Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Paul W's F-16 Build


 Paul W. posted on the Facebook Model Rocket Fanatics page:

"Finally finished the Odd’l Rockets F-16. This was a Christmas present two years ago from my oldest daughter so it will be a wall hanger. Nice challenging build with great instructions."

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Revisions to the F-18 Hornet Prototype

Trying to design a stable model rocket from a jet will present some compromises.

The two jet engines extend beyond the back end. The front of the intakes are a partial circle. The back of the tubes are full circle and notched to overlap the end of the main body. 
Four tries (and 40" of scrapped BT-5) gave me a workable design. These tubes might also help stabilize the model.

On the next prototype the engine hook will be on the top side, away from the BT-5 tubes.
You might notice the underside of the BT-50H is rough. I've cut off four intake tries and had to sand off some glue.
The decal draws are turning out very well!

Friday, November 27, 2020

New Odd'l Kit Design?


Last Sunday was a "free" day for me, vendor orders were filled and I had some down time. Most of the day was spent drawing, cutting balsa and body tubes.

I've been looking for a interesting new Fighter Fleet kit design and may have found it.
This is the F-18 Hornet, the same jet the Blue Angels use.

I use original scale drawings to draft the wings and fins. Design adjustments are made with the goal to capture the spirit of the original jet and still be stable. The wings are a bit smaller and set back. 
I'm always surprised how many changes are made from the initial drawings to finished flying model.
 
This F-18 is very different from the two other Odd'l Fighter Fleet kits, the F-104 and the F-16.
You'll rarely see me fly a "naked" rocket, this is a test model for the many test launches using different 18mm engines.

Friday, November 20, 2020

BIRDIES!

The Odd'l Rockets Birdie is a popular kit!

When the kits were first produced, I'd buy Badminton Birdies in six packs at a sports shop. I didn't want to be stuck with a few hundred "birds" if the kit didn't sell.

Hundreds of kits later, I now buy in bulk. Two boxes equals 288 Birdies!

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

L.G.M. Spotted . . .






Peter Giesige posted on the
Facebook Model Rocketry USA page:

"Love the Odd'l kits!!

Thanks Peter!
Looks like you did a GREAT job on the build!

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Colin's F-16 Launch




An email and picture from Colin Kaul - 
"Here is my Odd'l F16 on its first launch. It is kit number 165. I can't wait to get an F104 Starfighter!"

Thanks Colin!
Your picture caught the launch right after ignition!

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Odd'l Cyclone from Bob Portnell





Hi, Mr. M!
Just wanted to report that Cyclone #251 has completed assembly and been turned over to my younger daughter (18-1/2 years old) for marker decoration action.


Thanks Bob!
Markers keep it light for a longer spinning flight duration.
That Cyclone is a strange looking bird - 
But there's a good reason why. 
Wait until you see the maple seed recovery!

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

A Well Built F-16


From the Facebook Model Rocketry Fanatics page:
David Koo posted pictures of his finished Odd'l Rockets F-16. Great work David!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

A New Pig!


Hope finished up her Odd'l Rockets Pigasus and launched it twice yesterday. Lots of fun and with some careful wind correction we kept it on the field despite strong winds. with
Hope Betts Finn
.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Little Green Man - Review


An email from David -

Hi Chris,

Just finished building the the Little Green Man rocket! What a fun and unique build. I loved the design, humor, excellent instructions, and amazing attention to detail. This is just a quick e-mail to say thank you and to compliment you on your many talents! 
Next up: Pigasus and then the F-16 Fighter!
My five-year-old son and I can’t wait to launch the Green Man up!

Thank you!
David K

Thanks David! Where did you get that stand?