This model rocket is available free to download from the FlisKits web site. Don't forget to download a copy of the instructions too. Both are provided in the popular .pdf file format. There are four (4) pages of instructions which are clear, easy to follow and illustrated. If you've never built a (paid) FlisKits model before, this free paper rocket is great to try. The instructions are the same as for their paid kits. If you find these instructions easy to work with, you'll have no trouble with their other kits. While a color printer is ideal to print out this free rocket pattern, a blank (non-color) pattern is available too. You can print this and them color the rocket yourself, using paint, markers or other means. On the launch pad, this paper rocket looks like the real deal, as you can clearly see.

Parts List

Below is a list of parts and supplies needed to build your own copy of this flying model rocket.

- card stock (67 to 110 lb.)
- 12" to 18" shock cord
- 18" streamer (and tape disc)
- clay weight
- 4 expended engine casings

Hobby supplies needed to create your own Midnight Express include hobby knife, metal ruler, glue, small body tube, and pencil.

Construction

Once you have printed out the free rocket pattern on card stock, use a hobby knife and metal ruler to cut out the parts. I used 110 lb card stock. Roll the paper airframe into a tube and put it inside a small body tube (BT-5 is great) to have it keep that shape.

Here's where the used engine casing come in. Use those to roll the airframe tube around, to ensure it takes on the correct shape and diameter.

Assembled parts should look like those shown in the image on the right. The engine block is not shown in the image as it had already been installed in the airframe tube. Next, glue the fins and launch lug to the rocket's airframe tube.

Apply glue fillets to the fins and glue the shock cord mount into place. Now it is time to add the clay weight to move the center of gravity into the correct location. Follow the instructions to get this right, as it will affect stable flight and potentially safety.

To complete your free rocket, add the streamer to the shock cord using the tape disc (or regular tape).

Finishing

You have a choice of three patterns to download. There's the one used for this review, a " Tour de Deuce" pattern, and a blank one. The blank one can be used if you wish to paint (or otherwise finish) the rocket yourself.

Measurements

The Midnight Express is 11 3/4" long, has a diameter of 0.736" and a fin span of 2.73". According to FlisKits, it weights 0.3 oz. Mine weighs in at 0.4 oz, which includes clay weight, streamer and 3 sheets of recovery wadding.

Flight Data

This free paper rocket flies on A6-4, A8-3, B6-4 and C6-5 engines.

As this paper rocket is so lightweight, I went with a C6-3 instead of the recommend C6-5. There was a mild breeze and I wasn't in much of a walking mood. Jumped off the launch pad, rose to an impressive altitude and disappeared out of sight for a few seconds. A puff of smoke was seen and the steamer deployed as it could be seen when the sunlight reflected off it. Recovered fairly close to the launch pad without any damage.

Will have to try it on a C6-5 next time, to see it get even greater altitude. Excellent flight for a paper rocket, or any rocket for that matter.