This is the MicroMaxx sized version of the popular Deuce model rocket sold by Fliskits. It is part of their "Micro to the Maxx" product line. The idea of being able to cluster MicroMaxx motors right in our backyard just seemed like too much fun. That alone was good enough reason to pick one up for review. The rocket has canted motor mounts. This not only gives it a very recognizable look, it should keep it flying straight even if only one of the engines lights. To fly this rocket, you will need to open up the igniters provided with the motors. It can not be flown with regular ingiters on a MicroMaxx pad/silo. This is all detailed in the instructions, complete with illustrations. The other option is to replace the igniters with fine nichrome wire. While the colors selected do look nice on the rocket, they made it impossible to get a nice shot showing off the fins. You can see the canted motor mounts at the bottom of the image.

Parts List

The tiny parts as just as high quality as their full-sized counterparts and include the items listed here.

- balsa nose cone
- body tube with centering ring
- balsa fin stock and fin template
- 2 motor mount tubes with engine blocks
- Kevlar shock cord with anchor
- streamer for recovery
- launch lug
- detailed instructions with illustrations

No special hobby supplies are needed to build this rocket. All you need is a hobby knife (with sharp/fresh blade) and some glue.

Construction

I've build several Fliskits model rockets before and this is by far the hardest to build correctly. This little kit offers a full-sized challenge. In fact, the size is what makes it difficult. Any error in cutting tubes become a significant error quickly. In fact, I'm not 100% happy with how I did with this one. I should have been more patient. As mentioned above, the body tube is cut to accommodate the canted motor mount tubes. The motor mount tubes themselves are also cut to form a "V" shape which slides into the airframe. The finished model is shown in the picture on the right. It is leaning against a D12 engine. The motor next to it is an Estes C6, it was included to give you an idea of the size of the Diminutive Deuce model rocket. Needles to say, you need to be careful while you build this one to ensure you don't crush a tube as you cut it. The fins are obviously very thin also.

Finishing

While this model rocket does use a cluster of two engines, they are MicroMaxx engines. Due to this, I tried to keep the weight low by not going too crazy with primer and paint.

The rocket was painted in (Americana) Baby Blue and (FolkArt) Licorice black with a paintgun. To avoid adding unneeded weight, it was not clearcoated.

Measurements

Total length for this micro model is 9.938" and it has a 0.375" diameter with a 3.15" fin span. This information is included with the instructions, I didn't measure the rocket.

Flight Data

As mentioned earlier, this is a model rocket intended to fly on MicroMaxx engines. It uses two at a time in a cluster.