Topic: Vintage Centuri 1/100 Scale Saturn V Launch
dwmzmm Member
Posts: 82 From: Katy, TX USA Registered: Dec 2006
posted 12-22-2008 07:05 PM
I posted on YouTube my most recent (second flight) launch of my Centuri 1/100 scale Saturn V launch down in Needville, TX. This is the Challenger 498's (section of the National Association of Rocketry or NAR) launch site. Model was launched with a cluster of three solid propellant engines, C6-5's. Was also flown (for the first time) without the aid of clear slipon plastic fins (to enhance stability).
posted 12-22-2008 07:46 PM
Forgot to mention: Our club member, Scott Stephenson, was the one who shot that video. He held the camera at a 90 degree angle; when corrected it gives the Saturn a rather stubby appearance.
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 12-23-2008 03:18 AM
Very impressive on many fronts. First, you were willing to subject an out of production model to a really cool flight. Secondly, the cluster worked and third, all parachutes deployed as advertised. Very nice work man! BTW, any estimate as to how high the rocket flew with this cluster?
dwmzmm Member
Posts: 82 From: Katy, TX USA Registered: Dec 2006
posted 12-23-2008 08:04 AM
Thanks! It probably flew to about 300 - 350 feet. I also have the vintage Estes K-36 Saturn V model (recently built) modified to use a cluster of five engines for flight (an E9 core; four C6's outboards). Hope to fly it in time for the Apollo 11 Anniversary Celebration in 2009.
Also, as my Christmas Holiday Project, I'll be building a vintage Estes 1/70 scale Saturn 1B model, similar to the 1B's we built for the Apollo 7/Saturn Celebration you saw on display in honor of Walt Cunningham and the Apollo 7 crew this past October in Dallas, TX.
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 12-25-2008 10:58 PM
That is a lot of motors. I hope you've done some reinforcing of the rocket to withstand the pressure of flight since those BT-101 bodytubes aren't exactly the most sturdy as I recall. The LES will probably also take a pounding unless it is glued together with some premium stuff (i.e. slow cure epoxy). It should make for an impressive flight though.
dwmzmm Member
Posts: 82 From: Katy, TX USA Registered: Dec 2006
posted 12-25-2008 11:47 PM
The five engine clustered model will return exactly like the Centuri model you saw in that video clip in the first post. There is plenty of reinforcement and modifications made; you can see the build thread (with plenty of pics) here (it's quite long, so don't say I didn't warn you!!).
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 12-27-2008 05:06 AM
I am most impressed with the Estes build there. You do good work and I also see I am not alone in having a somewhat messy workbench. Seeing the Estes and Centuri Saturns side by side helps to showcase the similarities and the differences of the two.
In my own case, I have a 3/4ths done Estes 1/100 Saturn 1B sitting in storage. The model was started about 12 years ago, but I tabled it after the Krylon sandable primer I used flattened the embossed wrap on the S-IVB stage back to a flat sheet in a couple spots. One day I'll get back to it.
dwmzmm Member
Posts: 82 From: Katy, TX USA Registered: Dec 2006
posted 12-27-2008 08:42 AM
A well known model rocket manufacturer, SEMROC, is suppose to be coming out with its version of the 1/100 scale Saturn V in 2009. SEMROC is well know for excellent quality and customer service. Only "catch" with their Saturn V is the Apollo capsule/LES is balsa/wooden dowel construction instead of all plastic. It will make this a true Skill Level 5 kit.
Yes, my workspace is very messy; it's because I usually have more than one project being worked on. One day I'll get it cleaned up (if ever)...
dwmzmm Member
Posts: 82 From: Katy, TX USA Registered: Dec 2006
posted 12-27-2008 12:00 PM
This link shows several pages from the Estes Industries 1969 catalog featuring the Saturn 1B model I'm currently building as well as the Saturn V from which I mentioned the build thread in an earlier posting.
dwmzmm Member
Posts: 82 From: Katy, TX USA Registered: Dec 2006
posted 12-27-2008 12:05 PM
And the Centuri Saturn V from the 1972 edition of Centuri Engineering's catalog.
posted 12-22-2008 07:05 PM
Seeing the Estes and Centuri Saturns side by side helps to showcase the similarities and the differences of the two.
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