Chinese Sky Lantern - 1:1 - Creatov

Joined
Sep 5, 2017
Messages
1,689
Points
538

Since it is 4th of July and America's birthday, I thought I would post a short build log of a Chinese Sky Lantern. We typically fly these on July 4th and New Year's. I have had a huge stack of these laying around for years. I believe the company Creatov is no longer around but you can easily purchase these from many, many places both online and in retail stores. Just google for "Sky Lanterns". Beware though, just like fireworks they might be restricted or banned depending on where you live and you want safe-use practices when using them.

Chinese Sky Lanterns go back thousands of years and are basically miniature hot air balloons that use a small wax candle to create the heat for lift as well as to illuminate the lantern. The sky lantern will rise several hundred feet into the air. Once the candle burns out the tissue paper and frame falls to the ground. Seen from a distance these lanterns can sometimes be mistaken for stars, aircraft, or even UFO's.

Here is the Wiki article:

I plan to assemble a couple of these for launching tonight out on our farm. This will be my build log. Enjoy.
Also, please feel free to share any hobby related, fireworks festivities you have planned for tonight!!!


IMG_0248.jpg
 
Last edited:
Very cool Mr. Shanks :)

My only plans are to start on the framing of Tiny Nina, then cut up some old fixtures from last months bathroom rebuild to have a nice little fire
this evening. Have a great time with the lanterns!

Clair
 
First, carefully unpackage the lantern and fuel block.
IMG_0249.jpg

Next, carefully unfold the lantern taking caution not to rip the delicate paper.
IMG_0250.jpg

Then, while holding the lantern upside down by the wire frame, gently bounce it up and down until the lantern expands into shape.
IMG_0251.jpg

Attach the wax fuel block to the frame by twisting the wire.
IMG_0252.jpg

The Chinese Sky Lantern is now ready to fly!!! We only have to wait for darkness. Later I will post a couple picture of lighting and launching. Enjoy.
IMG_0253.jpg
 
We had a successful launch!!! That thing went about 500 feet up. All the dogs were barking!!! It was great. Enjoy.

First we light the wax candle and wait for full bouncy.
IMG_0254.jpg

And then we let it go!!! Almost like a SpaceX launch!!!
IMG_0255.jpg
 
Back
Top