EMRR
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This is the Readers Digest version of the Rocket Pad USSC Sharky review (just the construction section since I got rained out today for flying...the full review with pictures will be up on EMRR soon):
There started to be some chatter about a "new" rocket kit manufacturer called Rocket Pad, but the online community only saw kits listed on eBay. The auctions would be one kit and then you might see another kit later on. One thing that caught my attention was the variety of kits. There are those controversial "clone" kits of old Estes and Centuri models, which I personally avoid. Then there are unique kits such as the USSC Shark, which caught my attention. I actually lost the bid (couldn't stay up that late), but e-mailed the seller and he told me he had another, so I matched the price.
The instructions were adequate for building the rocket, however there are quite of number of grammatical/spelling errors. There was also a few mistakes, such as on step #7 it says, "Mark the body tube (2.6" diameter) useing the enclosed marking guide. Use the marks with black dots only!". So this is a good idea since a general tube marking template is provided, however, there were no black dots on the Tube Marking Guide.
The potential problem for the upper fin is the direction of the basswood grain. First off, it is a good thing that it is basswood because these fins would not survive if they were balsa. However, the grain on the upper fin is parallel to the body tube verses the best known method of having it parallel to the leading edge. Notice the flex in the upper fin? Will it snap? Time will tell.
There are water-slide decals provided with the USSC Shark. I found these to require a longer soak period (closer to 60 seconds) to be able to slide. I also found these to be much less fragile (thicker) and actually a pleasure to work with. Bravo! I would have liked to see some blacken window decals included, but ended up cutting my own from some vinyl. Lastly I clear coated the rocket.
It is a fairly straightforward kit to build, but the instructions need some work. The parts fit nicely and I'm pleased with the quality of parts such as plywood centering rings, basswood fins, and plastic nose cone (glad to not have to finish another balsa nose cone). The fact that the kit provided motor retention, is Estes "E" capable and has decals (nice ones too!) are huge bonuses. Missing one part, and not enough stock to cut out the fins forces me to rate this slightly below average. If you're experienced, consider these items and then go get the kit... if you can find one!
P.S. Like my paint? Left over from my misfortune on the Tour De Deuce.
Nick
There started to be some chatter about a "new" rocket kit manufacturer called Rocket Pad, but the online community only saw kits listed on eBay. The auctions would be one kit and then you might see another kit later on. One thing that caught my attention was the variety of kits. There are those controversial "clone" kits of old Estes and Centuri models, which I personally avoid. Then there are unique kits such as the USSC Shark, which caught my attention. I actually lost the bid (couldn't stay up that late), but e-mailed the seller and he told me he had another, so I matched the price.
The instructions were adequate for building the rocket, however there are quite of number of grammatical/spelling errors. There was also a few mistakes, such as on step #7 it says, "Mark the body tube (2.6" diameter) useing the enclosed marking guide. Use the marks with black dots only!". So this is a good idea since a general tube marking template is provided, however, there were no black dots on the Tube Marking Guide.
The potential problem for the upper fin is the direction of the basswood grain. First off, it is a good thing that it is basswood because these fins would not survive if they were balsa. However, the grain on the upper fin is parallel to the body tube verses the best known method of having it parallel to the leading edge. Notice the flex in the upper fin? Will it snap? Time will tell.
There are water-slide decals provided with the USSC Shark. I found these to require a longer soak period (closer to 60 seconds) to be able to slide. I also found these to be much less fragile (thicker) and actually a pleasure to work with. Bravo! I would have liked to see some blacken window decals included, but ended up cutting my own from some vinyl. Lastly I clear coated the rocket.
It is a fairly straightforward kit to build, but the instructions need some work. The parts fit nicely and I'm pleased with the quality of parts such as plywood centering rings, basswood fins, and plastic nose cone (glad to not have to finish another balsa nose cone). The fact that the kit provided motor retention, is Estes "E" capable and has decals (nice ones too!) are huge bonuses. Missing one part, and not enough stock to cut out the fins forces me to rate this slightly below average. If you're experienced, consider these items and then go get the kit... if you can find one!
P.S. Like my paint? Left over from my misfortune on the Tour De Deuce.
Nick
