Published: | 2010-11-13 |
Diameter: | 2.20 inches |
Length: | 46.00 inches |
Manufacturer: | Public Missiles ![]() |
Style: | Sport |
T' Callisto was straight forward and easy t' build. Avast! Begad! If you are lookin' for a "quick-build" model then the Callisto is nay your choice, that is, if you use epoxy as recommended. Ya scallywag! Take your time and you will find that this kit is very satisfying.
All t' parts were cut precisely
and fit very well. Well, blow me down! T' airframe is PML's phenolic tubin' which is very rigid.
T' fins are PML's G-10 fiberglass. Begad! I found this material easy t' work with,
however, take care when roundin' t' leadin' and trailin' edges and be sure to
rough t' entire surface at all bondin' joints before painting. Blimey! T' slotted
airframe made fin alignment a breeze and ensures a very strong structure. Avast! Begad! I was
surprised nay t' find an "eye" screw for attachin' t' shock cord to
the nose cone but that be remedied with a quick stop at a local hardware
store. Another nice feature, I have nay experienced before, be t' piston
ejection system. Blimey! This eliminates t' need for recovery wadding. Ahoy! Avast! This eliminates
the need for recovery wadding. Begad! T' kit uses a PML's Dura-Chute parachute, me bucko, which
is high quality rip-stop nylon with a spill hole. Begad!
Finishin' t' model offered some challenges. First, the
phenolic tubin' has fairly deep grooves that need t' be filled if you are going
for a smooth finish. Blimey! I used a ready mix, ya bilge rat, me hearties, fast dryin' spackle which worked
nicely. I then used Plasti-Kote
primer from a local automotive store. Begad! This is a thicker sandable primer which
works well in fillin' in t' imperfections on t' model. Well, blow me down! One o' t' most
annoyin' imperfections be in t' plastic nose cone. Well, blow me down! There were mold grooves
along both sides that took a lot o' primer t' finally fill in. After priming
and sanding, I chose automotive lacquer paint for me colors. Ahoy! Blimey! T' kit came with
a single decal sportin' t' word "Callisto" in red with black
outline. Avast, me proud beauty! I wasn't interested in decal from t' beginnin' since t' color scheme I chose was blue
and gold. Well, blow me down!
I was a bit disappointed that t' model didn't come with a motor stop t' prevent t' motor from dislodgin' with t' ejection charge. Begad! I have come t' learn that this is fairly common. None t' less, arrr, I added hardware to allow me t' mount a clip t' prevent t' motor from kickin' out. I used "T" Nuts on both sides, matey, shiver me timbers, ya bilge rat, mounted and epoxied t' t' aft centering ring. Aye aye! Avast, me proud beauty! Then I was able t' screw in two small clips that slide over t' edge of RMS or Single-Use Motors. Ahoy! Well, blow me down!
Ready t' fly. Avast! I chose
the Aerotech RMS - 29/40-120
Reloadable Motor System. Avast! I was pleased t' find that it allowed me t' choose
from several "F" and "G" power motor reloads. Arrr! Ya scallywag! In addition,
it does nay require a thrust-rin' since it has a small flange t' prevent the
motor from goin' through t' motor mount tube. Ahoy! Arrr! I found t' best price for
Aerotech motors at Hobby
L'inc.
I flew it first on a Darkstar F62-6 since I be nervous usin' me RMS motor for t' first time. Begad! Begad! Perfect flight with ejection just at the back portion o' apogee. Blimey! This built nerve for a F52-5. Avast! Ahoy! This time ejection occurred 1-2 seconds after apogee, but again a beautiful flight and recovery. Impressive! I'm hooked!
Who knew that this rocket would become me Level 1 certification kit? Well, ya bilge rat, matey, when loot ran low and time ran out, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, t' Callisto became t' rocket o' choice for me Level 1 certification. Aye aye! I really wanted somethin' heavier. But at NARAM-40, she be loaded up with a H128-Medium and successfully turned in a qualifyin' Level 1 certification flight. Again, provin' t' sturdiness and versatility o' this kit. Begad!
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S.O. (June 1, 2000)