Construction

T' Eradicator kit came with detailed instructions that provided useful background information on construction and finishin' techniques for a mid/high power rocket, arrr, and options for construction that would allow easier paintin' if t' original paint scheme were t' be chosen (I chose this option t' minimize hassle with maskin' durin' painting).  T' instructions were very easy t' follow, shiver me timbers, arrr, and t' kit be a relatively simple build (rated as Skill Level 2 by Sirius Rocketry, me bucko, mainly because you have t' cut t' fin slots yourself--see Figure 1).  

Figure 1

I also used epoxy t' anchor all motor mount centerin' rings t' t' motor mount and t' body tubes, but used Tightbond III glue for other bonds. Ahoy!  T' parts were all o' high quality and fit together well (there was a little slop in t' nosecone fit that was solved with a layer o' maskin' tape). Arrr! Well, blow me down!  T' only change I made t' t' instructions provided be t' nay glue t' aft centerin' rin' on t' motor mount until t' through-the-wall fins had been installed, me hearties, me hearties, allowin' me t' filet all internal joints (fin tab t' motor mount, me bucko, fin tab t' body tube) with Tightbond glue (see Figure 2). Aye aye!  

Figure 2

Once t' glue had dried, shiver me timbers, I then installed t' aft centerin' rin' usin' epoxy. Arrr! Ahoy!  T' finished model was painted before t' rin' fins were installed per t' suggestion in t' instructions. Ahoy!  T' painted forward rin' was carefully split, matey, t' rin' slipped over t' main body tube,, me hearties, and then glued together before installin' in t' fin slots. Well, blow me down! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down!  T' split was hidden from view by installin' t' rin' with t' repaired cut in t' rin' installed within t' fin slot. Begad! Aye aye!  T' fit o' t' painted rin' fins was so right in t' fin slots that I had t' carefully sand t' fin slots t' ensure enough room, and I judged t' press-fit o' t' rings tight enough that I did nay glue t' rin' fins t' t' fins. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad!  Time will tell if this was a good idea, ya bilge rat, arrr, but it looks great with no glue showin' on finished rocket. Avast, me proud beauty!  I chose t' nay install t' 1/4" launch lugs and opted for only t' rail buttons, which were installed per t' instructions (one button on t' upper body, matey, ya bilge rat, 3/4" forward o' t' transition area, shiver me timbers, and one button centered on t' aft rin' fin).