Real big issues with shroud/fairings. Needed to do re-draw and several print and test fit parts.

Final re-draw was still wrong when I traced parts and then installed on rocket body. Shroud was still to large to fit, should have trimmed them more.

A couple of photos below showing almost complete Atlas. Needs the recovery system installed.

Three photos show the clear welding hood lens, 4-1/2" x 5-1/4" size, used for the stabilizer fins. Was going to use 2.6" diameter clear tubes for the fins, purchased from Apogee, have another plan for them now.

Yes, two of the three engine bells are attached for flight.

Photos show why have to use sunglasses for this build, eyes hurt if you don't.

Weight at this stage: Heavy Weight at 28.4oz

Full size ARCAS is next.

Mike

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Thank you Bill!

You planted the thoughts of a balloon in these rockets. Will be soon experimenting with a balloon ejection system: AirBlast Ejection

Using Estes ejection: shuttle in ejection tube that has a thumbtack nosecone. Reaches the balloon: Ka-Blooey!

Asked Estes some questions, their reply really didn't help, so now have a back-up plan for deploying the chute.

Guess their reply was the best answer I could have received, combined with your thoughts on a balloon: here is the result! Plan to respond to their survey now.

R/C version can be made, cat 5 wire to 32awg nichrome wire: for now will be using de-thermalling fuse to test the idea. Super light weight, gets rid of need for wadding, can be regulated by size type and how much PSI the balloon is blown up too.

Speaking of Wadding: Has anyone ever tried super gluing a length of parachute shroud to the rocket and wadding to re-use it? Length would be how far does it need to reach from attached point on rocket. Allowing to be re-positioned into original space as needed. Shouldn't interfere with parachute deployment if located correctly.

Mike