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