21 blog posts and nearly a year and a half in the making....
Model Info and Specs
Lunar Patrol 3
Based on the Model Products Corp. Lunar Patrol, Kit # R-215
Original Kit Produced: 1969- 1978
Designed by: Fred Nardei
Completion Date: 12 July, 2018
Booster Rocket
Length: 42cm
Diameter: 19mm
Weight: 20.1g
Single Stage
Motor Type: 18mm
Parachute Recovery
Color Scheme: White, Silver, Red, with multi-color markings.
Gliders
Type: Delta Wing
Lengths: 18.5cm
Diameters: 19mm
Weight: (Avg.): 10.75g
Color Scheme: White, Red, Black
Overall Vehicle
Length: 58.3cm
Weight Empty: 41.6g
About The Lunar Patrol 3...
Back in the ‘old fleet’ days, my all-time favorite model rocket to fly was an original MPC Lunar Patrol, followed by a custom designed re-build version of the booster rocket. The sight of the model streaking straight upward, then separating into three sections at ejection, was fun to watch. The booster would descend under its parachute while the gliders wheeled about on their own separate flight paths. The bird was always a crowd-pleaser at club demonstration launches.
As a Born Again Rocketeer, a clone build of the Lunar Patrol was an absolute necessity! Scanned plans of the original MPC kit instructions and templates were download from the Ye Olde Rocket Plans website.
This build cannot be considered as a true clone of the original kit because I went with Estes BT-20 tubing for the main airframe and glider fuselages. The original kit had slightly larger diameter body tubes.
Also a currently available
Estes PNC-20-something nose was used.
Another deviation from the original Lunar Patrol revolves around the motor clip. The MPC kit utilized a standard clip that was attached to the outside of the main body tube and held in place with a larger diameter tube that slid over it. My re-build uses an internal motor hook made from .020 music wire.
Another deviation from the original Lunar Patrol revolves around the motor clip. The MPC kit utilized a standard clip that was attached to the outside of the main body tube and held in place with a larger diameter tube that slid over it. My re-build uses an internal motor hook made from .020 music wire.
In addition, since the published plans did not have really clear illustrations or dimensions for the glider noses, I estimated the sizes and turned them on the wood lathe.
I am quite happy to have another Lunar Patrol in my current fleet, and look forward to many flights with this interesting bird.
