By Robert Belknap

2011-10-11

Manufacturer:Quest
Diameter:0.9840 inches
Skill Level:1
Style:Sport

This was an unusual build experience. It was part of a workshop available on-site at my son's Cub Scout Rocket Jamboree. Intended to give people with a wide range of rocketry experience a chance to build and fly a 2 stage rocket in a day. (My sister-in-law has no prior rocketry experience, and was ble to build and successfully launch her own 2 stage rocket.)

The single piece fin-cam, and the use of CA glue (for most steps) allowed this kit to go together quickly. Two hours from opening the package to launch. (And some of that time was spent waiting for / helping other people in the workshop.)

In addition to the basic Viper kit, we were also given a booster stage to assemble. Overall, the instructions were straight forward, assuming you take the time to read them properly. (I didn't and as a result, had to attach my shock cord to the thrust ring, instead of the forward centering ring. not a huge deal.) We had to modify some steps to account for the quick cure time of the CA as opposed to regular wood glue. It also helped to have the workshop leader giving out pointers on getting the parts to fit together smoothly. In particualr, the coupling ring between the booster and sustainer needed to be peeled down to really fit properly.

All-in-all, this was a good experience, although I think I'll stick to using wood glue and taking more time during assembly for future rockets. Laughing

 

Completed Viper on the pad