LOC/Precision Legacy
- Length:
- 128cm / 51"
- Diameter:
- 41mm / 1.6"
- MMT:
- 29mm
- Status:
- Flown
Comments:
I bought this LOC/Precision kit to make the transition from LPR to MPR. Way back in 1996 there were no UK rocketry dealers, so I had to import this from Roffes Modellflyg in Sweden. Rocketry in the UK has changed dramatically since then, so now I would recommend Rockets and Things for LOC/Precision kits.
In essence LOC kits are much like Estes model kits, but just larger and constructed from more heavy duty materials. The LOC Legacy consists of 2 lengths of 38mm LOC airframe tubing, quality aircraft ply fins, 29mm MMT and a nosecone. Although not particularly wide in diameter, the forward payload section is plenty long enough for avionics, cameras etc..
LOC airframe tubing, although it is kraft paper based, is very durable. Not as durable as phenolic, but not brittle, and perfect for mid-range rockets such as this. You have to be a little careful, though, as you don't want to get the airframe wet. I recommend 2 things: firstly, seal the ends of the tube by wicking some CA in and then filing/sanding it down when cured, and secondly make sure it is primed and painted with car spray paint. Although I have not flown the rocket that many times, it has travelled to and from every event I've attended for almost 10 years!
The ply fins are much heavier duty than they need to be, but are still very light weight. They can quite happily be surface mounted for motors up to F/G, and there is no need to use epoxy. In fact surface mount epoxying fins to a paper tube is bad thing. In the event of a hard landing, the paper will just delaminate!
LOC/Precision kits are just so simple to build. Think Estes but bigger, and they even use the tried and tested 'tri-fold paper and elastic' shockcord attachment.
All in all, this is a very easy kit to build and a very straightforward way into MPR. For HPR, you'd only need to omit the 29mm MMT, and may need to glass the fins on, and you'll have a minimum diameter rocket capable of taking H motors.
Simulation:
Rocksim Simulation Results are available for this rocket. These results have been automatically generated from the Rocksim file.
Flight Log:
| Flt. | Date | Location | Motor(s) | Impulse | Recovery | Comments |
| 1 | Oct 2000 | K-Lob/Pete's Farm | F50-T | 80 Ns | 'chute | Successful first flight |
| 2 | Aug 2002 | Largs IRW | F52-T | 80 Ns | 'chute | One fin snapped off and one damaged, but easily repaired. |
| 3 | Sept 2004 | ALRS V | F20-7W | 55 Ns | 'chute | Delay was a bit long |
| 4 | May 2008 | BigEARS | F25 | 73 Ns | 'chute | Shockcord snapped in 2 places! |
| 5 | Aug 2008 | Largs IRW | F25-4W | 73 Ns | 'chute | Drifted towards reservoir, but recovered OK |
| 6 | Oct 2010 | ALRS | F52-4T | 80 Ns | 'chute | Shock cord came undone, no damage though |
© 1995-2005 A.S.Moore. All Rights Reserved.
