Scratch Micro Titan III-C MOL Original Design / Scratch Built

Scratch - Micro Titan III-C MOL {Scratch}

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Manufacturer: Scratch
(Contributed - by Dick Stafford - 10/01/01)

Rocket PicBrief:
This Micro Maxx rocket is a semi-scale model of the Titan III C Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) mock-up, which included a stretched version of the Titan III C topped with a Gemini capsule. Although the actual MOL never was built, the mock-up did fly on November 3, 1966. For more info, see "Rockets of the World", by Peter Alway.

Construction:
After the success of my Micro-Viking, I decided to build a second rocket using the tubing from the Aerotech First Fire igniters. This model uses one 5 ½" tube for the main airframe and two 2 ½" sections for the strap-on boosters. The nose cones were all turned from 3/8" dowels. I was not terribly careful with the dimensions but the overall look of the rocket is about right. I used Estes launch lugs for the side pods and thin packaging plastic for the fins.

The recovery system includes a section of thin Kevlar® twine and as much streamer material as I can stuff in (to be installed at launch).

I used a small hook-eye on the nose cone because I was afraid some extra weight might be required. The CG of the finished model is 4.125 inches from the tip of the nose.

I used a mix of glues - carpenter's glue for the wraps and boosters, thick CA for the clear fins, and Liquid Nails for the side pods. I also used some Liquid Nails on one fin, which for some reason refused to be bonded with CA. This was odd since the other three fins adhered just fine.

Rocket PicI painted the capsule black, the booster cones silver, and the side pods red. The tubes are covered with paper wraps that I printed on my Inkjet. Again, I did not try to be too detailed; for instance, I increased the size of Air Force emblem and text to make them more visible. Before cutting out the wraps, I shot on a coat of Krylon clear polyurethane spray to try to help prevent smudging. From a distance, the finished product looks good (my opinion of course!) but up close, there are a few smudges, wrinkles, etc. With some practice, however, I think this technique will work fine on small models. Prior to launch, I also added American flag stickers to the clear fins (after the photos were taken). My new launch policy is to have at least one flag displayed on every rocket I fly!

Flight:
The engine is meant to overhang to the bottom of the fins and is held in place with masking tape. I flew the rocket twice on the new MMX motors. The flights were stable and fairly low. I forgot the streamer stock so I decided to fly with only nose cone separation. It survived the first flight just fine, but one fin broke off on the second flight. This was not a big surprise since the rocket is relatively heavy and comes down fast. I will try a streamer next time.

Summary:
Despite a few finishing flaws, I am quite pleased with this rocket. The materials and techniques I used worked well, and the resulting rocket looks nice and flies fine.

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