Shecter Rockets Tubular Treat

Shecter Rockets - Tubular Treat {Kit}

Contributed by Moira Jean Whitlock

Overall Rating: starstarstarstar_borderstar_border
Published: 2010-11-13
Manufacturer: Shecter Rockets
Skill Level: 1
Style: Ring/Tube/Cone Fin

[Rocket Pic]Description: Single staged, 18mm motor rocket with tubular stabilizers all around instead of fins. Streamer recovery.

Construction and finishing: All parts were there, and none defective or damaged. You get all tubes of spiral wound paper, Estes type. The nose cone is unusual, though. Instead of the usual plastic or balsa, you get solid hardwood. A eye-screw is provided to attach the streamer and shock cord, which is 1/8 inch flat elastic. The shock cord mounts to the inside of the body tube via a folded paper mount. Elmers glue was used for construction. The instructions were simple and clear. Assembly took just about an hour. No gotchas or special tools are needed.

Finishing: There are no decals, so I decorated it in my own way. I used white, blue, and yellow bands of nylon adhesive tape on the body tube and stabilizers, which were painted with a base coat of yellow. The nose cone has a pretty grain, so I varnished it with a clear coat.

Flight: Motors recommended are: A6-4, A8-3, B4-4 or 6, B6-6, C6-5 or 7, C10-7, D3-7, and D10-7. I chose a C6-5 for my flights. I flew it twice straight up and fairly high. The tubular fins provided a straight flight. Recovery was quick and easy. However, even with a little worm bed wadding in the prep, the streamer was burned a little. So, I'll make it a small mylar chute.

Recovery: Simple to prep. Just about right, although the streamer burnt nearly through the second time.

Summary: Inexpensive at $7.95 and attractive. Flies straight and fairly high. Streamer wasn't durable, though.

Rating overall: 3 ½ out of 5

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