Estes - Spaceman Spiff

Brief:
3-parallel staged Bullpup 12 Ds powered by 18mm motors.

Modifications:
After several cataclysmic failures, I can tell you a challenging rocket to build and a fun rocket to fly. Best suggestion I have is to "stack" several pieces of 1/8 x 1/4" plywood for standoffs. Use epoxy. If you go to YouTube and look up "NARAM 51 first," you will see what happens when you use balsa standoffs.

I printed the decals on standard color printer paper, coated the rocket in Modge Podge hard coat, placed printout on it, and coated it again. I can't tell difference.

Construction and Finishing:
The additional parts used were 3 BT-30s, 4 fins, 6" BT-50 clear payload tube, and "Spiff" (any action figure that fits in payload for ballast).

Here's the expensive part: you need 3 Bullpup 12 D's, which even at a good price will set you back $35+. However, you can always buy parts separately, although that isn't very cost effective. I love this parallel staged model!

Flight and Recovery:
Stay with B6-0s in outside boosters and B6-2 in main for 1st flight. Don't forget screws in nosecone of payload section, a good clip whip, and to friction fit motors with plenty of tape.

I used Quest Q2 igniters. If one motor doesn't light, you will end up like I did and pull launch rod right out of pad! I used an 18" chute with spill hole for this heavy baby.

Summary:
PROs: Very impressive flight, especially at night!

CONs: You must make "standoffs" as sturdy as possible, that's why I suggested "stacked plywood".

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