BAR Fleet #136 Nike-X

 

Source:  Estes Industries Kit # 7259

Type:     Scale-like sport model

 Stages: Single

Engine Type: 18mm

Recovery:  Parachute

 Length:  59.4cm (23.4 in.)

Diameter:  33.65mm (1.325 in.)

Weight Empty:  56g (1.970oz.)

Nose Cone:  Tangent ogive

Fin Types: Clipped delta, delta

Number of Fins: 3 sets of 4

 Color Scheme:  White, black, red

 Date Completed:  December 16, 2021

 An ‘Old Fleet’ Re-build

A large part of my BAR era model rocket fleet consists of re-builds of some of the favorites I had flown in the days of yore.

 The Estes Nike-X is another of these.

This version is the new re-release of the kit (#7259).  It was constructed as part of a seven-model simultaneous build project begun in October, 2021.

 This model is built to kit specifications except for the upper decal.  A simple checkerboard roll pattern was applied in place of the kit decal.  Another minor deviation was the addition of red paint to the model’s lower fin tips.

 The Nike-X is overall a very attractive, well designed model rocket which proudly takes its spot in the ever-growing fleet.

Binge Build: A Shop-Full of Shock Cords !

This is the final step of the build that can be effectively done assembly line style.

My method for shock cord mounts is very similar to the ones used in MPC and Centuri kits back in the day:  A flat piece of material with three holes or slots into which the shock cord is threaded and glued. 

I am not a fan of the trifold 'teabag' mounts because of their high profile and sharp corners on which parachutes and shroud lines can get caught.

The mounts I use are cut out of Manila stock with three slits for the cord and all of the square corners removed.

 The shock cord is then threaded through the slits and glued to the mount at all of the contact points.

These are very sturdy mounts that are very reliable and take up little space inside the body tube. I've never had one fail or cause parachute obstruction.

For all of the bigger BT-55 and BT-60 sized models in this build, I go with a 45 inch length of quarter-inch elastic.

For the Crossfire ISX, I went with thirty inches of one-eighth round elastic with a thinner card stock mount.

For the models on which will likely be lofting a payload section airframe, I equipped the loose end of the shock cord with a snap swivel.  This will allow interchangeability between noses and payload sections, or facilitate the use of seperate parachutes.

Here are all of the shock cord mount assemblies built and ready to be installed into their respective models: