Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
-
- Current WRA2 Dragster Speed & Distance Record Holder
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- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:19 am
Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
We have just about finished our launch cage to use for our first record attempt in the dragster class. So we thought we would share how we built our cage and some of the lessons we learned doing it.
The cage should be finished tomorrow, there is still a little bit more mesh to go on. I am posting a detailed build on our website (link below) for those interested in more detail. It will need to be in three parts as its quite long. The first post of three is about the design stage and the building of the frame and connection of the launcher, its live now.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au/?p=1319
I want to make sure there are some pics and content on the forum as well and not all on our website. So Ive attached some pics below. These are all from part 1 which is the build of the frame. We used 35mm x 18mm pine for the frame itself. I estimate approx 16m of it all up. The cage is 155cm long, 45cm high and 71cm wide. The cage is designed to fit over the launcher and recoil with the launcher when the car launches. Yes it still recoils, even with 20kg of water ballast on the launcher.
Due to our wing arrangement, we have to install a guiderail. It seemed pretty obvious that the wings would probably hit the side of the cage before the rear of the car emerged from the cage. We also needed to install a hinged access panel to gain access to connect the nozzle to the launcher, it was too far to reach in from the front of the cage and try to connect them.
Here are a couple of pictures from part 1.
Assembly of the frame
Test fit of launcher and Access Door
Launcher attached
Car in place on launcher inside the frame
I will document the second section and add some pics in the next few days - Launch Rail attachment, the lugs on water rocket car, painting.
The third section is adding the mesh itself which was an ordeal all of its own . I have the scrathes to prove it .. LOL
-todd-
The cage should be finished tomorrow, there is still a little bit more mesh to go on. I am posting a detailed build on our website (link below) for those interested in more detail. It will need to be in three parts as its quite long. The first post of three is about the design stage and the building of the frame and connection of the launcher, its live now.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au/?p=1319
I want to make sure there are some pics and content on the forum as well and not all on our website. So Ive attached some pics below. These are all from part 1 which is the build of the frame. We used 35mm x 18mm pine for the frame itself. I estimate approx 16m of it all up. The cage is 155cm long, 45cm high and 71cm wide. The cage is designed to fit over the launcher and recoil with the launcher when the car launches. Yes it still recoils, even with 20kg of water ballast on the launcher.
Due to our wing arrangement, we have to install a guiderail. It seemed pretty obvious that the wings would probably hit the side of the cage before the rear of the car emerged from the cage. We also needed to install a hinged access panel to gain access to connect the nozzle to the launcher, it was too far to reach in from the front of the cage and try to connect them.
Here are a couple of pictures from part 1.
Assembly of the frame
Test fit of launcher and Access Door
Launcher attached
Car in place on launcher inside the frame
I will document the second section and add some pics in the next few days - Launch Rail attachment, the lugs on water rocket car, painting.
The third section is adding the mesh itself which was an ordeal all of its own . I have the scrathes to prove it .. LOL
-todd-
HHWRSA
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
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- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1778
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Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Hey Todd,
That launcher system is really looking like a winner. You have paid a lot of attention to detail and have really put some serious effort into the design. That's very impressive!
That launcher system is really looking like a winner. You have paid a lot of attention to detail and have really put some serious effort into the design. That's very impressive!
Team U.S. Water Rockets
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
Tune in to our YouTube Channel
Visit our Facebook page
Visit our Twitter Page
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison
-
- Current WRA2 Dragster Speed & Distance Record Holder
- Posts: 232
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:19 am
Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Thanks for the kind comments US Waterrockets
-todd-
-todd-
HHWRSA
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
-
- Current WRA2 Dragster Speed & Distance Record Holder
- Posts: 232
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:19 am
Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Here is Part 2 of the launch cage construction. This part deals with the guiderail and the attachments to the car.
We have documented it on our website as well in a little more detail for those interested.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au/?p=1337
The important bit here was getting the launch rail level. If its not level the car can bind up if its too low at the front or cause to much friction and slow the speed down significantly coming out of the cage. The other possibility is if its too high at the release end the car can get slightly airborne and unstable coming off the rail. The goal is to minimize the friction and get the car out of the cage in the middle with all 4 wheels on the ground.
To achieve this we used a spirit level to make sure we got the wooden section of the rail with the floor where the car would sit. We did this by clamping the suspension sections to the top of the cage and adjusting it until it was perfectly level. Then we marked the suspension sections, cut each one to the correct length and screwed them to the top of the cage.
Due to our split tail design, the best placement for us was with the rail right down the middle of the water rocket car.
Our rail is a curtail rod that is 1.5m long. This was a freebie from a local council cleanup, so always good to keep your eye out for freebies that may be useful in this hobby
Here is the car sitting under the rail We made up some attachments to add to the car, and used screws with the right head size to slide down the rail. The benefit of using screws is that the height could be easily adjusted for the perfect fit down the guide rail. We used three lugs so that the car should still stay on the rail if 1 fails.
