I have seen many rockets launched on what is
the Lionburger pad. it is a red one. there is also a gray one.

I launched an 8"X14' rocket off the Lionburger Pad. and have
seen many about the same go. I'm sure it will work fine. The
rails can go to 12' or so.

I think Brian is looking for a tower set up? Our larger pads could certailny accommodate. And the swing set could probably be arranged for if needed. I'm not sure of the fin span available from the largest tower Dale built. Anyone?

Not a problem to adjust the tower that Dale made to accommodate a 98mm bird.

We'll make sure it is at the launch in April.

Ed

Ed. fin span may be an issue... Dale's tower was originally made for my 3" project which had a 3" fin span, so from centerline to the outside of my rocket, that is 4.5", or 9" in diameter. I don't think the ring was much larger than that?

A 98mm rocket with fins that span 4" would need 12.0" of clearance inside the ring. I don't have a 98mm Mongoose in stock right now, so I am just guessing at the span, but I'll bet it is at least 4.0".

Bottom line - I don't know that Dale's tower will handle a rocket that big?

I don't have the tower here to check, but I think it's more like 14-16" on the span ring.

There is a good picture on the 3dogs rocketry site http://www.3dogsrocketry.com/#thumb of the tower with your 3" diameter rocket loaded and ready to go. It sure looks like there is plenty of room, but we can check at this weekend's launch.

Brian, can you clarify your span measurement? I assume that the 13.5" is not an individual fin span but a combination of body tube and fin(s).

my span accourding to roc sims is 13.5 inches, When I measure it is is close to 14 inches so Rock sims is probably correct with 13.5

Hope you have one , if not I will have to buy or make one

Thanks for the help

Brian

my body tube is 98 mm or 4 inches.

Fins are just about 5 inches so I believe the span is 14 inches. now that I took the time to measure.
Thanks

I have a Waltson, but have borrowed the reciever to my son in ND. I am going to test my Level 3 project on a level 2 motor, hoping to accomplish in April at your North site.

SO , does anyone have a tracker / Transmitter and reciever or, a reciever that will pick up:

217.566
217.524
217.504

These are the 3 transmitters that I have for my Waltson

Thanks
Brian

That tower is pretty rickety in any case... it just doesn't travel well. It served so well for my first shot, but towers tend to get wrenched on a lot, and they just don't have the durability of a good 'ol chunk of rail... there are multiple tubes and they are hollow vs the strength of a single rail. They just don't withstand the use and abuse.

I had a very excellent first flight -- and I was hesitant to use the same tower for my 2nd flight a year later. As it was, I did indeed have a sloppy exit from the tower.

We need to seriously think about the tower issue at some point. We have lots of great rails and rods are a dime a dozen - but the rail thing is a continual challenge. It can be a safety issue as well. Rockets using the towers tend to be very high powered. If we ever had one come out sideways, it'd be horrific.

While rails and rods are fairly linear in their expense curve, towers get much more expensive as the diameter of the rocket and fin span diameter increases. What may be a $50 tower for 38mm may turn into a $200 tower for 98mm. It also depends on how durable you want to build it? I built a tower a long time ago that used 3" tube for the supports and it was very very rigid and straight, but then again it wasn't cheap either.

I think that if we want something that can adjust from 38mm to 98mm we will have to go from the small 1" angle iron/1" EMT tube to something larger diameter, say in the 2-3" range for the uprights to get the rigidity and durability that is needed for the M shots.

Edward

John and I found a VERY nice tower... http://www.towerlauncher.com/ - 54mm up to 7.5", no fin span limitation. Starting price I believe is about $1500.

Warren

That is an awesome tower indeed - but it is costs too many $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and it will still turn to scrap if it gets stuff piled on top of it in the trailer. The current rods and rails have a nice place to ride in the trailer. Towers, due to their bulk, often get bent. I wish there was an easier solution?

My friend (whom I built my first tower with) designed an adjustable tower that used 4" tube (8' long) that had ends that were on cams so you could adjust them to the diameter and lock down. It had a top and bottom plate that held the diameter in consistent. Unfortunately I don't have the designs, but you could take the 4" tubes off and store separately. One version had a 4" tube, 3.5" tube and 3" tube so they could be stored inside each other.

Edward

Sorry I didn't notice this thread earlier. I have a custom built tower that will fit up to a 98 Mongoose. It has 10 foot rails with extensions that go up to 14 ft. Fully adjustable, with a nice solid metal baseplate, all welded by a professional. I am happy to let other people use it, however I am hesitant to loan it out. If you have a specific need for it at a launch let me know ahead of time and I can bring it out. I am planning on taking it to MHM to launch my L3 98 Goose out of as well. -Sean