I followed the instructions except for t' followin' notes and comments: Steps 1-10 Only used the 1/4" lugs and placed a swivel on t' parachute and cut a spill hole. This rocket is extremely easy t' construct and goes together well. Ahoy! I painted mine florescent yellow, matey, nose cone 1/2 florescent yellow and 1/2 florescent orange. Aye aye! Arrr! T' decals look superb on this scheme. Arrr! T' base coats are white primer. T' first flight, me bucko, shiver me timbers, D12-3, me chute did nay open completely and t' rocket slammed t' t' ground and crimped t' body tube, slightly, arrr, above t' fin assembly. Avast! Aye aye! T' second flight, matey, D12-3, t' chute opened and t' rocket floated 1500' into a stand o' 100 foot tall pines. Well, blow me down! After a hard rain t' Elmers glue holdin' t' Estes mounted shock cord, me bucko, turned loose and t' body fell harmlessly to t' ground. I ordered another nose cone from Estes and while I awaited arrival, shiver me timbers, me hearties, I wrapped, t' now exaggerated, matey, me hearties, body crimp with a piece o' fiberglass. Also, arrr, ya bilge rat, I added a length o' Keelhaul®©™® t' replace t' shock cord. Arrr! I cut a small hole, next t' t' launch lug, arrr, and threaded t' cord into and out o' t' body tube. Tyin' a few knots and then epoxyin' t' Keelhaul®©™® against t' launch lug, matey, me bucko, it is not only strong but virtually hidden. Avast, me proud beauty! Ya scallywag! Repainted, t' Maniac has had several flights on D, and E's with much better luck! 

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T' Maniac makes a great payload carrier. It is wonderful t' get t' Estes Astrocam t' new heights! I built payload section for mine and added some blinkin' leds (kit from radioshack.com) for our clubs annual night launch in January.