The cage was given a coat of paint to smarten it up a little, ready for the wire mesh to be added The last post will cover the adding of the mesh ... will put this up shortly
-todd-
We have documented it on our website as well in a little more detail for those interested.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au/?p=1337
The important bit here was getting the launch rail level. If its not level the car can bind up if its too low at the front or cause to much friction and slow the speed down significantly coming out of the cage. The other possibility is if its too high at the release end the car can get slightly airborne and unstable coming off the rail. The goal is to minimize the friction and get the car out of the cage in the middle with all 4 wheels on the ground.
To achieve this we used a spirit level to make sure we got the wooden section of the rail with the floor where the car would sit. We did this by clamping the suspension sections to the top of the cage and adjusting it until it was perfectly level. Then we marked the suspension sections, cut each one to the correct length and screwed them to the top of the cage.
Due to our split tail design, the best placement for us was with the rail right down the middle of the water rocket car.
Our rail is a curtail rod that is 1.5m long. This was a freebie from a local council cleanup, so always good to keep your eye out for freebies that may be useful in this hobby
Here is the car sitting under the rail We made up some attachments to add to the car, and used screws with the right head size to slide down the rail. The benefit of using screws is that the height could be easily adjusted for the perfect fit down the guide rail. We used three lugs so that the car should still stay on the rail if 1 fails.
The cage was given a coat of paint to smarten it up a little, ready for the wire mesh to be added The last post will cover the adding of the mesh ... will put this up shortly
-todd-
HHWRSA
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
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- Site Admin
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Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Hi Todd,thampson wrote:Here is Part 2 of the launch cage construction. This part deals with the guiderail and the attachments to the car.
We have documented it on our website as well in a little more detail for those interested.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au/?p=1337
The important bit here was getting the launch rail level. If its not level the car can bind up if its too low at the front or cause to much friction and slow the speed down significantly coming out of the cage. The other possibility is if its too high at the release end the car can get slightly airborne and unstable coming off the rail. The goal is to minimize the friction and get the car out of the cage in the middle with all 4 wheels on the ground.
To achieve this we used a spirit level to make sure we got the wooden section of the rail with the floor where the car would sit. We did this by clamping the suspension sections to the top of the cage and adjusting it until it was perfectly level. Then we marked the suspension sections, cut each one to the correct length and screwed them to the top of the cage.
Due to our split tail design, the best placement for us was with the rail right down the middle of the water rocket car.
Our rail is a curtail rod that is 1.5m long. This was a freebie from a local council cleanup, so always good to keep your eye out for freebies that may be useful in this hobby
Here is the car sitting under the rail We made up some attachments to add to the car, and used screws with the right head size to slide down the rail. The benefit of using screws is that the height could be easily adjusted for the perfect fit down the guide rail. We used three lugs so that the car should still stay on the rail if 1 fails.
The cage was given a coat of paint to smarten it up a little, ready for the wire mesh to be added The last post will cover the adding of the mesh ... will put this up shortly
-todd-
Sorry to hear that you got scratches adding the mesh. (this was supposed to make it safer)
Thanks for sharing your trials and tribulations in building the cage. Your cage is much sturdier then I imagined one would make it.
I imagined a cage where the competitor would take the mesh and wrap it into a "U" shape, turn it upside down, and attach it to two wood "rails" protruding from the front of the launcher. A matching shape could be cut from wood for the back.
Lisa Walker,
Forum Administrator.
The Water Rocket Achievement World Record Association
Forum Administrator.
The Water Rocket Achievement World Record Association
-
- Current WRA2 Dragster Speed & Distance Record Holder
- Posts: 232
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:19 am
Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
This is the last post for the cage construction. This covers putting the mesh on, air hose access and testing everything is working
The full detail is on our webite for those who want to read more detail.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au/?p=1349
Firstly the mesh we used was a zinc coated welded steel mesh. It has a 6.5mm (1/4″) square aperture and a 0.6mm wire diameter. This mesh is usually used for snake and mouse protection on aviaries.
Putting it onto the cage we learnt a lot and have the following tips to share
TIP 1 : SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY – Anytime you are working with mesh or wire its very very important to wear wraparound eye protection and gloves while handling the wire and mesh. Wire strands can easily get into your eye and you dont get a second chance with your vision. Also the mesh is very sharp when cut so gloves are needed !!!!!!
TIP 2: USE AN ANGLE GRINDER TO CUT THE MESH – Use an angle grinder to cut the mesh. It cuts through it like butter and also trims off the sharp edges all in one go.
TIP 3: CUT THE MESH 10mm SHORT OF THE FRAME EDGE to prevent cutting your leg as you walk past it once its on.
TIP 4: USE TEK SCREWS TO ATTACH THE MESH TO THE FRAME
The Tek screw is definitely the safe and fast way to attach the mesh to the frame, we learnt this trick from aviary builders after first trying to wire wrap the mesh to the frame.
