This easy-to-build flying model rocket it is available as individual kits or in discount bulk packs (12 or more). It is already a low cost model kit, bound to fit within just about any budget. This model rocket kit comes complete with a cloth heatshield, eliminating the need for recovery wadding and potentially lowering the cost per launch. Its design is basic and straightforward. It requires only the most essential of hobby tools to assemble, which makes for quick and easy construction. This makes The Quark kit a wonderful option for classroom settings, Scouts gatherings and club meetings. This is not to say it can't be equally enjoyed by the more senior rocketeer. Fun for all ages.

Parts List

The items listed below are part of the rocket kit. Hobby supplies you will need are glue and scissors.

- body tube, thrust ring, and paper launch lug
- plastic nose cone with cardboard shoulder
- 3 pre-cut balsa fins
- shock cord (Amarmid) and flameproof heatshield
- plastic steamer
- color sticker
- instruction manual with fin wrapper (to be cut out)

Launch supplies are not included with the model rocket kit. A (used) 18mm rocket motor is required to push the thrust ring into place.

Construction

The instructions fit on a single page (both sides). A good part of that is consumed by the parts list and flying instructions.

The parts list refers to the launch lug as a small white paper tube. The actual launch lug was brown and about twice as long as the one shown in the instruction sheet photo. You may wish to cut it in half, if you get a longer version in your kit too.

The spirals on the body tube are rather pronounced. If you don't like to see spirals on a finished rocket, you'll need to sand the spirals out.

The Quark Star is very easy to assemble. Tie the shock cord to the thrust ring and glue it into the airframe tube. Attach balsa fins. Install heatshield. Apply glue fillets to fins and glue launch lug in place. Once the glue dries, paint can be applied.

Measurements

The Quark Star is about 10 1/2" tall and uses a 18mm airframe tube.

Finishing

The instructions say not to paint the plastic nose cone as the paint may melt the thin plastic. Due to this, the body was painted while (Krylon spray paint) to match the color of the nose cone. To complete this flying model rocket, the color sticker (included with the kit) was applied.

Flight Data

Most 18mm A rocket motors should work for the Quark Star. The Estes A8-3 and Quest A6-7 are said to be the ideal motors.

Launched with a A8-3, the rocket shoots straight up and the ejection takes place at apogee. Very respectable flight for an A engine.

The temptation to try more powerful engines was too strong... When launched with a B6-4, it displays an even more impressive, very stable, flight. An C6-5 made it soar even higher. The streamer slowed it down quite a bit and it started down gracefully. Unfortunately, it got between the observer and the sun and was visual contact was lost. The model rocket couldn't be found, it is lost forever.