Der Saturn Max

Take us through your build strategies and ideas.
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Trident
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#1 Der Saturn Max

Post by Trident »

I have not posted in awhile. But, I have been busy building rockets! Unfortunately, not much flying since last Fall either due to bad weather (if it’s not been too cold, we have had fire bans at many launch sites in Colorado).


But enough off topic stuff, I am working on a crazy makeover, converting my old Estes Saturn V into a ...

Der Saturn Max

I owe a big thank you to Verna, since she helped me with a paper transition for my old and beat-up, dusty Estes Saturn V. It had been sitting for over 20 years. I really thought it would not look good enough in its standard livery, so what to do with it? Give it a Der Red Max makeover!

Weather got bad, and I did not finish painting, but here it is, nearly done. After painting, it will get some Stickershock Red Max decals. The nose cone is a “DRM-shaped” balsa turning from my lathe.

I plan to do the maiden flight at NARAM-60 in August, in Pueblo.

Anyone here going?
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Lee

Bulds: Estes Saturn V, Super Sky Hook, Farside-X
Awaiting Paint/Detailing: Estes Saturn 1B
Completed!: Der Saturn Max, Bandit XL
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#2 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by Commander »

I wish we had a Graphic Artist on staff, this calls out for some special won-DER-ful decals.
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Trident
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#3 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by Trident »

It was reasonably nice today, 50° and minimal wind. I got the body painted. Next task in a few days is to add the black rolls patterns like the Saturn V. Then some custom “Max” decals from Stickershock.

Sitting next to the DSM are my scratch-built Big Der Red Max and Double Mini Max. The DSM is a beast. It will fly on Aerotech F24W reload in the 24/40 RMS.
FAF03CCD-6EC4-408E-811D-8EC8057BEEA7.jpeg
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Lee

Bulds: Estes Saturn V, Super Sky Hook, Farside-X
Awaiting Paint/Detailing: Estes Saturn 1B
Completed!: Der Saturn Max, Bandit XL
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#4 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by Rocket Babe »

I just now saw this but I think that's awesome! :twisted: Glad to have been of some service. 8-)

You have to get some photos! :D
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Trident
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#5 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by Trident »

Thanks Verna!

I was going to fly it at NSL in Geneseo, but will likely just take a few small rockets. We are on a huge road trip that will include a stop in Geneseo for NSL, but we will not have room for all the junk I normally take to a launch.

I will fly it at NARAM-60 in Pueblo. It’s 200 miles from our home but I flew there a number of times last year. Great club, including John Boren of Estes.

Any chance you guys will attend NSL or NARAM? I’m buying the first round of beers ... :D
Lee

Bulds: Estes Saturn V, Super Sky Hook, Farside-X
Awaiting Paint/Detailing: Estes Saturn 1B
Completed!: Der Saturn Max, Bandit XL
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#6 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by Rocket Babe »

Thanks for the invite Lee, I wish we could, I'd love that but I'm still putting in 10+ hours a day 7 days a week and probably will be until at least the fall. Hopefully one day we'll get to go.

But for sure I'm looking forward to seeing your Saturn go up! 8-)

After the flight have a Sam Addams or Top Shelf margarita for me! :D
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Trident
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#7 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by Trident »

Well, we got back from our 5500 mile road trip and did nothing for a week! NSL in Geneseo was fun, but the humidity on this east coast trip kicked our butts good!

I finally ordered my DSM decals from Stickershock. Here is the beast in Max attire.
39A5F4BB-D02B-4AFA-8E4F-1C35A88EAB51.jpeg
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Lee

Bulds: Estes Saturn V, Super Sky Hook, Farside-X
Awaiting Paint/Detailing: Estes Saturn 1B
Completed!: Der Saturn Max, Bandit XL
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#9 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by bernomatic »

almost inspires me to start on my SAT V
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Trident
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#10 Re: Der Saturn Max

Post by Trident »

I plan to fly it at NARAM in August. That’s just a short 200 mile drive for us.
Lee

Bulds: Estes Saturn V, Super Sky Hook, Farside-X
Awaiting Paint/Detailing: Estes Saturn 1B
Completed!: Der Saturn Max, Bandit XL
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