Skill Level 1 - Easy to Construct and Fly!

The Apogee Blue Streak model rocket kit has been de-signed to use a wide variety of rocket motors. The purpose of this model is to show how rocket motors are selected to fi nd the one that makes the model perform best. You can easily determine which motor performed best in the model by measuring its peak altitude. This model can use 13 mm, and 18 mm diameter rocket motors. An interchange-able motor mount is included to provide a quick and easy way of using the smaller 13mm diameter size motors. This model is really easy to build if you follow the instructions. Read the entire set of instructions fi rst; by doing this, you’ll have a sense of the important items that will make the Blue Streak function properly.

Parts List

(1) Airframe Tube (AT-1811)(1) Airframe Tube (AT-13/2.85)(1) Centering Ring (CR10-13)(4) Centering Ring (CR13-18)(1) 13 mm Motor Block(1) Launch lugs (1.0" long)(1) Balsa Fin Sheet (#9002)(1) Plastic Nose Cone (PNC-18)(1) Plastic Nose Cone Shoulder(1) Streamer (1.5" X 18")(1) Kevlar shock Cord 24" long(1) Tube Marking Guide Pattern Sheet

Kit #9002

P/N 31024

Other Tools and Materials Needed

ScissorsHobby KnifePencilPlastic Model CementWood Glue (or White Glue)Masking TapeSandpaper & Sanding BlockRulerSanding SealerPaint BrushSpray Paint

Apogee Components, Inc.Colorado Springs, Colorado

USAVisit Us On The Internet: www.ApogeeRockets.com

Blue Streak Rocket Assembly

1. Using a hobby knife, carefully cut a notch in one of the larger centering rings (CR13-18 .2" long — brown) as shown in the illustration. Tie one end of the kevlar shock cord to the centering ring.

2. Smear wood glue deep inside one end of the long body tube. Use a scrap piece of balsa wood to help. Push the centering ring inside the tube so that the back edge is 2.25" from the end of the tube. To help push the centering ring into the tube, use a 18 mm diameter rocket motor. Make a pencil mark 2.25" from one end of the motor so you know how far to push in the centering ring. Immediately remove the motor so it isn’t glued inside the rocket. The shock cord should extend out the forward end of the tube.

3. Fine sand the balsa die-cut sheets with 400 grit sandpaper before removing the fi ns. Carefully remove all the pieces from the balsa sheet by freeing the edges with a sharp hobby knife.

4. Group the fi ns together, and gently sand the edges as shown in the illustration.

5. Cut out the tube marking guide from page 5. Wrap the guide around the long body tube and tape the ends together. Mark the body tube at each of the arrow points. Remove the marking guide.

6. Using a door frame, draw a pencil line down the outside of each body tube at each pencil mark. Label the launch lug line so you don’t accidentally glue a fi n into the wrong position.

7. Measure and mark the body tube at each fi n line 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) from the end with the motor block. This will be the attachment position for the aft edge of each of the long fi ns. Apply wood glue to the root edge of one of the fi ns. Allow the glue to dry slightly for a few minutes, then attach it to the body tube as shown in the illustration. Make sure the fi n is straight along the tube. Allow the fi n to dry before proceeding with the next fi n. Repeat with the other two fi ns. 8. Apply a bead of wood glue to both sides of each fi n-body tube joint. Pull your fi nger along the joint to smooth out and re-move the excess glue. Lay the tube horizon-tally while the glue dries.

1. Using a hobby knife, carefully cut a

3. Fine sand the balsa die-cut sheets

4. Group the fi ns together, and gently

6. Using a door frame, draw a pencil line

7. Measure and mark the body tube at

8. Apply a bead of wood glue to both

5. Cut out the tube marking guide from

2. Smear wood glue deep inside one end

9. Cut the launch lug in half. Using wood glue, attach the two small lugs to the tube. Both lugs are positioned on the pencil line. One is glued 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) from the rear end, and the other is 5 inches (12.7 cm). Allow the glue to dry.

10. Using plastic model cement, glue the nose cone shoulder into the nose cone. Al-low glue to dry.

11. Tie the forward end of the shock cord onto the base of the nose cone. Then tie the streamer to the shock cord as close to the nose cone as possible.

