Brief:
This Micro Maxx rocket is a semi-scale model of the Titan III C Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) mock-up, which included a stretched version of the Titan III C topped with a Gemini capsule. Although the actual MOL never was built, the mock-up did fly on November 3, 1966. For more info, see "Rockets of the World", by Peter Alway.

Construction:
After the success of my Micro-Viking, I decided to build a second rocket using the tubing from the Aerotech First Fire igniters. This model uses one 5 ½" tube for the main airframe and two 2 ½" sections for the strap-on boosters. The nose cones were all turned from 3/8" dowels. I was not terribly careful with the dimensions but the overall look of the rocket is about right. I used Estes launch lugs for the side pods and thin packaging plastic for the fins.

The recovery system includes a section of thin Kevlar® twine and as much streamer material as I can stuff in (to be installed at launch).

I used a small hook-eye on the nose cone because I was afraid some extra weight might be required. The CG of the finished model is 4.125 inches from the tip of the nose.

I used a mix of glues - carpenter's glue for the wraps and boosters, thick CA for the clear fins, and Liquid Nails for the side pods. I also used some Liquid Nails on one fin, which for some reason refused to be bonded with CA. This was odd since the other three fins adhered just fine.

I painted the capsule black, the booster cones silver, and the side pods red. The tubes are covered with paper wraps that I printed on my Inkjet. Again, I did not try to be too detailed; for instance, I increased the size of Air Force emblem and text to make them more visible. Before cutting out the wraps, I shot on a coat of Krylon clear polyurethane spray to try to help prevent smudging. From a distance, the finished product looks good (my opinion of course!) but up close, there are a few smudges, wrinkles, etc. With some practice, however, I think this technique will work fine on small models. Prior to launch, I also added American flag stickers to the clear fins (after the photos were taken). My new launch policy is to have at least one flag displayed on every rocket I fly!

Flight:
The engine is meant to overhang to the bottom of the fins and is held in place with masking tape. I flew the rocket twice on the new MMX motors. The flights were stable and fairly low. I forgot the streamer stock so I decided to fly with only nose cone separation. It survived the first flight just fine, but one fin broke off on the second flight. This was not a big surprise since the rocket is relatively heavy and comes down fast. I will try a streamer next time.

Summary:
Despite a few finishing flaws, I am quite pleased with this rocket. The materials and techniques I used worked well, and the resulting rocket looks nice and flies fine.