First, thanks to all who share some much good info. I’m a first time poster, and been lurking for a bit.
Just built my first rocket. I became familiar with the in the early 80’s just after the Army. My younger cousins had a blast with them. I am looking to introduce my grand nephews to the fun.
First rocket was a great learning experience. I built an Estes Patriot Missile. (was involved with the earliest Patriot in the Army)
Here’s the learning part. Assembled the body tubes, ( 2 long, 1 short) then mounted the motor in the wrong end.
Built a simple fin alignment tool, that worked well. Primed with Duplicolor white sandable primer … jury is out on that selection. Did not get a great fill on the spirals. Will try something new with the next one. For the top coat, I picked up paint at Michael’s (happened to be there). The Color Shot paint must be a lacquer, as the clear coat melted a bit of the color coat, and ran a bit.
I was happy with my glue up, fin alignment and the outcome of the fillets. Papered the fins using the Avery Label approach. Overall, a fun little project and got the opportunity to practice what I have read here. A lot to learn and a lot of room for improvement. Looking forward to seeing how it flies.
thanks for all of the shared info. Perhaps, some day, I can return the favor.
-mike
Just built my first rocket. I became familiar with the in the early 80’s just after the Army. My younger cousins had a blast with them. I am looking to introduce my grand nephews to the fun.
First rocket was a great learning experience. I built an Estes Patriot Missile. (was involved with the earliest Patriot in the Army)
Here’s the learning part. Assembled the body tubes, ( 2 long, 1 short) then mounted the motor in the wrong end.
Built a simple fin alignment tool, that worked well. Primed with Duplicolor white sandable primer … jury is out on that selection. Did not get a great fill on the spirals. Will try something new with the next one. For the top coat, I picked up paint at Michael’s (happened to be there). The Color Shot paint must be a lacquer, as the clear coat melted a bit of the color coat, and ran a bit.I was happy with my glue up, fin alignment and the outcome of the fillets. Papered the fins using the Avery Label approach. Overall, a fun little project and got the opportunity to practice what I have read here. A lot to learn and a lot of room for improvement. Looking forward to seeing how it flies.
thanks for all of the shared info. Perhaps, some day, I can return the favor.
-mike
to the forum
right now
