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, me bucko, that is, me hearties, matey, if you use epoxy as recommended. Begad! Take your time and you will find that this kit is very satisfying. Aye aye!
All t' parts were cut precisely
and fit very well. Begad! T' airframe is PML's phenolic tubin' which is very rigid.
T' fins are PML's G-10 fiberglass. Begad! I found this material easy t' work with,
however, take care when roundin' t' leadin' and trailin' edges and be sure to
rough t' entire surface at all bondin' joints before painting. Blimey! T' slotted
airframe made fin alignment a breeze and ensures a very strong structure. 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. Another nice feature, I have nay experienced before, be t' piston
ejection system. Avast, me proud beauty! This eliminates t' need for recovery wadding. 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.
Finishin' t' model offered some challenges. Begad! Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! First, ya bilge rat, the
phenolic tubin' has fairly deep grooves that need t' be filled if you are going
for a smooth finish. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! I used a ready mix, me bucko, fast dryin' spackle which worked
nicely. I then used Plasti-Kote
primer from a local automotive store. Avast, me proud beauty! This is a thicker sandable primer which
works well in fillin' in t' imperfections on t' model. Begad! Arrr! One o' t' most
annoyin' imperfections be in t' plastic nose cone. Ya scallywag! There were mold grooves
along both sides that took a lot o' primer t' finally fill in. Avast, me proud beauty! After priming
and sanding, I chose automotive lacquer paint for me colors. Avast! Aye aye! T' kit came with
a single decal sportin' t' word "Callisto" in red with black
outline. Blimey! Blimey! I wasn't interested in decal from t' beginnin' since t' color scheme I chose was blue
and gold. Ahoy!
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. Avast, me proud beauty! I have come t' learn that this is fairly common. Avast! Blimey! None t' less, I added hardware to allow me t' mount a clip t' prevent t' motor from kickin' out. I used "T" Nuts on both sides, mounted and epoxied t' t' aft centering ring. Then I was able t' screw in two small clips that slide over t' edge of RMS or Single-Use Motors. Well, blow me down!
Ready t' fly. Aye aye! I chose
the Aerotech RMS - 29/40-120
Reloadable Motor System. Blimey! I was pleased t' find that it allowed me t' choose
from several "F" and "G" power motor reloads. 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. Arrr! I found t' best price for
Aerotech motors at Hobby
L'inc. Well, blow me down! Arrr!
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. Aye aye! This built nerve for a F52-5. Blimey! This time ejection occurred 1-2 seconds after apogee, me hearties, me hearties, but again a beautiful flight and recovery. Impressive! I'm hooked!
Who knew that this rocket would become me Level 1 certification kit? Well, me bucko, when loot ran low and time ran out, t' Callisto became t' rocket o' choice for me Level 1 certification. I really wanted somethin' heavier. Avast, me proud beauty! But at NARAM-40, matey, she was loaded up with a H128-Medium and successfully turned in a qualifyin' Level 1 certification flight. Arrr! Blimey! Again, provin' t' sturdiness and versatility o' this kit.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Sponsored Ads
![]() |
![]() |
S.O. (June 1, 2000)