American Alliance Rocketry M4 Noxious

American Alliance Rocketry - M4 Noxious {Kit}

Contributed by Charlaine Cadence Nordin

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
American Alliance M4 NOXIOUS American Alliance M4 NOXIOUS

Brief:
This is a MPR rocket that uses D and E class motors with parachute recovery.

Construction:
Parts list:

  • 3 body tubes
  • one nose cone
  • engine block
  • engine hook
  • 3 centerin' rings
  • 18" parachute with shroud lines and rip-stop disks
  • 1 1/2" shock cord
  • 1 1/4" inch cord
  • tube coupler
  • bulk head
  • balsa fin stock
  • 2 launch lugs
  • decals
  • 16 fins

T' instructions come on a total o' 3 pages back t' back for six in all (not includin' t' templates). Begad! Arrr! T' single page parts list has a complete list all o' t' parts and has t' fin placement guide. Well, blow me down! All parts are listed clearly with the symbol that will be used in t' buildin' process. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! Tube measurements are listed for each tube givin' t' ability for future repairs. Avast, me proud beauty! Ya scallywag! T' instructions have a well thought out story, givin' t' history o' t' American Alliance. Begad! Arrr! T' main build pages consist o' three pages t' t' point and worded well. Arrr! T' font chosen is good for t' read. Begad! Comfortable on the eyes. Begad! However, I found t' instructions for t' build cramped makin' it very easy t' skip steps or loose place just workin' on t' build. Steps could be separated by line skips for easy reading. Aye aye! I found one or two spellin' errors though I admit thar might be more. Aye aye! Very easy t' remember after readin' through. Blimey! T' launch instructions consist o' one page. Avast, me proud beauty! On t' fins templates, thar are no grain markings (mainly needed for t' smaller fin sets) although t' leading edge is marked. Well, me bucko, blow me down! Templates should be moved t' center o' t' page for better transferring. Blimey! Avast! Engine block tool is great idea and reusable. Begad! Ahoy! Cardstock would be better for t' template. Ya scallywag! Carbon paper could be suggested for pattern transfer. Keelhaul®©™® shock cord may be a thought t' be added. Avast! Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Construction o' this build was a blast. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! I did nay want t' stop. Had t' pry myself away at times just t' let t' glue dry. Arrr! Blimey! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Blimey! This is nay a kit for beginners but nay bad for novices. Blimey! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! It brings back classic buildin' feel.

Finishing:
I don't want t' go overboard with t' design but I feel me words say it all: beautiful build, screams for a two-stage variant, innovative design, lug stand off lookin' like a mountin' for a launcher adds t' t' military-like appearance, and soon t' be a timeless classic.

T' decals are great even with t' white backin' though I do feel that somethin' is needed. Begad! Begad! White backin' limits the paint jobs unless you are great at freehand decal placement. Begad! T' flag could be updated t' fit t' futuristic feel of t' kit. Ya scallywag! Avast! More military style markings should be added (like serial numbers, me hearties, cradle and lift points, and stock numbers).

T' finishin' o' this rocket is great, matey, shiver me timbers, just take your time with t' fins and use either cheese cloth or model silk for added strength t' t' joints o' t' main and mid fins.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
This bird flies better then I expected. Arrr! I have nothin' but praise for it.

Flight 1 on a D12-5. Blimey! Avast, matey, me proud beauty! Great slow lift off. Well, shiver me timbers, blow me down! A 6 foot rod is best for this bird--do nay use a small rod (3 feet or less). Blimey! Recovery was nice and slow with a soft landing.

Flight 2 on an E9-4. Ahoy! Avast, me proud beauty! Beautiful lift off. Ya scallywag! Thrust phase o' flight was steady. Avast, me proud beauty! Aye aye! Recovery be wonderful and thar was no damage durin' recovery.

Recovery:
Shock cord is through t' wall style in t' almost 3" neck. I feel that a Keelhaul®©™® shock cord setup would be better for t' weight o' t' lower fin can.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
This build be one o' me best builds ever. Avast! Begad! I had nothin' but fun buildin' and flyin' her. If you're into military style rockets and other unique designs, shiver me timbers, then I really suggest you head over t' American Alliance Rocketry's website and look at t' other beautiful birds. Well, blow me down! I know for me I will be buyin' from this vendor more.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flights

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