Semroc Magnum Hornet

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

Contributed by Jeff Lane

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

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 cone, nearly invisible spirals, and flat fin material. Including the high-quality 18mm adapter is a deluxe move most manufacturers could take lessons from. Not sure you could ask for more.

Instructions are simple and well-illustrated. One little well appreciated surprise is how the Kevlar® attaches to the motor mount. It's simple, strong, elegant, and quick to build.

Finishing:
Finishes quickly and easily. Used Elmer's Wood Filler on the nose and fins, two coats of high solids automotive primer, then rattle can yellow and black to finish. Looks perfect.

Semroc Magnum HornetSemroc Magnum Hornet

Semroc Magnum Hornet

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
Flew it 3 times in a small park on 1/2A3-2Ts. Semroc doesn't recommend the motor, but it's perfect for a small park or large back yard. Can't imagine putting a D12-7 in this thing. Had to use a 13mm adapter inside the 18mm adapter Semroc provides, inside the 24mm mount so it looks kind of funky.

Recovery:
Just about everything on this rocket is perfect for flight. It's light so it lifts off fast. The fins don't stick out below the body tube so they don't break. With 13, 18, and 24mm motors, you have an incredible range of possible altitudes. Half a point off for a shock cord that's a little short. The 3/16" lugs are a welcome feature.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
PROs: Simple, great looking, high performance, 18mm adapter provided, and Kevlar® upgrade.

CONs: Could use a longer shock cord, but I'm being picky.

Overall Rating: 4 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 John "MAX" Venable (June 25, 2009)

    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 ...

  • 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 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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