This was the first test fit of all the sections. The fit was better than I expected.
The other photo is of a ground test of a nose cone ejection charge. The first Firebird test failed, and and I have no photo of the successful second test. This photo is of another large rocket blowing it's nose.
I used red oxide primer and used a touch up style paint sprayer. You can't see it in the photo, but the main body is hanging from a basketball hoop, and the nose cone is resting on a custom made base. The purple final coat was applied the same way. I used Rustolium custom color, and was not happy with the way it dried, (very soft).
I used a Roland Stika vinyl cutter to create the trim for the Firebird. First the machine cuts the vinyl from the file created on a PC. The unwanted vinyl is then removed, and a transfer tape (like 6" wide masking tape) is applied over the design. Then the transfer tape is slowly removed with the vinyl comming along. Now the graphics or lettering can be applied to the rocket using a special application fluid which allows you to position it correctly..
Rolf Orell, Tripoli Prefect and TAP member from Sweden carefully looks over the Firebird and it's documentation. Allthough Rolf is not one of my offical TAP representatives, his two thumbs up gave me more confidence going into the launch later that same day.
I was planning on using my 1 1/2" Xtreme rail which I had brought with me for the launch, however I ran into Larry Mills from Payload Specialties Who was displaying their rail mounted on a quality trailer. Larry offered the use of the trailer for my Firebird launch. I didn't know at that time that I would never again want to launch a large rocket from a conventional pad. Although it will not be nearly as sweet as Larry's trailer, I am in the process of building a launch trailer for my Xtreme rail.
The Away Cells (AWC) at LDRS had been a busy place Sunday afternoon. The Firebird is ready for launch.........I hoped I hadn't forgot anything important!
After ten months of planning and four months of off and on building, the Firebird lifts off powered by an Aerotech L-1500 Blue Thunder motor / reload.
