Semroc Magnum Hornet

Semroc - Magnum Hornet {Kit} (KV-69)

Contributed by John "MAX" Venable

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 1.33 inches
Length: 19.80 inches
Manufacturer: Semroc
Skill Level: 1
Style: Clone, Sport
Semroc Magnum Hornet

Brief:
A lightweight, fast flier possibly capable of supersonic speed.

Construction:
This baby was a fun build. I loved every minute of it. The kit contains high quality parts. A straightforward build, but I tweaked it. This kit was built entirely with epoxy with microballoons for added strength and sandability, so she can fly on AeroTech E-30s. I replaced the balsa fins with 1/8" aircraft poplar plywood. The stock shock cord was replaced 1/8" braided Kevlar® strand. The stock chute replaced with a 15" thin mil nylon chute. I used an Estes D engine hook. I also purchased a plastic nose cone when I use AeroTech Motors. No cons here.

Finishing:
This baby was fun and easy to paint also. After the epoxy fin fillets, I primed the rocket, sanded, and repeated again. After sanding I applied 3 coats to the body of the rocket in Rustoleum Apple Red. After 2 days dry time I masked off 1 fin and applied 3 coats to 1 fin and nosecone in Rustoleum Gloss Black. After 2 more days dry time I applied the decals.I rarely follow manufacturers color schemes.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The first 3 flights were absolutely amazing. Flawless and fast. Some spectators got whiplash! First flight was on a C11-5. Wow. Estimated altitude of 1000'. Second flight was on a D12-5 to 1300'. It resembled a hummingbird with his tail on fire. Third flight on an AeroTech E15-4 with a streamer and plastic nosecone. Shock and awe was the best way to describe it. Amazingly loud and fast to an estimated 2800'. All you saw was exhaust. I thought she would spin out of control, but she logged the flight of the day.

Semroc Magnum HornetSemroc Magnum Hornet

Semroc Magnum Hornet

Recovery:
No cons when you have an assortment of chutes and streamers for various conditions. Custom mounted 1/8" Kevlar® shock cord and 12" nylon chute. Lots of barf wadding for Estes motors, dual Nomex® cloth 1-1/4' for composites. The first 2 flights were perfect, and on the third I broke a fin. No biggie.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
As I have already stated there really are no cons. Out of all the small rockets I own, this is my favorite. I plan on building an exact replica of this rocket with LOC/Precision body tubes and through the wall fins.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Semroc Magnum Hornet By Eldred Pickett (August 1, 2009)

    This was my first Semroc kit, so it was all new. It's a reproduction of an old Centuri kit with a few updates. There is an exploded-view diagram so you can see how the pieces go together. It also serves as a parts list showing how many of each part should be there. The parts were well laid out. The fins came on a laser-cut balsa sheet. This rocket also has a balsa nose cone for all your ...

  • Semroc Magnum Hornet By Matthew Bond (July 21, 2009)

    Centuri Engineering Company was started in the early 60s and was one of the early pioneers in the model rocket industry. Centuri was sold to Damon Corporation in the late 60s and maintained their product line separately from Estes until 1983. The Magnum Hornet was produced by Centuri from 1980-1983 and is unique in that it was one of a handful of Centuri kits comprised entirely of Estes parts. ...

  • Semroc Magnum Hornet By Jason Orosco (May 31, 2009)

    Brief: I'll try and repeat what's in the other reviews, the Semroc Magnum Hornet is Retro-Repro of the Centuri Magnum Hornet with a 18mm motor adapter and 12" cute replaces the Streamer and Kevlar ® thread/elastic shock cord replaces the rubber band from the old Magnum Hornet. Construction: The instructions are well written and easy to follow with quality parts, what ...

  • Semroc Magnum Hornet By Peter Stanley (May 24, 2009)

    Brief: The Magnum Hornet is a Semroc Retro-Repro of a Centuri model. It is designed for 24mm motors but includes an 18mm adapter. Recovery is via 12" parachute. I ordered my kit from Semroc directly and had it within two days. Construction: The kit includes a balsa nosecone, one BT-55 body tube, a 3/16" launch lug, water slide decals, an elastic shock cord, Kevlar ...

  • Semroc Magnum Hornet By Jeff Lane (May 12, 2009)

    Brief: Chan's build experience exactly fit my own so I'll try not to repeat. The Magnum concept is simple: large motor, small rocket, and it actually makes more sense today than it did when originally marketed. I got my kit from Apogee, and it was damage-free. Construction: It is extremely easy to build and all the components are of high quality. Smooth, perfectly formed nose ...

  • Semroc Magnum Hornet By Chan Stevens (April 26, 2009)

    Semroc has gone "retro repro" again, bringing out a modern reproduction of one of the last Centuri designs before the Damon Corporation consolidated their product line under the Estes brand. The kit, although a Centuri model, featured Estes parts in its day. The Semroc reproduction features laser-cut fins, a balsa nose cone, and upgraded Kevlar/elastic shock cord, plus includes a chute ...

Flights

Comments:

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D.F. (June 21, 2009)
I had the original Centuri version of this kit but installed a 29mm mount in it instead of the 24mm and made the fins out of 3/32" plywood. It was one high flier! I regularly launched it on Composite Dynamics E20s and SSRS E30s. 2000-2500' flights, easily. Never had the guts to launch it on an F67 though. This was a well designed and stable rocket; it always flew straight with the heavier composite engines I used. I would have a friend launch it and I would be about 500ft away to track it easier. This rocket would be 200-300 feet in the air before I would hear the first sounds of the engine thrusting! Had a 25' streamer on it, which would barely be visable at ejection. I miss that rocket.
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M.G. (August 12, 2009)
My opinion is look at all the reviews + flight logs for this recent Semroc release! This is a super kit, and everyone should have one!

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