Thanks for the input, guys!

Regarding the choice of the Bull Pup (I actually didn't ponder it very long), check this description straight from the Estes website! "...Great first scale model!"Bull Pup

Maybe they should've added..."but maybe not so great for first time builders!

I think the key word there is "scale model". Most rockets that are good for 1st-time builders are 3/4FNC types and aren't scale models.

But if it worked well for you, don't sweat it!

-Tim

I agree, the key world is "scale model" plus the fact that the instruction sheet needs to be updated as well.

Also the fact of having to deal with a kit without an engine hookn doesn't make it any easier.

All that said, as long as the girls enjoyed their rocket building experience, that's what counts.

Now for the launch and photos.....

P.S. Remember the masking tape for the friction fit of the motors.

Moving on forward now, I'm working on a checklist of items to have on hand for a November launch:

1. Masking tape for friction fit (thanks for the reminder)
2. Pliers for pulling out stuck engines
3. A couple of the Estes "Blast Off" flight packs (which should get us 24 A&B engines) - anybody know how I could get just "B" engines in bulk?
4. The controversial super glue for field repairs
5. Launch pad & electron beam - fresh batteries
6. fire extinguisher / bucket of water
7. first aid kit - cell phone (Hopeful we will not need!)

Talk to kids about:
1. NAR model rocket safety code
2. how to repack the wadding and chutes
3. If the thing doesn't separate...don't chase it!

OK, fellas. What am I leaving out?

A dowel to push the motor out (gently) if the pliars don't do it.

A card table to work off of.

An identification method if the rockets are painted the same

A package of spare wadding, just in case

A package or two of spare igniters



A piece of sand paper, or emery board to clean the clips

A piece of steel wool to clean the rods

Clothes pins or masking tape to hold up the rocket off of the blast deflector plate

Lunch and some soft drinks

And the one most needed item, having a good time launching the rockets

Oh yes, the camera to catch the event and post it

Have a great launch

RD

Yes, Estes sells bulk packs: https://www.discountrocketry.com/ed...ks-c-29_40.html

Quest also has their own bulk packs: http://www.questaerospace.com/items...iTpStatus=1&Tp=

-Tim

Sweet!!!! I like those engine bulk packs since if we put a C in anything, it's history. (lots of trees where I am.)

Thanks for the checklist, more in about a month....

Rocketeers,

Our big (delayed) launch is this weekend. I've got a bulk pack of A engines and a half dozen or so C size engines.

I even built my own bull pup to launch & will send pictures. Thanks for all the input, guys.

Some construction basics for the future: (Let me know if I've got this wrong)
1. Use yellow or white glue as stated in the instructions with yellow (aka wood glue / carpenter's glue) being preferable. 5 minute or an even stronger 30 minute epoxy would be a more durable substitute for most stuff on a rocket that needs white glue even though it's a bit heavier, CORRECT????

2. Aerogloss sanding sealer on balsa fins is OK and something like Kilz or Krylon lacquer primer is OK for body tubes, correct?

3. Krylon acrylic lacquer spraypaint & clear coats are OK as are Testors enamel or lacquer, once everything is primered/sealed, correct?

4. The order things should be painted: butyrate (sanding sealer and/or dope), lacquers, and finally enamels. eg. lacquer can go on over cured butyrate but not vice versa.
Also, lacquer can go on underneath enamels but not over enamels.

Any input is welcome. I've got the bug to build a few really durable ones in the future and it'd be nice to do them right. Thanks.

Good Luck with your launch, and post your results here with phoyos.

I don't recommend using epoxy for the initial attachment of the fins. Always go with the yellow glue first; if you want an extra-durable rocket, apply 30 minute epoxy fillets after the yellow glue is entirely dry.

Epoxy after CA probably works pretty well, too. But even 5 minute epoxy seems to take FOREVER when you have to hold the fin in place all that time... whereas, done right, yellow glue grabs really fast.

Put a thin bead of yellow glue on the fin root edge, stick it on the rocket (in the right place, of course...) and then pull it right back off. Do this with all of them, and lay them aside propped up so they don't stick to anything. Let them dry for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, then apply another thin bead of glue on top of the first, stick the fins on and hold them until the glue grabs. It's really fast this way. Be sure the fin is on straight, then move on to the next. Stand the rocket upright if you can while drying, and let the glue get completely dry before moving on to fillets.

Yellow glue works fine for fillets, but you have to put on multiple coats due to shrinkage. I sometimes use white glue for fillets as it shrinks a lot less, but 30 minute epoxy works great. Be careful you don't let the fillets sag... too heavy a fillet will be prone to sagging regardless of what glue you use. It's best to let the fillets dry horizontally if you can, but it may be difficult to work out the logistics...

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