Adam Clarkme, LUNAR #936

This is a simple kitbash that has been very popular at launches. I think this comes from the combination of the familiar, (who hasn’t built a Quark) with the unfamiliar, a clustered, axis asymmetric design. I hope this inspires those new to rocketry to have more fun, feel free to throw out thin instructions and build it your own way…

To build this rocket, you will need two Estes Quark kits. You will only need one launch lug, and one set of fins. I get my best results when I glue the bodies together first, ten attach the fins afterward. Note the new position of the launch lug. This is important because the launch lug reinforces the body to body joint. Other than that, follow the assembly instructions for the Quark.

Mesons can be built with ordinary white glue, but the body joint needs extra strength, I recommend mixing in a little sawdust or flour to thicken the fillets.

This design is possible only because the Quark design is overly stable. Don’t try this with two Mosquito’s, they are not stable enough.

I have flown this with 1/4 A and 1/2 A motors, but my favorite is a pair of A3-4T, with this configuration, the motors kick just before apogee, so some people think that the rocket has split apart (It never does) because they see the two motors coming down. Actually, the rocket gets an extra boost from the very powerful ejection charge and it continues to fly up for a while longer.

Like any cluster design, take extra care when prepping for launch. The rocket is exciting when both motors ignite, but is even more exciting when only one does!!! The stresses of the unusual, but short flight path tends to snap off the fins. I have found that if I twist one lead from each motor together with a pair of long nose pliers, then attach one clip to each pair, I get reliable results. Then I double check to make sure none of those wires are crossed.

About the name. From sub-atomic physics: a Meson is a particle consisting of a quark/anti-quark pair, which I thought was a good name for a rocket what consists of essentially two Estes Quarks glued together.