Semroc VF-261

Semroc - VF-261 {Kit} (KA-10)

Contributed by Patrick Bissonnette

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstar_borderstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Diameter: 1.33 inches
Manufacturer: Semroc
Skill Level: 2
Style: Futuristic/Exotic
Semroc VF-261

Brief:
This is a cool retro style rocket that is sure to please everyone with its looks and flying.

Construction:
If you like quality balsa parts, this kit has it. Here is what the VF-261 comes with:

  • Balsa nose cone
  • BT-55 tube
  • Balsa tail cone
  • 18mm motor tube
  • Laser cut fins
  • Engine block
  • Screw eye
  • Plywood block
  • 4 launch lugs
  • Clay
  • Kevlar® cord
  • Shock cord
  • Plastic chute
  • Tape discs
  • Shroud lines
  • Water slide decals
Semroc VF-261

Everything came nicely in the bag undamaged.

As usual, Semroc put together easy to read instructions. Nothing was unclear or hard to follow. The only possible complaint I have is the fin marking guide. I didn't have trouble with it, but I could see how others may have a hard time holding the tube steady enough to mark the lines perfectly.

The build was very easy. All of the parts fit well with no sanding. Working with balsa is way better than plastic in my opinion so this build was a blast. Another plus with Semroc kits is that they supply every rocket with Kevlar® cord and a nice length of shock cord.

Semroc VF-261

Finishing:
Finishing was basic. I only used one coat of sanding sealer for it. I probably should have used another coat or two, but it's lighter this way. After the sealer dried, it was all sanded down and ready for painting. My brother picked out some Testor's silver paint so that is what I used. My brother also put the decals on and he had no trouble with those.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
Well we waited for a good day to launch the VF-261. I wasn't 100% sure how it would fly due to the airplane appearance. The winds were around 5mph so I loaded it with the A8-3. The flight was nice and low with just a tad bit of spin. Next up was the B6-4. This sent it up quite a bit higher and once again had a nice straight up launch with just a little spin. Due to its size, it won't be flying on the C6 anytime soon. Most people will be satisfied with the performance on As and Bs though.

Semroc VF-261

Recovery:
The first flight recovery went well. The second one didn't look good at first but turned out fine in the end. The chute didn't open until about 30-40ft off the ground. It landed undamaged and is ready to go again. I'm not a fan of plastic chutes though so this may get upgraded to nylon chute eventually.

Flight Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:
Semroc produces a cool looking design that flies well too. I wouldn't change anything except maybe the plastic chute. I may have to upscale this sucker because it would look much better in bigger form.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Semroc VF-261 By Bill Eichelberger (May 5, 2009)

    Brief: Recognizable by almost everyone as either the spaceship from the sci-fi classic "Destination Moon" or as the cover model from the 1961 Estes catalog, the Semroc VF-261 is both a quick and challenging build. It's quick because it has relatively few parts but challenging because of a couple of non-traditional steps. Construction: The kit includes: ...

  • Semroc VF-261 By Chan Stevens (April 1, 2009)

    This is a Semroc original design, although it is inspired by the 1961 Estes catalog #261 (the VF stands for Vern's Fanttsay), which in turn was inspired by the Luna 3 from "Destination Moon". The futuristic model shares many parts with the V-2 and flies fine. Parts are top quality: Balsa nose cone, screw eye anchor BT-55 body tube Balsa boat tail Laser-cut balsa fins (3) ...

Flights

Comments:

avatar
J.B.B.Jr (December 27, 2007)
It was a very easy to build kit I changed the launch lug to 3/16.So I won't have to change rods.It is Buck Rogers for sure. Hats off to Semroc on this kit.

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