4
Finishing Your Rocket
(Optional)
Step 1 –
Using #240 grit sandpaper, sand
the fins of the rocket lightly to remove loose
grain and sand the nose cone so that the
paint will stick.
Step 2 –
Apply sanding sealer to the fins
and let dry. Sand the fins with #240 grit
sandpaper between coats of sanding sealer.
Re-do this process until the fins are smooth
and the balsa grain is filled.
Step 3 –
Roll up a sheet of paper and insert
into the bottom of the rocket body tube to
hold your rocket, apply a thin coat of flat
white or gray primer spray enamel to the
whole rocket using even back and forth
movements. Let the primer dry and sand
using #240 grit sandpaper. Re-coat and sand
as necessary.
Step 4 –
Apply a first thin color coat of
gloss spray enamel to the whole rocket using
even back and forth movements.
Let the first coat tack up for a few minutes.
Then follow up with a heavier coat. Do not
coat too heavily or the paint will sag. The best
results are obtained when the color coat is
just thick enough to gloss. If additional coats
are needed to cover the primer with full color,
re-apply after the color coat has tacked up
within the first hour or wait 24 hours until the
color coat is completely dry. Let the final coat
dry for 24 hours.
Step 5 –
Remove the pressure sensitive
decals from the backing paper and apply to
the fins and body tube. Use the picture on the
cover of this manual for a guide to decal
placement.
Flying Your Rocket
Flight checklist:
□
Model Rocket
□
Launch Pad & Controller w/Batteries
□
Recovery Wadding
□
Model Rocket Motors and Igniters
Recommended Motors for the Sword rocket
are A8-3. A6-4. B4-4, B6-4, C6-5 & C6-7
With heavy Payload B4-2, B6-2 & C6-3
Step 1 –
Insert 2-3 crumpled recovery
wadding sheets into the body tube and the
shock cord after the recovery wadding.
Step 2 –
Fold the parachute and roll up
small enough to fit into the rocket body tube.
Insert the parachute into the rocket body tube
and insert the nose cone to complete the
recovery assembly.
Step 3 –
Install model rocket motor igniter
according manufacturers recommended
procedure.
Step 4 –
Insert the rocket motor with the
nozzle/igniter end facing the rear of the
rocket. The motor should clip into place with
the motor hook retaining the motor.
IMPORTANT:
FOLLOW THE N.A.R.
SAFETY CODE REGARDING
LAUNCHING AND THE USE OF MODEL
ROCKET MOTORS