12. Roll the streamer up and insert it into the body tube with the shock cord. Finally, place the nose cone on top of the rocket. After all the glue has completely dried, you may paint your rocket. Sealing and sanding the balsa parts reduces drag (higher fl ights) and greatly improves the rocket’s appear-ance. Apply a coat of sanding sealer to the fi ns with a paint brush. When the sealer is dry, lightly sand the sealed surfaces. Repeat the sealing and sanding procedure until the balsa grain is fi lled and the fi ns look and feel smooth.

13. Roll a piece of paper and insert it into the motor mount tube so you can hold the model while painting it. For best results, paint the model with primer before using the fi nal white paint. Follow the directions on the paint can, and always paint outdoors with the wind against your back. Let the paint harden at least 24 hours before proceeding.

Construction of 13 mm Motor Adapter

14. Glue one large centering ring (CR13-18) on the forward end of the 13 mm diam-eter tube.

15. Glue the remaining two centering rings (CR13-18) on the other end of the tube, 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) from the end of the tube. Smear a thin fi lm of wood glue on all the outside surfaces of the centering rings to prevent the paper from fraying.

16. Glue the motor block inside the13 mm diameter tube, 1.4 inch (35.6 mm) from the forward end. Use a scrap piece of balsa to help apply the glue to the inside of the tube. Again, use a rocket motor to push the motor block into the tube.

Launch Supplies Needed

16. Glue the motor block inside the13

13. Roll a piece of paper and insert it

12. Roll the streamer up and insert it into

11. Tie the forward end of the shock cord

15. Glue the remaining two centering

14. Glue one large centering ring (CR13-

10. Using plastic model cement, glue the

9. Cut the launch lug in half. Using wood

To Launch your rocket you will need the following supplies:

A model rocket launching systemFlame resistant recovery wadding Recommended Rocket Motors:13 mm diameter rocket motors: 1/2A3-2T (fi rst fl ight) A3-4T A10-3T B7-6 (Apogee Components)18 mm diameter rocket motors: 1/2A6-2 (fi rst fl ight) A8-3 A6-4 (Quest) B4-4 B6-4 (Quest & Estes) B6-6 C6-5 (Quest & Estes) C6-7 (Quest & Estes) C4-7 (Apogee Components) C10-7 (Apogee Components) D3-7 (Apogee Components)

Rocket Prefl ight

A. Crumple and insert 2 sheets of recov-ery wadding into the body tube. B. Roll the streamer tightly and insert it into the tube with the shock cord. Then install the nose cone into place. C. Insert the rocket motor into the aft end of the rocket. The largest motor (18 mm dia) size is simply taped into the aft end of the rocket. Wrap tape around the outside of the motor and the aft end of the body tube.The smaller motors are fi rst taped inthe motor adapter, and then the adapter is taped into the rocket in the same way as the larger motors. D. Insert and secure the igniter as di-rected in the instructions that came with the motors.

Countdown and Launch Procedure

Fly your rocket on a large fi eld that isn’t near any power lines, trees, or low fl ying aircraft. The larger the fi eld, the greater your chanc-es of recovering your rocket. The launch area around the pad must be free of dry weeds and brown grass. Launch only during calm weather with very little or no wind and good visibility.

10. Remove the safety key from the launch controller.9. Slide the launch lugs over the launch rod to place the rocket on the pad. The rocket should slide freely over the rod.8. Attach the micro-clips to the igniter wires.

The clips or the wires must not touch each other or the metal blast defl ector.7. Stand back from your rocket as far as the launch wire allows (at least 5 meters or 15 feet).6. Insert the safety key to arm the launch system. The light (or buzzer) on the controller should come on.

Give a loud countdown 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... LAUNCH!

Push and hold the button until the motor ignites. Then remove the safety key and place the safety cap on the launch rod.

Misfi re Procedure

Occasionally the igniter will burn, but the motor will fail to ignite. If this happens, the cause is that the pyrogen on the igniter was not in contact with the motor’s propellant. When an ignition failure occurs, remove the safety key from the launch controller and wait 60 seconds before approaching the rocket. Remove the old igniter from the motor and install a new one. Make sure the igniter is inserted fully into the motor and touches the propellant. Secure the igniter as directed on the motor package and repeat the countdown and launch procedure.

Always follow the National Association of Rocketry Model Rocket Safety Code when launching model rockets.

rected in the instructions that came with the

of the rocket. The largest motor (18 mm dia)

ery wadding into the body tube.

it into the tube with the shock cord. Then