This model rocket kit was purchased in a Rocketry Online auction. It is also available in the Sintratech Aerospace ebay store. The kit is available with a 29mm or 38mm motor mount. I opted for the 38mm version as I was looking for something to fly on 38mm G's and maybe some H motors. The version of the rocket shown here has a white gelcoat. This is an optional feature which is $10 extra (at the time of writing).

This is one of those kits where I looked at the parts and wasn't not quite sure if I'd like the finished product or not. As the flying saucer was being built, it started to look more and more interesting. By the time it was fully assembled, I couldn't wait to fly it, painted or not.

Parts List

The kit arrived promptly in a large box which held the parts listed below :

- 2 fiberglass saucer halves
- kraft-paper motor mount tube (38mm)
- phenolic body tube
- Baltic birch centering rings & launch lug
- Sintra ring

There are no instructions in the traditional sense. Instructions are written on parts of the saucer itself. Putting it all together is straight-forward, instructions aren't really needed.

Update : full written instructions are now available. I had no trouble building the saucer without them, but it is nice to know they are available. The instructions appear easy-to-follow.

To build the model flying saucer, you'll need some adhesive (epoxy was used for the review kit) and something to cut with (such as a Dremel tool).

Construction

The saucer halves are made from fiberglass, which makes them both strong and light-weight. A red circle is drawn on each half, the halves are to be cut on those lines. The half on the left hasn't been cut yet, the one on the right has.

A ring sits between the two fiberglass saucer halves. It too has to be cut out, the cut version is on the right. This ring will sit between the two fiberglass halves. The ring is made from Sintra which is an interesting material. It is a PVC foam-board which is lighter than plywood, yet very strong. These qualities make it a good choice for use in this kit.

The kit includes a long motor mount tube, you only need a short section. The rest can be used for a scratch-build project. The centering rings come without holes. Instructions, written on the rings, say to drill 1/4" holes. I drilled them slightly larger to make things slide onto the rod easier. The body tube section is very similar to a PML phenolic coupler. The centering rings fit inside the body tube, holding the motor mount tube in place. I shortened the body tube a little to make things line up with the top/bottom of the saucer.

While the epoxy on the motor mount assembly was curing, I went ahead and attached the body tube to the bottom saucer half. Once cured, the Sintra ring was put into place and the second saucer half was attached. This kit is very quick and easy to build. Most of the time is spent waiting for adhesive to set.

Lastly, the motor mount assembly was secure in place. The Sintra ring is larger in diameter than the two saucer halves. As I wasn't quite happy with how I cut the ring (not a nice circular shape), I trimmed the Sintra to line up with the saucer halves. At this point, the saucer is ready to fly. It can certainly be painted, but it looks pretty spiffy as-is.

Measurements

The entire rocket weighs 13.5 oz (382g), before any paint or primer was applied. I tend to be quite generous with epoxy which certainly increases overall weight.

The saucer has a 10" diameter. Remember, I trimmed the Sintra ring which decreased the diameter somewhat. The height will depend on how you build the kit. I trimmed the body tube and don't have all that much tube sticking out the bottom either. The height of the kit built for review is 2 1/4".

Finishing

The instructions mention that the model should be wiped down with acetone before applying primer/paint. Failure to do so can cause the paint to peel due to the mold release used on the fiberglass parts.

While you don't need to paint this rocket, I opted to do so after flying it without paint. The while surface picks up dirt stains very quickly. This, obviously, is merely a cosmetic issue.

After primer, the rocket was painted Shimmering Silver (Dazzling Metallics by DecoArt) and given a few coats of Future floor polish (as a clear coat).

Flight Data

This model rocket kit doesn't come with a list of motor suggestions. Judging by the way it is constructed, you should be able to fly just about anything 38mm in it.

Video : H class research motor