Estes - Menace (2041) [1991-1991]
Contributed by Donald Besaw Jr
Construction: The instructions came complete with illustrations and text. Also included were the fin alignment template and the shock cord mount. This is a skill level 2 kit, so the builder is assumed to have some previous modeling experience. With that in mind, I began construction. I started with the motor mount. This was very easy to assemble. After it dried and after adding some fillets for strength, I glued it into the body tube. I then fine sanded the die-cut fin sheet with fine sandpaper. I next carefully cut out the fins. You should have four small fins for the lower portion and two top wings for the top portion. I rounded all leading and trailing edges for better aerodynamic performance. I cut out the fin alignment template and marked all alignment lines. This is a critical alignment. Next I attached the lower fins one at a time with a few minutes drying time between each. I then punched out the die-cut scoop from its card. I attached it between fins #2 and #4. I found this step just a tad tricky. I now attached the two top wings four inches from the top of fins #2 and #4. In my opinion this is the most critical alignment. If done correctly, you shouldn't have any problems. If not, you will most likely experience some spiraling. After the glue dried, I applied glue to those and to the exterior of the scoop for more strength. Next I attached the launch lug. I also applied two fillets after it dried. I now assembled the shock cord mount. I was pleased when I found that the shock cord was longer than normally found. Thanks, Estes. Finally, I trimmed the nose cone and sanded it to remove the molding lines. The instructions called for the parachute to be attached at this time but I always install my chutes after the rocket is finished. PROS: Easy and rapid construction, Good parts fit. CONS: Scoop is somewhat tricky to attach and no way to attach interrior fillets. Finishing: I finished the model by spraying the model with gloss clear enamel to protect and seal everything. I decided to use a 12 inch chute that I stole from one of my X-Flyers rather than the 18 inch one. I felt that it was too big for this light of a rocket. PROS: Decals provided for two trim schemes, Fantastic finished appearance. CONS: No striping material provided. Striping tape is a tad pricey. Construction Rating: 4 out of 5 Flight: For my first flight, I used an A8-3 since I was flying on a high school football field. The rocket flew straight off the pad and flew to about 120 feet. I felt that it was low, slow and OK but I felt that more power was needed. For the second flight, my friend insisted that I try some of his cellouse wadding istead of the Estes wadding that I normally used. I also loaded up a B6-4. That was a good choice. The rocket flew perfectly to about 300 feet. PROS: Excellent flight performance. CONS: None found. Recovery: The 12 inch chute also worked well enough to bring the rocket back without any damage. I would highly recommend this. PROS: Recovers close on a 12 inch chute CONS: Stock chute just a tad too big. Flight Rating: 5 out of 5 Summary: Main PROS: Good price, Easy construction, Good parts fit, Good instructions, Excellent flight performance. Fantastic appearance. Main CONS: Should have a 12 inch chute instead of an 18 inch one. Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
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