How to Build Model Rockets

Step 3-A:

Feed the Kevlar cord through the engine tube to keep it out of the way as you install the engine mount.

Step 3-B:

Mark a toothpick 1-1/4” from one end.

Use the toothpick to place a bead of glue on the inside of the body tube, using the mark as a guide to locate the ring of glue approx. 1-1/4” into the body tube.

Slide the engine mount part way into the body tube.

Apply another bead of glue close to the end of the inside of the body tube.

Slide the engine mount into the body tube until the end of the engine mount extends 1/4” from the end of the body tube.

HOW TO BUILD MODEL ROCKETS


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How to Build and Fly Model Rockets

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Sample model rocket instructions:

This page will walk through the building of a sample level 1 model rocket kit. A level one rocket is considered a beginner kit that should require 2-3 hours to assemble and only minimal tools.

Before you start:

Read through all the instructions steps before starting work on the model.
Use the exploded view diagram and parts list included with the kit on to verify that you have all the parts.
Collect the tools and supplies (listed below) that you will need to assemble and finish your model.

As you build:

Read and understand each step before cutting, assembling, and gluing parts.
Test fit parts before applying glue.
If necessary, sand or build up parts to ensure a precise fit.
Check off each step as you complete it.


		Tools you will need to build your model:			Optional supplies you will need to complete your project:
		Wood glue. Scissors. Hobby knife. Pencil. Scotch tape. Masking tape.			Spray paint. Paint brush. Balsa fillercoat or sanding sealer. Sandpaper (320 to 600 grit).

Step 1: Assemble the Engine Mount.


		Step 1-A: Locate centering rings, engine block, engine tube, engine hook, and Kevlar cord.		Step 1-B: Mark the engine tube 1/4” from one end of the engine tube for the engine hook slit. Make a second mark 3/4” from the opposite end for the aft centering mount.


		Step 1-C: Cut a 1/8” slit in the engine tube for the engine hook. Insert one end of the engine hook into the slit.		Step 1-D: Use a hobby knife to make a notch on the outside of one of the centering rings (this will be the forward centering ring). Make a notch, large enough for the engine hook, on the inside of the other centering ring (this will be the aft centering ring).


		Step 1-E: Place a ring of glue on the inside of the forward end of the engine tube and slide the engine block into the tube until it is flush with the top of the tube. Place a ring of glue on the outside of the forward end of the engine tube and slide on the forward centering ring until it, too, is flush with the top of the tube. Place a ring of glue around the engine tube just below the aft centering ring mark and slide on the aft centering ring, aligning the notch in the ring with the engine hook.		Step 1-F: Loop the cord around the tube and tie a knot to secure it snug to the tube. Pull the string to bring the knot up close to the notch in the ring. Coat the knot with a little glue to make the bond permanent.

Step 2: Mark the Body Tube.


		Step 2-A: Locate and cut out the fin alignment guide and the body tube.		Step 2-B: Slide the guide close to one end of the body tube. Mark on the body tube the location of each fin and the launch lug at both ends of the guide.


		Step 2-C: Tightly wrap the alignment guide around the body tube to bring edge A and edge B together. Secure the guide with a small piece of tape.		Step 2-D: Use a straight edge to connect the marks, and extending the fin alignment lines and the launch lug line all the way up the body tube.

Step 3: Install the Engine Mount.

Step 4: Attaching the fins and launch lug to the body tube.


		Step 4-A: Remove the fins from the laser cut fin sheet by carefully cutting through the small tabs holding the fins to the sheet. Remove any excess tab from the fin by sanding it flat. Set fins aside for later use. Note: be careful not to over-sand and change the profile of the fin.		Step 4-B: Apply a bead of glue to the root edge of the fin. Press and hold the fin in place, aligning the root edge with the fin guide marked on the body tube and standing perpendicular to the tube. Let dry completely. Apply a bead of glue to the root edge of the fin extension. Press and hold the fin in place, aligning the root edge with the fin guide marked on the body tube and standing perpendicular to the tube. Let dry completely.


		Step 4-C: Mark a point on the launch lug guide line 2” up from the aft end of the body tube. Place a bead of glue along the length of the launch lug and align the launch lug to the body tube using the guideline.		Step 4-D: Feed the Kevlar cord back through the engine mount and out the forward end of the body tube.


		Step 4-E: Repeat previous procedure to affix the remaining two fins and fin extensions.		Step 4-F: Apply a glue fillet to each side of the fins, fin extensions, and launch lug where they contact the body tube.

Step 5: Final Assembly.


		Step 5-A: Screw the screw-eye into the center of the nose cone. Remove the screw-eye and put a little glue into the screw hole. Re-thread the screw-eye into the hole.		Step 5-B: Test fit the nose cone into the body tube. If needed lightly sand or add Scotch tape to the recessed portion of the nose cone to create a snug, but not tight, fit into the body tube. Tie the Kevlar cord to the screw-eye. Coat the knot with a little glue to make the bond permanent. Trim excess Kevlar cord.


		Step 5-C: Tape the Kevlar cord to open recovery streamer. Fold the streamer over the cord and tape it closed.

Step 6: Finishing the Rocket.