Almost ready to go. I installed the motor retainer, bottom rail button, and the weld nut for the upper rail button. Need to get some Loctite at Home Depot tomorrow so I can pop the upper button on. Everything but the nose cone has 2 coats of primer and is smooth to the touch. Debating whether to finish painting it now or wait until after a good first flight.
CG measurement was done with motor casing holding a dummy mass to simulate launch (coins in a plastic bag, weighed accurately on my Dymo 10lb postal scale). Nose weight of 104 grams was added to put CG approximately 1 caliber (4") ahead of CP. There's a discrepancy between the manufacturer's claim of 48" from nose CP and what OR says (47.25"), so I will likely add a few more grams of nose weight just to be safe. CG moves forward about an inch when I simulate the post-burn motor weight (slightly over-stable).
Simulations with H123W are green. Performed both short rail (42-48") and long rail (60-72") runs in OR.
Now to see if it actually flies! Amesbury July 27 would be the first possbile L1 attempt at a CMASS launch. Unless I get impatient and decide to drive to Berwick between now and then.
- Matt