LOC/Precision - Magnum {Kit} (PK-16) [1985-]

LOC/Precision Magnum

LOC/Precision - Magnum {Kit} (PK-16) [1985-]

Contributed by Walter Kjellander

Manufacturer:

(Contributed - by Walter Kjellander - 08/10/02)

Rocket Pic Brief:
The LOC Magnum is single-staged with a main 54mm motor mount and two 29mm outboards. A good rocket for level 2 certification.

Construction:
The parts were all OK. I was surprised that the slots for the fin tabs had to be cut. The other LOC kits I have done have precut slots, like the Forte, EZI-65, Expediter, LOC IV, Graduator, and I-ROC. The instructions for assembly were fine. I added a middle centering ring above the fin tabs to make a fin can. I also used a 38mm main motor mount instead of the 54mm and 29mm outboards. I built it for the J350 reload.

The kit includes two cardboard (standard LOC) body tubes: booster and payload section, three 3 precut fins made of 3/16" plywood, a hard plastic nose cone, and a 1/2" diameter 6" long cardboard launch lug, you cut into 3" pieces - I replaced this with roomier thin wall brass launch lugs (not supplied).

Finishing:
Finishing was easy. This is true for all LOC tubing, I think. There were no decals. I just painted mine pumpkin orange.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
I used a J350 for a Level 2 flight. It flew fine, and the boost looked straight. Apparently, my fin alignment, while not perfect, was good enough. My sanding job on the fins was minimal, so I think the rocket will fly OK even if you do not do a great job on the fins. The projected altitude (wRASP) was 1700', so it put on a nice show without going too high.

Recovery:
I did not use the parachute which came with the kit. The kit parachute probably works fine, I'm just a bit paranoid about parachutes with lots of shroud lines.

The body separates at the payload section, I used motor ejection. The kit supplied a shockcord that was elastic and an eyebolt for shockcord attachment to the front centering ring. I used a Nomex® chute protector and shockcord sleeve (not supplied) instead of wadding.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
The kit has typical LOC quality. It is ideal for Level 2 certification using a J350. It fit in the back of my car OK. If you are paranoid like me, you can upgrade the recovery system. I used 1" tubular nylon for the parachute harness.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Reviews

LOC/Precision Magnum By Dan Patell
( Contributed - by Dan Patell - 10/20/02) Brief: A large high-powered rocket that should be considered for a Level 2 certification flight. Modifications: Several minor changes were made and are described below. Construction: The rocket comes with: A plastic Nosecone, 2 thick paper body tubes, three motor mount tubes, 2 1/4" plywood centering rings, 3 1/4" p ...

Flights

Comments:

C.E. (February 1, 2001)

I have made two contacts with the folks at LOC and received good help and quick response in both cases. I am building the Magnum kit right now and agree with your construction assessments so far. I will post a full review when the kit is completed. This is my first LOC kit and the body tubing is very nice to work with.

M.W. (February 1, 2001)

I too, have a Magnum that I built for a Level 2 cert. I have strong overbuilding tendencies so I used a Kevlar® sock (from Giant Leap) with 4oz. fiberglass over it. The fins have 2 layers of 9oz. fiberglass on them. I used a parachute and shock cord from Rocket Rage (thanks Carl!). I used a J415 for the L2 and I plan to fly it on a K55 and then a K700 in the near future. With solid construction and some strengthening, the Magnum should take any motor that will fit inside it. Look at my launch.

C.S. (March 1, 2001)

This really is a wonderful kit from LOC. This kit can easily qualify L2, and with some strengthening, take you the full range of 54 mm motors. The outboard 29's are great, especially with I200's in them. Please get some tubular nylon to use for the recovery system, it is cheap and your can hold a ton on it. I actually wrapped the inside of the tube also with fiberglass to help increase strength. A little overbuilding will go a long way. Now, just special order the centering rings with the 54mm center, 2-38's and 2-29's outboard. What crazy fun!!

S.M. (April 1, 2001)

I have flown my Magnum on K550s and K700s. Check out some details of the construction and flights at my site. I agree with overbuilding so you can fly the big stuff!

J.P. (August 1, 2001)

I think the LOC Magnum 54/29/29mm is a great kit. I have flown mine many times on motors from a 38mm J350 to a 54mm K550. It is very durable. It has crashed twice from no parachute deployment, and it was still ready to fly again. It shredded on a K1100, but after I cut off the front foot of the main body tube and replaced it, the rocket flew again with no problem. I have set mine up for two step deployment with the payload section broken down into an electronics bay and a parachute bay. This is the only way to go with flights to 5,000'. I knew I would want to do airstarts with the two 29mm outboards, so I built it with a small conduit running through the centering rings so that I could run ignition wires from the electronics bay to the rear of the rocket. My only negative comment on the rocket is that when the rocket is flown with just the central motor, the outboard 29mm motor tubes tend to deteriorate from the heat and exhaust of the main motor. If you do not plan to do clusters or airstarts, or if you want a good 54mm rocket that you will fly with just one motor most of the time, I recommend buying a single motor rocket like the LOC Syonic.

A.S. (September 24, 2005)

The LOC Magnum was my first 'huge rocket', back when they first had the foam nosecones. After the loss of that one in the Virginia woods, I purchased a second, and it is built completely stock with the exception of the electronics bay / dual deployment optional . NO added (3rd) centering ring, short outboard tubes,16" payload section has more than enough room above the electronics bay / coupler for a Rocketman R9 chute. this thing has been pounded on, as BRS and other NY club members can attest. Stock 2ring version can survive nearly ANY available 54mm motors, up to and including the K700 (not recommended for Kosdon L1850 or the new Loki L1400). Mine has flown, among others, on J800, J450 Kosdon, and including the Kosdon J1500! Surprisingly, no K motors, that's what I have the K-Load for, I guess. Favorite flights include an I357 plus 2 H238's all ground started, and DPS J700 Yellowjacket motors. In conclusion, the LOC Magnum is a workhorse, and a classic high power kit as well, deserving of a place in anyone?s fleet, and the perfect L2 rocket.

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