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Friday, August 7, 2026

Bomarc YIM-99A: A Scratch Build

Starting with Peter Alway's most excellent dimensional data, a 1/2 scale model was made in Open Rocket.

The model was then scaled down to a BT-204 body tube.

Its a 29mm Rear Eject, with an internal payload bay for the Altimeter Two. A 36" Parachute yields a ground hit speed of 15 mph.

The stock livery of Black and White paint with a gold Nose Cone was used, but I think this all aluminum version shows of its curves better. But that can be finalized later.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Curtiss Jenny

This one is an upscale of the 1964 Estes "Flying Jenny"

Retro Curtiss Jenny paint,
12" Wingspan with Jenny style wings (vs 8-1/2),
BT-52H (vs BT-20),
Streamer Recovery for the 24mm motor (vs headbanger recovery),
1/4" Plywood Construction

2026-07-31 Nose Cone and Plywood

Cut the Nose Cone on my wood lathe, and then cut the Wings, Rudders and BT-52HMF.

Updated Open Rocket

Gluing Center Wings to the Body Tube

2026-08-01 Gluing Rudders to Center Wings

Gluing Bottom Wing to Rudders

Gluing Top Wing to Rudders

Gluing Strut Rod to Body / Bottom Wing

Finished, Less Motor and Ballast

2026-08-02 Nose Cone Ballast

Installed the Ballast into the Nose Cone, then glued the sub-assy into the BT-52HMF

Launch Lug Install and Motor Mod's

The thought is the asymmetric drag from the launch lug will make the "Glider" bank to the left... :dontknow:

The C11-3 motor was modified by adding to masking tape Centering Rings on each end. Then some Bird Tape mylar was installed as a Streamer between the Centering Rings.