EMRR
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2009
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A full review will be posted to EMRR after I get this bird in the air (this month):
I have been attracked to a number of Thrustline's designs and here is yet another one that I added to my fleet.
First, I need to say... DON'T BUY THIS KIT if you are looking for an easy to build and easy to finish rocket!
However, if you are looking for a moderately challenging build and a highly challenging finish (unless you don't care about balsa grains and paint it all one color!) then this kit could be one of your choices.
The Smoke and Fire is a 35" tall, 24mm x 3 clustered rocket with two sets of 5 fins, a transition and center separation that allows the rocket to return in two pieces on two parachutes.
The three 24mm motors come with retention and are housed inside a 2.6" lower section. They have laser cut plywood centering rings.
The parts quality was good with plenty of balsa to cut out the five lower and 5 upper fins. There is a balsa (BT60) nose cone and a balsa transition. There is Kevlar to Elastic shock cords and mylar parachutes. There are no decals.
Instructions, are good with B&W pictures throughout. Didn't like the paper fin templates, would rather have card stock.
Nose weight is required and provided.
Not terribly happy with the 2.6" tube. It is Estes-like thin tubing. I find it to be the weakest component and would like to see a thicker (Loc or AT-like) 2.6" tubing. Probably need to add more nose weight.
Finishing. Well, having to fill&finish the nose cone, the transition, and 10 fins took a lot of time and coats of Plasti-Kote Filler Primer. The transition is hardest due to the grain exposure AND that the upper fins are half glued to the transition.
I painted mine white and black in some funky patterns. Got a bit carried away with the masking. I was going for a NASA look. Eh, it has grown on me.
Looking forward to flying it on 3 C11's first then moving up from there. My finished kit weighs 8.1 oz.
I have been attracked to a number of Thrustline's designs and here is yet another one that I added to my fleet.
First, I need to say... DON'T BUY THIS KIT if you are looking for an easy to build and easy to finish rocket!
However, if you are looking for a moderately challenging build and a highly challenging finish (unless you don't care about balsa grains and paint it all one color!) then this kit could be one of your choices.
The Smoke and Fire is a 35" tall, 24mm x 3 clustered rocket with two sets of 5 fins, a transition and center separation that allows the rocket to return in two pieces on two parachutes.
The three 24mm motors come with retention and are housed inside a 2.6" lower section. They have laser cut plywood centering rings.
The parts quality was good with plenty of balsa to cut out the five lower and 5 upper fins. There is a balsa (BT60) nose cone and a balsa transition. There is Kevlar to Elastic shock cords and mylar parachutes. There are no decals.
Instructions, are good with B&W pictures throughout. Didn't like the paper fin templates, would rather have card stock.
Nose weight is required and provided.
Not terribly happy with the 2.6" tube. It is Estes-like thin tubing. I find it to be the weakest component and would like to see a thicker (Loc or AT-like) 2.6" tubing. Probably need to add more nose weight.
Finishing. Well, having to fill&finish the nose cone, the transition, and 10 fins took a lot of time and coats of Plasti-Kote Filler Primer. The transition is hardest due to the grain exposure AND that the upper fins are half glued to the transition.
I painted mine white and black in some funky patterns. Got a bit carried away with the masking. I was going for a NASA look. Eh, it has grown on me.
Looking forward to flying it on 3 C11's first then moving up from there. My finished kit weighs 8.1 oz.
