Hi,
I have a 3" dia Blue Tube about 4' long which I bought many years ago from Apogee Components. Just wondering if anyone has had experiences positive or negative using this material. I'm considering putting it together with a payload bay and 38mm motor mount, with fiberglass fins and bulkheads. I know I could go 54 mm, but I'd like to take one step up at a time, given my level 1 rocket runs with 29mm motors. Thanks in advance for any opinions.
-Rick
I have used Blue Tube for A/V bays and motor mount tubes, it's a good material. I also have several sections of 6" Blue Tube that I intend to use as an airframe for a scratch build cluster project. I just need to find a good way to cut fin slots.
Also, I have friends who have used Blue Tube as an airframe and have had no trouble.
However - I have heard complaints about the material swelling and deforming. I've got a Blue Tube motor mount (54mm) that has deformed a bit, and is almost impossible now to insert a motor case, not to mention pulling it out takes quite a bit of persuasion.
My conclusion is that I probably will not use Blue Tube as a motor mount in the future, but otherwise I like it.
Best of luck with your project!
Blue Tube scratch build complete! Used a dremmel to cut the fin slots. PML Extended Kwikswitch 29/38/54 Motor Mount. Looking forward to first flight next weekend if Octoberfest is a go! Photo to follow.