Here the Tek screws are used to attach the mesh, also the mesh is cut 10mm back from the edge
Here is what a Tek screw looks like. It has a self drilling bit on the end and the hex nut hold the mesh against the frame very securely We secured the access door with a sliding latch to lock it in place when the car is under pressure We cut out a few of the squares to provide access for the airhose. Here is the airhose attached to the launcher Here are some final pics of the cage and car ready for launch We will put some grease on the guide rail and do some launch tests under pressure to make sure all is well before heading out to the test track to go for some longer distances
-todd-
The full detail is on our webite for those who want to read more detail.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au/?p=1349
Firstly the mesh we used was a zinc coated welded steel mesh. It has a 6.5mm (1/4″) square aperture and a 0.6mm wire diameter. This mesh is usually used for snake and mouse protection on aviaries.
Putting it onto the cage we learnt a lot and have the following tips to share
TIP 1 : SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY – Anytime you are working with mesh or wire its very very important to wear wraparound eye protection and gloves while handling the wire and mesh. Wire strands can easily get into your eye and you dont get a second chance with your vision. Also the mesh is very sharp when cut so gloves are needed !!!!!!
TIP 2: USE AN ANGLE GRINDER TO CUT THE MESH – Use an angle grinder to cut the mesh. It cuts through it like butter and also trims off the sharp edges all in one go.
TIP 3: CUT THE MESH 10mm SHORT OF THE FRAME EDGE to prevent cutting your leg as you walk past it once its on.
TIP 4: USE TEK SCREWS TO ATTACH THE MESH TO THE FRAME
The Tek screw is definitely the safe and fast way to attach the mesh to the frame, we learnt this trick from aviary builders after first trying to wire wrap the mesh to the frame.
Here the Tek screws are used to attach the mesh, also the mesh is cut 10mm back from the edge
Here is what a Tek screw looks like. It has a self drilling bit on the end and the hex nut hold the mesh against the frame very securely We secured the access door with a sliding latch to lock it in place when the car is under pressure We cut out a few of the squares to provide access for the airhose. Here is the airhose attached to the launcher Here are some final pics of the cage and car ready for launch We will put some grease on the guide rail and do some launch tests under pressure to make sure all is well before heading out to the test track to go for some longer distances
-todd-
HHWRSA
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
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- WRA2 Member
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Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
very impressive!
Stanlley Tai
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Legion Paintball
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Stanlley Tai Rockets
Legion Paintball
events, supplies, design and manufacturer, training and consultation
play hard but play safe!
www.legionpaintball.org
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- Site Admin
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Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Very impressive Todd,
One question. Does it disassemble for easy transport?
One question. Does it disassemble for easy transport?
Lisa Walker,
Forum Administrator.
The Water Rocket Achievement World Record Association
Forum Administrator.
The Water Rocket Achievement World Record Association
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- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1778
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2007 3:24 pm
Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Wow Todd, that is coming along even more impressive than what you posted before. The details like the pain and the shiny silver mesh make the cage a real sight to behold. The whole car and cage setup is sure to draw in a lot of attention when you go out to launch. You're going to become a local celebrity!
Team U.S. Water Rockets
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
Tune in to our YouTube Channel
Visit our Facebook page
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
Tune in to our YouTube Channel
Visit our Facebook page
Visit our Twitter Page
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison
-
- Current WRA2 Dragster Speed & Distance Record Holder
- Posts: 232
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:19 am
Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Hi Lisa,
I think the U shape option for the cage should work, but I thought I would need a sturdier frame due to the rail that I decided to put in. I think short bodied cars with a U frame with plenty of space on the sides should be fine. The longer the car is the more chance the rear will clip the cage on the way out.
With the option to transport it, it doest really breakdown so I use the roofracks on my car to get it to the launch site. I use 4 long thick cable ties they are 10mm thick and 400mm long and it doesnt move. The rocket car and everything else fits in the back with the rear seats down and the cage on the roof.
This pic was from our test launch today. I will post some videos soon
-todd-
I think the U shape option for the cage should work, but I thought I would need a sturdier frame due to the rail that I decided to put in. I think short bodied cars with a U frame with plenty of space on the sides should be fine. The longer the car is the more chance the rear will clip the cage on the way out.
With the option to transport it, it doest really breakdown so I use the roofracks on my car to get it to the launch site. I use 4 long thick cable ties they are 10mm thick and 400mm long and it doesnt move. The rocket car and everything else fits in the back with the rear seats down and the cage on the roof.
This pic was from our test launch today. I will post some videos soon
-todd-
HHWRSA
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
-
- Current WRA2 Dragster Speed & Distance Record Holder
- Posts: 232
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:19 am
Re: Water Rocket Car Launch Cage + Guide Rail
Ninja_iga, Lisa and USWaterRockets
Thanks for the kind words .
Im not sure about local celebrity, but we sure did get some funny looks with the cage on the roof today
-todd-
Thanks for the kind words .
Im not sure about local celebrity, but we sure did get some funny looks with the cage on the roof today
-todd-
HHWRSA
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
Hornsby Heights Water Rocket Space Agency
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au