Rookies with Space Derby questions.
miste...@aol.com
My son and I are space derby rookies. We are looking over our Styrofoam
kits, and we have a question regarding the propeller. One side of the
propeller hub is rounded, and the other is flatter, with a step cut into
it. Which side goes against the bushing in the nose button, and which side
goes toward the front (the direction the rocket is traveling).
We have been told to be careful of what paint we use (Styrofoam melts I
guess) and to use a water based glue. What is a rubber lubricant
(mentioned in the kit s instructions)? Do you glue the nose cone in? (if
so, what if the rubber band breaks or comes off - how do you put a new one
on?). How many rubber bands are used for the race (our kit has four!)?
Any other hints we should know about?
Thanks in advance.
Brett & Brett
p.s. what is the difference between rec.scouting.usa and
rec.scouting.misc?
John Barbieri
miste...@aol.com wrote:
> My son and I are space derby rookies. We are looking over our Styrofoam
> kits, and we have a question regarding the propeller. One side of the
> propeller hub is rounded, and the other is flatter, with a step cut into
> it. Which side goes against the bushing in the nose button, and which side
> goes toward the front (the direction the rocket is traveling).
The rounded end goes toward the little brass bushing. (It faces toward the
rear of the rocket.) It has a small surface area which provides for lower
friction against the brass bushing. The flat, stepped edge faces forward,
into the wind, in the direction the rocket is traveling. The wire is passed
through the propeller and then bent to catch on the propeller's step to allow
the wire to turn the propeller. The wire should only be bent to a 90 degree
angle, which will allow it to catch on the prop's step to turn it, but when
the oomph runs out of the rubber band, the prop can continue to free-wheel.
> We have been told to be careful of what paint we use (Styrofoam melts I
> guess) and to use a water based glue.
Wow! Just a couple years ago, my son and I built one, and it was made of
balsa wood! I guess cost effectiveness is running rampant everywhere, huh?
> What is a rubber lubricant (mentioned in the kit s instructions)?
You can buy the rubber lubricant at scout shops, or at hobby shops which
handle (flyable) model airplanes made of balsa wood. This stuff really
enhances the life of the rubber bands. I even recall seeing a recipe once,
showing how to make it yourself, but I don't remember where.
> Do you glue the nose cone in? (if so, what if the rubber band breaks or
> comes off - how do you put a new one on?).
NO!!! Do _NOT_ glue the nose cone in! It will be held in place by the
tension of the rubber band. It won't spin or fall out until (maybe) the very
end of the race, when you don't care anyway.
> How many rubber bands are used for the race (our kit has four!)?
Your Pack will determine how many rubber bands are used in the race. Our
pack usually uses two.
> Any other hints we should know about?
Keep it light but strong. If you know anything about structures, you know
that a larger cylinder is stronger than a smaller one (albeit heavier), so if
you're tempted to take material off, remove it from the inside. We used to
put some sand paper on a 1/2" dowel and ream out the center with that. I
don't know how well that will work with styrofoam. If you make the wall too
thin, it will break under the stress of competition, either from the tension
of the rubber band, or from the stress of encountering the end of the
raceway.
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Brett & Brett
Good luck!!
> p.s. what is the difference between rec.scouting.usa and
> rec.scouting.misc?
rec.scouting.usa is for BSA conversations.
rec.scouting.misc is for international scouting.
rec.scouting.girl+guide is for Girl Scouting and Guiding.
rec.scouting.issues is for the (usually more heated) debates such as
scouting's stance on religion, and etc.
--
John Barbieri
=============
ASM, Troop 201, Endicott, NY
Chris Jacobi
>My son and I are space derby rookies.
rooky about space derby. (I have never done one with my pack)
>One side of the
>propeller hub is rounded, and the other is flatter, with a step cut into
>it.
I would bet that the step is where the pin applies force to the
propeller. That means the step is in FRONT. (Because the pin goes
through the propeller into the body)
>Do you glue the nose cone in?
It doesn't matter for spead.
>what if the rubber band breaks or comes off
It rarely happens
>How many rubber bands are used for the race (our kit has four!)?
I'd say two should be enough. If you give too many turns to the
propeller the whole rocket will start to turn.
>p.s. what is the difference between rec.scouting.usa and
>rec.scouting.misc?
Our international friends were bothered with the US domination
of this newsgroup (their concern was justified). Other scouting
organizations have other sets of problems. For example, other countries
do not have webelos, or, an eagle award. I personally voted against
this split, but obviously the majority thought it would work out.
:-) Other countries don't do a space derby, and certainly don't
:-) have the same pre-fabricated kits. Rightfully therefore
:-) the discussion about space derby belongs into rec.scouting.usa
:-)
Chris
John Bosch
> propeller hub is rounded, and the other is flatter, with a step cut into
> goes toward the front (the direction the rocket is traveling).
>
> (mentioned in the kit s instructions)? Do you glue the nose cone in? (if
> so, what if the rubber band breaks or comes off - how do you put a new one
>
> Any other hints we should know about?
>
>
> Brett & Brett
>
> rec.scouting.misc?
In answer to some of your questions, we found white lithium grease to
work as an excellent rubber lubricant (found at many hardware stores).
As for the paint, YES by all means DON'T use spray enamel or else your
rocket will look like it suffered from several acne!
Good Luck,
-John Bosch
Wolf Den Leader
Pack 385
Haltom City, Texas