Model Rocket Kit

A model rocket kit for Estes BT-55 body tubes. Choose from 4 nose cones and 3 fin sets. Or take the solidworks files and make your own!

I recommend using a cardboard body tube, but if you are determined to print your own or want to try a multi-stage rocket, check out this remix: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4423394

Based loosely on the Estes Amazon.

Wall thickness is 1.6mm, so best printed with a 0.4mm nozzle. base_swept_12.stl is an experimental 1.2mm wall thickness version.

This rocket flew beautifully with Estes D12-5, but it should work with other 24x70mm motors like Estes C11. See the Open Rocket simulation file.

You can also print 2x 18_mm_motor_adapter and use 18mm motors like Estes C6-3.

There's a shock cord mount near the bottom of base_*.stl. If you mount your shock cord here, make sure it's made of kevlar or some other very heat resistant material.

Here's a video of the rocket blasting into the sky in slow motion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5LMzHydy4g

Print Settings

Supports:

No

Resolution: 

0.2mm

Infill:

0%

Notes:

Designed with ABS shrinkage in mind. You may need to scale up slightly for PLA. I'm not sure.

Use 1.6mm wall/top/bottom thickness. The models do not require infill or supports. You may need to rotate them.

Try turning gap fill off if you get weird results on certain layers on nose cones, especially.

Instructions

1. Choose your fins! (one of base_*.stl)

If your goal is a very stable flight, maybe don't pick the forward swept fins.

2. Choose your nose cone! (one of nosecone_*.stl)

If your goal is a very stable flight, maybe don't pick the spearhead. 

3. Print 24mm_motor_cap.stl 

4. (Optional for 18mm motors) Print 2x 18_mm_motor_adapter.stl 

5. Glue base to body tube 

6. Sand nosecone to fit loosely in body tube 

7. Add a recovery system.

I use a parachute. There's a loop for mounting a shock cord on base_*.stl.

There are plenty of excellent guides on the net for building model rocket recovery systems.

8. Install a motor

24mm? D12-5, C11-5.

18mm? C6-5, C6-3

9. Launch your rocket!