From: buzz@rsd.dl.nec.com (Buzz McDermott)
Subject: Re: Competition Kits Question
Keywords: QCR Apogee NCR competition
Organization: NEC America, Radio Software Dept
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 17:32:13 GMT

In article <1992Aug28.052740.9264@ennews.eas.asu.edu>, elder@enuxha.eas.asu.edu (Greg Elder) writes:
|> I've decided to have a go at model rocketry competition and am
|> looking at ordering some kits from Qualified Competition Rockets (QCR) and/or
|> Apogee Components (streamer/parachute duration and boost glide kits).
|> Does any one have an experience and or advice concerning kits from
|> either of these companies?  (Yes, I checked the FAQ but it just lists
|> their addresses.)  I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has built
|> kits from any of these companies.  Thanks.

I haven't built or even seen (that I"m aware of) any QCR kits.  I've built
several of the Apogee kits (Streamliner egglofter, SD and PD kits).  Apogee
has excellent kits, high quality parts, GREAT instructions and documentation
(even the catalog is a nice source of construction tips).  The Streamliner
is quite competitive (one or more Streamliners were 'in the money' at every
eggloft event in DARS competitions this past summer).  The Dragstrer/P'chuter
kits are as competitive as any others that I've seen.  The Apogee instructions
are EXTREMELY detailed.  Great stuff for competition neophites (like me, this 
past summer).

The Apogee SD/PD kits use very lightweight phenolic-impregnated paper tubing,
light plastic nosecones, and waferglass fins.  They're easy to put together.
Apogee also sells competition chutes and streamers.  I really like the Apogee
streamers.  I can't say I like the chutes, though.  But, I'm a real klutz
when it comes to working with 1/4mm mylar chutes with shroud lines thinner 
than sewing thread.  I HATE ALL COMP CHUTES!!

The Blackshaft (TM) tubing that Apogee sells seems to be the standard at
DARS competitions.  This includes competitiors from out-of-state at the
regional meets.  It's REAL popular with SuperRoc models.

North Coast Rocketry dropped most of their competition kits from their new
catalog.  I've built their B/G and R/G kits and I like them. I was the only
one at DARS meets using NCR gliders.  They tended to be the biggest 
models in any event catagory.  I find NCR instructions and documentation 
a little on the 'minimal' side.  They resulting models are very sturdy for
competition kits, though.

My teammate built a couple of the NCR helicopter kits.  Again, the 
documentation was minimal.  The kits were also a b*tch to put together!  
From what I'm told by others, *ALL* helicopter models are a b*tch to 
put together!  These kits are also tough, though.  In one B helicopter event 
this summer, several of the modelers were having problems with their 18mm, B4 
powered models.  We used the NCR 'A' power kit (13mm) with an Apogee B7.  
It held together just fine.  Performed well, too.

ps - DOCUMENT EVERY FLIGHT (weather, motor, duration, streamer/chute size, 
     etc.).  It'll come in handy for random and predicted duration events.  
     It even helps to document sport flights.  I noticed that my old Estes 
     Goblin put in very consistent 38 - 41 second flights using a C6-5 and a 
     certain old streamer.  Came in real handy in predicted duration.  I was 
     able to come REAL CLOSE to my predicted time.

============================================================================
Buzz McDermott                   Internet: buzz@rsd.dl.nec.com
NAR   13559
TRA    1785
============================================================================