In Use
Since the launch angle is set by adjust-
ing the leg lengths and there is no provi-
sion to lower the rail other than tipping the
whole pad over, you may need to recheck
the launch angle before each flight. But this
is a small price to pay for a light and inex-
pensive rail pad.
I believe this pad, as it is, is adequate
for models up through G impulse and I
wouldn't be concerned about flying my
own Level 1 models from it (H power). It is
probably too light for much larger/heavier
rockets or higher total impulse motors. For
those applications one of the heavier com-
mercial pads would probably be more suit-
able. Most ideas I can come up with to tie
or weigh this pad design down will make
loading a rocket onto the rail more difficult
and/or exceed the strength of the adjust-
ments of the two adjustable legs.
But for the intended application—mid
power flight off a rail in general and TARC
teams specifically—I think this is a nice
balance of functionality and cost. Hope-
fully you will think so, too, aer you try it.
Tripod top and blast deflector
in place on rail and hose clamps
tightened.
