Originally Posted by BARGeezer

Here's my 2 cents: if you are making an Estes K-21 clone, then do it according to the original plans: Balsa nose cone, dowel trusses, paper shrouds, etc. If you are using 3D parts and vinyl wraps, you are an assembler, not a craftsman builder. Something a 10 year old could do. It may look good on your display shelf, but what have you actually learned, and what skills have you acquired or honed? I know a lot of people will disagree, especially the younger ones. But I get a great deal more satisfaction when I accomplish something that is challenging, rather than easy, no matter how good it looks. (Grumble, grumble, slipping dentures back in). ;)

Originally Posted by BARGeezer

If you are using 3D parts and vinyl wraps, you are an assembler, not a craftsman builder. Something a 10 year old could do. It may look good on your display shelf, but what have you actually learned, and what skills have you acquired or honed?

Originally Posted by astronwolf

Is it required that one must always strive to be learning, acquiring, or honing skills when building a model rocket?

Originally Posted by dwmzmm

I really enjoyed building and flying the PDRocketry clone of the Estes kit. Was not a perfect build, but the satisfaction was nevertheless remarkable.