shaped bulges on the sides.
File:Torellian-invader-1.6-fins.jpg|Fins cut from 1/8 inch thick basswood.|alt=A stack of model rocket fins on a cutting mat.
File:Torellian-invader-1.6-fins.jpg|Fins cut from 1/8 inch thick basswood.|alt=A stack of model rocket fins on a cutting mat.

Latest revision as of 20:20, 20 June 2023

This is an upscale of my Torellian Invader, made mostly out of an Estes Super Neon XL kit. The tubes and motor mount were from the Super Neon XL, the fins were hand-cut from 1/8" basswood, and the nose and canopy were 3D printed from my own approximations. The stickers came from StickerShock23. I did not get the shape of the canopy exactly right, so the sticker for the canopy did not fit smoothly over the 3D printed part; I decided to just paint it silver and may possibly try adding some more detail to it. I also did not find olive green paint at Michael's, so in order to get it done in time for my club launch I used hunter green rustoleum that I got from Menard's. So it doesn't match the original very closely, but I still think it looks good. First flight is planned for the SLRA Summer Solstice launch on June 24, 2023, on an E30-4.

  • An upscaled Torellian Invader model rocket next to the original.

    Finished rocket.

  • An upscaled Torellian Invader model rocket next to the original.

    Finished rocket.

  • A green painted Torellian Invader model rocket on a workbench.

    Painted, ready for vinyl.

  • An unpainted upscaled Torellian Invader model rocket on a workbench alongside a finished original Torellian Invader.

    Assembled rocket before painting.

  • A 3d-printed nose cone for the Torellian Invader, with egg-shaped bulges on the sides.

    3d-printed nose cone.

  • A stack of model rocket fins on a cutting mat.

    Fins cut from 1/8 inch thick basswood.

  • The unpainted upscale Torellian Invader clamped to an alignment jig with a fin tacked in place. Alongside it is the finished original Torellian Invader.

    Tacking on the first fin.

  • The unpainted upscale Torellian Invader taped to a different alignment jig with the side fins tacked in place.

    Tacking on the side fins.

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