Jump to content

Nuclear Booster Rocket


Recommended Posts

Those of a certain age may remember the 'Project Sword' range of toys from the 1960s, which were loosely associated with Gerry Anderson. I had the one pictured below, which was based on a design from NASA's Ames Research Centre.

5132_l.jpg

The NASA version is mentioned here ( scroll down to near the bottom of the page ) http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/realdesigns.php and was also the subject of this Ed Valigursky illustration in Arthur C Clarke's book 'Man and Space'

atomic-rocket.jpg

Anyway, I have now started on a kit to resurrect the design - though at around 57cm long I think it will be larger than the original.

While waiting for various sizes of plastic tube to be delivered, I made a start with the re-entry glider, which is a very simple delta-winged design.

11140008_768690923238703_363148366630944

Moulds now taken from the above parts, and test shot curing. More later :)

Edited by MartG
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glider now painted and decals applied

1981747_770556533052142_7877324941331670

Three more parts fresh from the moulds - reactor cooling fin section, drop-tank body and end cap

11163241_770556539718808_429877833506529

Mould for core body section currently curing. Just need to make the conical front & rear transitions and the engine now :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First fuel tank assembled - just another eleven to cast and glue together....

11204977_954015654650526_569876937403527

Fun while sanding some of the parts - sorry, couldn't resist, especially after seeing Blue Origin's new rocket.....

uiqLXfcC.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

More new resin bits fresh from the mould - core fuselage section, aft transition section, rocket engine, nose transition section/

10982600_770950583012737_554584812051978

I've made the centre section of the rocket modular to a) keep the size ( and cost ) of the mould down, and b ) it gives the option of building a short version with only one ring of tanks or a longer version with three or more rings of tanks :)

Edited by MartG
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...