My Sudden Rush PML QT Kit (a.k.a. Sudden Habanero Rush) I've built to accommodate 4 grain 54mm engines. I've punched it up once on a J210. Next launch I've a 3 grain J380 SS. And I'm then going to use the K400 Green, which should have it somewhere around .9 to 1.0 Mach. It has the thicker G10 (.095"0 fins).

From this discussion, it seems as if it should work.

Empirical testing is fun...

I may still build some sport flyer with blue tube, just to check it out.

Went to check them out and found "Robert Synoski, prefect of Tripoli Tampa flew his 2.6 inch 4.5 lb inch Blue Tube to 47g’s and 547mph on an Aerotech J1299 Warp-9 motor. The 0.45 second burn coasted his rocket to 5500 feet where it was recovered without a scratch.

At least they got this one back. It's the source of the video, but an earlier attempt with rocket recovery.

Seems to confirm Warp Engines and Blue Tube work. Still like to examine the one they lost in the video...

Seeing that Mike Fisher put his famous 38mm L motor in a minimum diameter Blue tube rocket and it didn't fail I think it should be fine. I don't think the Warp 9 kicks as hard as the 38mm L motor.

He did note that it was severely blistered from aerodynamic heating and motor heat soak.

Edward

Airframes are very much a personal choice of what works best for you. Here's my thoughts:

John, love ya, but glass (which i will keep buying from you in many cases) is about twice the price of the blue stuff. Say 44" piece of 98mm is $39 vs $80 for glass. The stuff certainly has its place in the market. I'll use it in preference to light glassing plus phenolic or paper, saves some effort. But if building a tank or for some kinda max-Q situation, yeah glass still wins.

I have just started using the blue tube on two projects. Have not flown it yet, however I am seriously impressed so far. It seems the best of many worlds to me, quite strong but not brittle. Had a piece stood on end on workbench which fell off, top end going 6 feet to concrete and landing on the corner doesnt bother it a bit... I'd expect cracks and at least a little damage with glass or phenolic! It is as advertised, easy to cut and machine slots into. Not quite as precise as convolute glass, but does not chew up bits as fast either. Fills and sands like LOC paper, except you dont have to fool with roughing up the glassine first.

One of my two projects is a min diameter 38mm, i do not intend to reinforce the airframe at all, just a few layers of tip to tip, the fins staying on is much more worrisome than the tube. Should be educational on J570 🙂

8) My thoughts are kind of from a "insider". Blue tube looks to be great stuff. My problem is the price. I know for a fact that from a large tube maker, "fish tube" in 4" is 9.10 a 4ft. stick - plus shipping. Giant Leap has a new custom tube (gray) a little stronger and without the problems of blue tube. And it retails for 10.00 a stick less. But I have to admit, just like with motors, having all those choices is much better than only one or two to pick from! 😀 This is truely the golden age of rocketry!

The Magna Frame from GLR looks really interesting. Ed/Joe should post something about it in the Vendor section.

I'll give it a go for some smaller stuff.

It's fun as there is more and more selection for construction materials on the market.

Time to flight test it.

I wish GLR would also make 5.5" I have cones for 5.5 but not for 6". Also I like the plastic nosecones for 5.5 vs the fiberglass for 6".

Edward

The Magna Frame from GLR looks really interesting. Ed/Joe should post something about it in the Vendor section.

I'll give it a go for some smaller stuff.

It's fun as there is more and more selection for construction materials on the market.

Time to flight test it.

I like the idea of the Magnaframe because it looks like it will be stiffer, thinner, and maybe lighter than the blue tube.

That is all very interesting indeed. As noted, I've not flown with the stuff. I'd like to see if it fits the cones, etc. that I have in inventory. It may be a nice thing for me to stock, which I'm glad to do if the demand is there (assuming the vendor allows for dealers).

I'm soooooooooooo spoiled by glass, but everything has a place indeed.

JW

the pieces of blue tube that i have (29, 38, 54, and 98mm) fit quite well with PML and LOC plastic noses, and fibreglass noses from John as well. some of them need a little tape on the I.D., but better than the opposite problem, and the O.D. matches up just fine by my standards. ARR pedals LOC cones with the stuff.

Naturally couplers work best within the brand, but others are serviceable.

The blue stuff sure isnt fish paper, any more than LOC is the same as rolled up notebook paper. Their fibre vulcanization and whatever adhesives are the trick of course.

Looking forward to comparing against the Magna Frame, maybe Tim will mail me a sample 🙂