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. Aye aye! I painted mine florescent yellow, me hearties, nose cone 1/2 florescent yellow and 1/2 florescent orange. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! T' decals look superb on this scheme. T' base coats are white primer. T' first flight, D12-3, arrr, me hearties, me chute did nay open completely and t' rocket slammed t' t' ground and crimped t' body tube, shiver me timbers, slightly, above t' fin assembly. T' second flight, D12-3, arrr, me hearties, t' chute opened and t' rocket floated 1500' into a stand o' 100 foot tall pines. Begad! After a hard rain t' Elmers glue holdin' t' Estes mounted shock cord, me hearties, arrr, turned loose and t' body fell harmlessly to t' ground. Aye aye! Avast! I ordered another nose cone from Estes and while I awaited arrival, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, I wrapped, ya bilge rat, t' now exaggerated, body crimp with a piece o' fiberglass. Also, I added a length o' Keelhaul®©™® t' replace t' shock cord. Well, blow me down! Begad! I cut a small hole, next t' t' launch lug, and threaded t' cord into and out o' t' body tube. Tyin' a few knots and then epoxyin' t' Keelhaul®©™® against t' launch lug, it is not only strong but virtually hidden. 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.