Got a hold of the same sort of rocket launch pad I had as a kid to launch flying model rockets. Unfortunately the kit came with two bottoms for the hand controller, so I had to make a top half using the 3D printer. Fortunately someone else did the hard work already. It didn't work a 100% as a match to the original part, so I had a friend modify the files until it did match.
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I wanted to buy the Centuri Powr Pad, the same sort of launch pad that I had as a kid, for quite awhile. They don't show up to often on eBay, but when they do, they usually go for a ridiculous amount or are missing parts. Back in April, I lucked out and won a Eagle Power Flying Model Rocket 3501 kit (without the rocket) for $60.00. It came with an unbuilt Centuri Powr Pad and some other odds and ends. Unfortunately (or fortunately), it also came with 2 Centuri rocket motors. The problem with those is the mail doesn't like to ship those across the border. The first time it was shipped, it was turned around and ended up with the seller. I asked the seller to remove them and try again. Strangely enough, he just reshipped them as is. Fortunately this time it went through. I got it today via FedEx. Not sure if that made a difference or not. I finally managed to extract a reasonably clear image of me trying to launch this flying model rocket back in the spring 1982.
My mother was trying to film (on Super 8mm) me attempting to launch my Alien Scoutship Flying Saucer, but unfortunately she ran out of film before the thing actually ignited. On the right is the same flying model rocket, that I managed to find on eBay. These are hard to come by and go for a lot, but I lucked out on this one. This was one of my favourite rockets. It is hard to see, but the launcher is the Centuri Powr Pad, which sat on top of a large 6V lantern battery. |
AuthorCharles Baetsen holds a Bachelor and a Master's degree in Engineering Physics from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. Archives
February 2024
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