After considering many options for my Level 1 rocket (Zephyr? Super DX3?) I chose the King Kraken. Besides being a really great looking rocket, I liked the tube fins and it could fly on Gs at non-HP fields. But mostly it is a great looking rocket.
My plan is to do my Level 1 flight at Red Glare in April, so I'll provide build and flying updates through then.
Layne was helpful and sent quick responses to my questions over email. After a couple of days, the kit arrived in good shape, but some of the pieces were hungry, I don't think that the USPS fed it very well.
First step was filling tube gaps:
Fortunately my son likes sanding:
Had a little help with clean up as well:
For the squiddly bits on the nose cone, I couldn't find a melon baller, so I tried a cheese grater.
And after marking the fin tube, I went to work with a new #11 blade, time lapse:
https://vimeo.com/user4092129/review/316267586/8ce25fb781
At this point, I'm trying to decide if it is a good idea to fiberglass the inside of the tube fins. I have some 0.75 oz cloth, it would smooth out the interior, and add a little extra strength, but I'm not sure it needs it, they seem pretty strong!
My plan is to do my Level 1 flight at Red Glare in April, so I'll provide build and flying updates through then.
Layne was helpful and sent quick responses to my questions over email. After a couple of days, the kit arrived in good shape, but some of the pieces were hungry, I don't think that the USPS fed it very well.
First step was filling tube gaps:
Fortunately my son likes sanding:
Had a little help with clean up as well:
For the squiddly bits on the nose cone, I couldn't find a melon baller, so I tried a cheese grater.
And after marking the fin tube, I went to work with a new #11 blade, time lapse:
https://vimeo.com/user4092129/review/316267586/8ce25fb781
At this point, I'm trying to decide if it is a good idea to fiberglass the inside of the tube fins. I have some 0.75 oz cloth, it would smooth out the interior, and add a little extra strength, but I'm not sure it needs it, they seem pretty strong!