Guide to Model Rocketry Part 2 - Rocket Kit Build!

Part 2 of this exciting new series on model rocketry focuses on what it's like to build a rocket kit!

This article isn't meant to be a comprehensive tutorial on how to build this specific Estes rocket kit. Rather, this article intends to introduce anyone unfamiliar with rocketry to how you piece together a rocket. It will take you through each step to let you see what's involved. It's might be easier than you think. Hey! It isn't rocket science... oh wait.

The Kit

This particular model is an Estes kit. Estes is known for being one of the main manufacturers of awesome model rocket kits in the industry. They make a ton of great products aimed at beginners that might be perfect for you. This is a simple yet large kit called the Vagabond.

Interestingly, Vagabond means 'wanderer' - I hope this rocket doesn't wander off course when first launched! All the parts you need for the rocket are included in this neat package. You just need to add fuel (rocket motors) and launch gear. If you want to learn more about this stuff, check out 'Part 1' of this series.

There are around fourteen parts. Most of these are made from card, balsa wood and plastic. There's also a bit of metal and rubber for good measure alongside some transfers to complete the model.

Glue

Here's the type of glue used to assemble the Vagabond. This is the same stuff you'd use on a balsa wood airplane. The one on the left (with an apropriate name) dries extremely quickly - between 5 and 10 seconds. The other on the right dries in about 30 seconds. Both bonds all sorts of materials. You have to be careful not to glue yourself! Check out this type of adhesive in the Flite Test Store.

You don't necessarily need these specialist products though. You can use normal PVA glue which works with paper and most woods.

Fin Assembly

The first step, when consulting the plans, is to prep the wood. This is done using light sandpaper. The material only needs a light going over. You won't be spending an age doing this sort of thing, don't worry.

Each side is lightly sanded for around thirty seconds until smooth.

Next is to cut the fin parts free from the sheet. These are laser cut meaning they pop out like the parts on our foam board airplane kits. Easy!

This Vagabond rocket has complex fins. Multiple parts are first lined up with a ruler. Glue is then applied to each part one at a time. It's surprising how quickly each section of wood is attached and made rock solid!

Next on the agenda is to ensure all three fins are perfectly the same through lining up the wood against a sheet of sandpaper.

Motor Mount

Going onto the heart of the rocket, the motor mount components are layed out. For those who don't know, the way model rockets work is with solid fuel rocket motors. These are held in place by a motor mount. Several parts are used to make this, but the whole bunch goes together quickly with the help of just a pencil, ruler and some glue.

First, the spacer rings are cut from the laser cut sheet card. This takes around ten seconds.

Measurements are made on the main engine tube. This is to show where to glue the spacers.

An insert goes inside the tube. This prevents the engine from going anywhere. At the other end, a metal bar holds the engine from falling out the bottom. This can be bent to release dead engines and refuel the rocket.

The rings are then attached with the extremely fast setting glue.

Here's what the engine assembly looks like when done.

Attaching the Fins

Marking the fins is an important part. Unlike RC airplanes, you don't get the option to trim in flight - so they must be perfectly aligned. Estes kits include helpful paper guides to make life easier.

After extending the lines, you can glue the fins onto the tube. A guide on the plans can be used to check they are all straight.

All on, the bottom half is looking like a rocket. I placed the fins slightly higher than on the plan to give the model a more personal look without compromising stability.

Connecting the Tubes

As this rocket is quite large, two tubes are connected together. Model rockets often use connectors that join tubes like this. It's a method that's been used for years as it creates a very strong structure. A simple bead of glue is placed on the inside.

- The tube connector fitted in place -

- And some more glue is placed inside the second tube which is then slid overtop.

Installing the Mount

It's super important to make sure the motor mount is fitted securely. You don't want engine launching through the rocket!

The assembly is glued in much like the connector insert. An extra glue fillets is then smeared around the outside.

Preparing the Parachute

This vital piece of kit helps you get your rocket back in one piece - that is if it's set up right! Estes kits have a tried and tested method for small rockets. Paper used first to secure a strip of rubber.

It is folded to make a tab.

This is glued inside the rocket

A parachute is then tied to the nose cone with it's pre-arranged threads.

Now the rubber from the rocket tube is attached to the nose with a double knot.

Hopefully this article has shed some light on the process of building a model rocket kit from start to finish. Most similar Estes kits can be finished in just an evening, much like many of our speed build RC airplane kits. Model rocketry is another amazing hobby that can provide many of the same experiences and challenges of model airplanes - so why not have a go!

Estes Website

Read about the guy who's making self-landing model rockets

Introduction to this series on model rocketry