Rocket Vision Grymm

Rocket Vision - Grymm {Kit}

Contributed by Kevin Johnson

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Manufacturer: Rocket Vision

Brief:
Short and fat Rugged Rocket.

Rocket PicConstruction:
Component List:

  • 1 2.88 inc ABS nose cone
  • 1 2.88 inch phenolic body tube 11.75 inches long
  • 1 1.2 inch phenolic motor tube 5.5 inches long
  • 2 1/8 inch G10 centerin' rings
  • 4 1/16 inch G10 fins
  • 1 1/4 inch plastic launch lug 3 inches long
  • 1 24 inch rip stop nylon parachute
  • 1 10 inch square Nomex® chute protector
  • 1 24mm cardboard motor tube insert
  • 1 Engine hook
  • Keelhaul®©™® riggin'
  • Cardboard shock cord mounts
  • Color waterslide decals

Rocket PicI ordered t' Grymm direct from RocketVision via their web site. T' kit came bagged with a cardboard insert protectin' t' decals. Blimey! T' sub-assemblies (recovery, centerin' rings, fins, arrr, etc.) were individually bagged as well. Avast, me proud beauty! Ya scallywag! T' instructions are color printed and include a lot o' text for t' 13 steps and 3 illustrations. Avast! Arrr! The instructions give you a web address for general assembly photos and animations, but it is nay up and functionin' yet on RocketVision's new site. Ahoy! The construction steps are straightforward and well described. With t' exception of usin' epoxy throughout, t' kit goes together much like any model rocket. Well, blow me down! Ya scallywag!

Rocket Pic In dry fittin' t' parts in my kit, matey, I found t' centerin' rings were oval and nay true circles. Avast! Blimey! I had to mark and sand them repeatedly t' get them t' fit into t' body tube at all. Because I don't have access t' power tools, me hearties, ya bilge rat, it was very laborious t' hand sand those thick fiberglass rings. Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' nose cone fit be also a little tight and required some sanding.

Other than that, matey, me bucko, t' remainin' components fit well and t' build went smoothly and smartly (with waits for t' epoxy t' set). Ya scallywag! Ya scallywag! T' tolerances on the through t' wall slots in t' body tube were much better than on t' previous 2 rugged rockets I have built. Avast, me proud beauty! Ahoy! They required only rough sandin' t' prepare them for epoxy. Aye aye! Tools required were sandpaper, shiver me timbers, 6 minute epoxy, hobby knife, and paint.

Finishing:
T' color decals included in t' kit are awesome. Avast! Blimey! They are big and thick and look great. I highly recommend RocketVision's decal service, and hope they get it up and functionin' on their new web site soon.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
Unfortunately, due t' high wind on our launch days, shiver me timbers, matey, arrr, I have only logged 1 flight with t' Grymm. Begad! Blimey! T' recommended motors are AT 24mm E15-4, F72-10 and G55-10. Predicted altitudes are 1100, 2200, and 3000 feet respectively. For t' maiden flight I chose t' E15-4. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Prep was very easy usin' t' included Nomex® protector. Ya scallywag! It fully sealed t' BT and made a pocket just right for t' 24 inch chute and Keelhaul®©™® rigging. Blimey! Boost be fast and straight, with ejection past apogee (darn bonus delay!). Begad! Arrr! I can't wait t' fly it on an F!

Rocket PicRecovery:
T' final length o' me 3/32 inch braided Keelhaul®©™® shock line be about 42 inches. I be a little wary about t' shock cord anchor, cardboard epoxied t' the inside o' t' BT and nose cone, me hearties, but it held up well. Begad! T' rocket was travelling pretty fast on ejection, and t' chute filled with a loud POP! T' descent rate was just about right and t' model landed about 25 yards from t' pad, in some tall brush. Blimey! T' hot pink chute made it easy t' find. Ya scallywag! Avast, me proud beauty!

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
All in all this was a great kit t' build. Well, blow me down! I love t' big fat tube and stubby appearance o' Grymm. Ya scallywag! High quality components and "fly it through a wall" ruggedness will make this one a frequent flyer at our club launches. PRO's: Ease o' construction and simple layout. Aye aye! Great looks and decals are top notch. Avast, me proud beauty! CON's: Centerin' rings out o' round, iffy attachment points for shock cord.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

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  • Rocket Vision Grymm By Kevin Johnson

    (01/20/01) Well, as I write my third review in this series of "stubby" rockets, I am a bit disheartened since just before I flew this bird, RocketVision closed their doors to business. Once the Grymm was announced I immediately ordered one anticipating "Rugged Rocket" in a design that I very much enjoy . . . "stubby". This is the smallest in dia ...

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