After 2 years of planning, testing and building, the V2 is now sitting in a paddock, in the middle of central Queensland undergoing final prep before launch. 

The rocket was hauled up to the launch site, across three states and 1500km or nearly 1000 miles. It took 2 days to get there and was carried in three parts. Two car trailers were used to carry the nose cone and central airframe while an enclosed truck was used to cart the fin can.

Nose Cone, Fin Can and Central Airframe of the V2 rocket

Misc V2

The first order of business was to begin assembling the launch rod from steam pipe, previously fabricated at the Ballarat workshop.

A grain auger, with a winch attached, was used for the lifting.

V2 Launch Rod

V2 Launch Rod

With the launch rod completed, work turned to electronics for separation and recovery.

Here's Nat, hard at work prepping the cameras that will be used to capture launch and in-flight video.

Misc V2

Nat prepping cameras

The recovery electronics were mounted inside the V2 during this time, nothing strange...

Until you see Stewart inside the rocket itself!

Stewart on electronics    Stewart on electronics

Stewart on electronics

While the recovery electronics were being installed in the center section of the airframe, Troy was working on the CO2 separation hardware

Troy & team prep coupler and eject mech

The CO2 eject system is built into the couplers that join the three sections of the rocket together.

The CO2 system has been tested many times on smaller rockets and, during construction at full scale.

The system was activated remotely by Troy on the ground using DTMF tones over a 2-way radio.

Troy & team prep coupler and eject mech

Stewart on electronics

With Electronics and separation system in place, the motor was the final part to this stage of assembly.

David & team fitting CTI O25,000 motor

The motor used on the full-scale V2 was a CTI O25,000. Only one of 12 produced at the time.

Two motors were used for testing and certification, leaving 10 for use world-wide.

David & team fitting CTI O25,000 motor

David & team fitting CTI O25,000 motor

Jase gives the thumbs up - job done!

Jase giving the thumbs up!

Part 2 next - Stacking the parts!