TCB Thunder Review

LENGTH: 69" / DIAMETER: 5.54" / WEIGHT: 6.75 LB
MOTOR MOUNT: 54mm

The TCB Thunder kit comes with most of the major small parts to complete the rocket. My kit came with only two centering rings. Current production kits are shipped with three centering rings. The parachute is a well constructed 45" dia. flat parasheet. This is a bit small for my preferences in a rocket this size. I would also replace the flat elastic with tubular nylon.

The TCB nosecone is very nicely constructed. It is 20 3/4" from nose tip to shoulder. Tip radius is 1/8". The shoulder is 3 3/4" long. The best and most unique feature of the nosecone is the 1/4-20 threaded insert molded into the base. This makes a very strong and handy way to attach a screw eye to the nosecone. A screw eye and lock nut are provided.

A closeup of the 1/4-20 threaded insert molded into the base of the nosecone.

The kit comes with one 48" section of high quality 5.54" dia. Kraft tubing. This is the same tubing used by other kit manufacturers. The tube is not pre slotted. Also included is a standard 34" long 54mm motor mount tube.

The TCB Thunder comes with a brief but clear set of instructions. The kit manufacturer assumes the builder has experience constructing high power rockets and does not go into needless detail. This is a sensible approach, as beginners to high power should not attempt a Level-2 project of this size without first gaining the necessary experience at level-1.

Click on the picture for price information, etc. about the TCB Thunder kit.

DISCLAIMER
The comments and suggestions in this article are strictly my own observations AND ARE INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. It is not meant as a product endorsement, nor is it implied that modifications to the TCB Thunder kit are recommended or approved by the manufacturer. I assume no liability or responsibility for anyone attempting to modify a TCB Thunder kit in any way.

Back to Jim Ball's Launch Pad.