Art Applewhite Rockets Scimitar 13mm (Plan)

Art Applewhite Rockets - Scimitar (13mm) {Plan}

Contributed by John Lee

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: Art Applewhite Rockets
Skill Level: 1
Style: Pyramid, Saucer
Art Applewhite 13mm Scimitar

Brief:
Art Applewhite comes up trumps again. Arrr! Like t' 13mm Qubit, me hearties, me hearties, t' Scimitar is free to download from his website and is easy t' build and fly, arrr, except this one flies even better. Well, blow me down! It still uses airbrake recovery, me hearties, but t' flight is much more interesting!

Construction:
Art's website has two Scimitars t' download: one designed in 2004 and one in 2006. Arrr! Blimey! T' main difference be t' motor mount, shiver me timbers, t' 2004 design is the traditional tube affair and t' 2006 design has a triangular mount. Avast! Blimey! There isn't an A4 (Europe-friendly) version yet. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! I printed out t' 2006 design on A4 card and t' dimensions seemed t' be okay.

There are three parts t' t' scimitar: top, bottom, and motor mount. Aye aye! Well, blow me down! The only equipment you need is a pair o' scissors, a hobby knife, a steel ruler and some glue. I used white "Evo-Stik" glue.

Art Applewhite 13mm Scimitar The instructions are complete and easy t' follow, arrr, just like all o' Art's 13mm free designs. Well, blow me down! It takes a few minutes t' cut t' parts out. Well, blow me down! I used t' back o' a hobby knife instead o' a ballpoint pen t' score t' fold lines, me hearties, as it makes the foldin' easier and you don't get ink in t' card. Simply glue t' top part together and while you are waitin' for t' glue t' dry, make t' motor mount. T' bottom just slots into t' top, me bucko, don't go crazy with t' glue as t' edges might curl.

T' 2006 motor mount has three triangles at t' top, add a bit o' glue to these, and push it through t' bottom o' t' Scimitar, shiver me timbers, me bucko, me hearties, t' triangles come together t' form an apex strengthenin' t' top o' t' rocket, which is a good improvement over t' 2004 design. Aye aye! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! After filletin' t' mount, t' rocket is good to go.

T' whole process takes about 15-20 minutes.

Finishing:
There isn't any need t' finish this rocket, me hearties, however, it is made o' cardstock so I spray painted mine t' add a bit o' color and t' prevent any damage from moisture. T' grass is always damp in t' north o' England.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' flight pattern is where t' Scimitar beats t' Qubit. Begad! T' curved edges make the Scimitar spin on its way up, and it spins fast. Avast! It does nay get as high as the Qubit, shiver me timbers, matey, but that is a small price t' pay.

Recovery:
T' Scimitar comes down on featherweight tumble recovery. Arrr! They always land close t' t' pad, shiver me timbers, even if thar be a bit o' wind. Arrr! It's goin' t' be hard t' lose this one.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a free rocket that performs really well and is nearly impossible to lose. Arrr! Ya scallywag! Blimey! Why doesn't everyone have one in their fleet, especially for those windy days or when you what t' fly in your garden?

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Art Applewhite Rockets Scimitar 13mm (Plan) By John Lee (January 12, 2008)

    Brief: The 13mm Scimitar is a simple rocket made from a paper shroud. It was designed by Art Applewhite and is available free through his website. All you have to do is download the PDF file and print it out on suitable stock. The Scimitar spins as it ascends, flips over at apogee and uses aerobrake recovery. Construction: The only real material for the rocket itself is some ...

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