Peak of Flight Newsletter Rocket Plans

Page 1
Table of Contents
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
BiSix - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Bolaero - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Dark Matter Probe - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10
Dart - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
DC-Sam - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
DetlanX - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21
Helios - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24
HX-10 Glider - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Javelin - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Oberth - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36
Orion Luxury Shuttle - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40
Sea Snake - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43
Sea Snap - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
Shelax - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Snackle - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 52
Snipet - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55
Sniple - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59
Stonebreaker AX - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62
Tarmon - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 65
TriTip - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 68
TVM-01 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 71
Twoner - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74
Vipox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77
XAM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 83
XF-45 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 85
Building Tips - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 88
How to Get the Printed Decals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 97
RockSim Design Files for these plans can be found at:

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Peak-of-Flight-Rocket-Plans
Page 2 Updated 3/22/21

Introduction
The Apogee Peak-of-Flight Newsletter was

started in April 2000 as a means to bring great how-
to information to rocketeers. We’re still going strong,
and at the time of this booklet, we’re at issue #500.
And it has always been free to our subscribers.
Over the years, we’ve published many plans for
model rockets addition to giving readers “how-to”
articles. For this booklet, we’ve selected the designs
created by Douglas Shrock (known as Shrox), who
worked for us in the early 2000s and then did free-
lance designs for Apogee after his departure.
What is unique about the Shrox creations is that
KLVVW\OHRIURFNHWRIWHQKDGXQLTXH¿QDUUDQJHPHQWV
and that they had fanciful artwork that created a story
about the rocket itself. You could feel that a particu-
ODUGHVLJQZDVGHVLJQHGIRUDVSHFL¿FPLVVLRQVXFK
DVIHUU\LQJSDVVHQJHUVEDFNDQGIRUWKWRDÀRDWLQJ
space station in orbit around our planet. His ability to
evoke an emotion in readers was his greatest talent.
The designs in this book are true to the orignial
plans that appeared in the Peak-of-Flight newsletter. Tim Van Milligan and two versions of the Orion
:HNHSWWKHRULJLQDO5RFNVLPGHVLJQ¿OHVDQGWKHGH- Luxury Liner.
cals that Shrox created. And of course, we wouldn’t
dare touch the artwork for the rockets, because that have to be printed out with a bit of size precision, so
is where the emotional connection is made. the dimensions printed on the plans will again save
What we did do, was to create dimensional line you a lot of time and frustration.
drawings of all 25 plans. These were drawn to make $QG¿QDOO\ZHWRRNWKHWLPHWRFUHDWH¿QVKHHW
it easier for you to know the sizes of the rocket and layouts for you. In other words, we arranged all of
the major components. You don’t have to open up WKH¿QVRQDVKHHWRIZRRGVRWKDWGRQ¶WZDVWHZRRG
WKH5RFN6LP¿OHVIRUWKHGHVLJQVXQOHVV\RXZDQWWR and so that the wood-grain is oriented properly to get
¿JXUHRXWZKLFKURFNHWPRWRUVWKHPRGHOZLOOXVH maximum strength from the wood. You don’t want the
On the plans, you’ll also see the CP location for ¿QVWRVQDSRQ\RXIURPDKDUGODQGLQJGR\RX"
each of the rockets. This is where all the aerodynam- We think that having plans like the ones in this
ic forces balance on the rocket. As long as the CG ERRNZLOODOORZ\RXWRTXLFNO\EXLOGDÀHHWRIURFNHWV
(where the rocket balances) is located in fron of the that will have your friends envious.
&3VSRWWKHURFNHWVKRXOGÀ\VWUDLJKWDQGWUXH If you like the Shrox style, we do have many other
Another thing we did was to create a list of mate- plans that we actually turned into rocket kits that we
rials for the rockets. But more than that, we simplied do sell on the Apogee website. When you visit our
them so that you don’t have to go to the Apogee site, be sure to search for these Shrox designed
website for each little part. You can just order the rockets: Skonk Wulf, Ibis, Johnny Star Commander,
engine mount kit, and it will contain all the little pieces Sea Sting, Firefox SHX, LexxJet, Sky Torpedo and
and rings that you would have had to purchase sepa- RIFRXUVHWKHVFDOHGXSURFNHWVWKDW¿UVWDSSHDUHG
rately. in the Peak-of-Flight newsletter. Those kits are the:
An enhancement we made to each design was Stonebreaker, and Orion.
to list the size of the decal sheet. Some of the sheets
Page 3
BiSix
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #376, published October 21, 2014
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-

Flight Newsletter #376, published October 21, 2014
BiSix Parts List

20000 - (1) Apogee Nose cone - PNC-24A
10100 - (1) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm X 13.50”
12004 - (1) Apogee Motor Mount Kit
18mm/24mm
29121 - (1) Apogee 12” Plastic Parachute kit
30325 - (1) #100 Kevlar Shock Cord - 48 in.
long
13052 - (1) Apogee Launch lug - 1/8” X 1”
´;´;´%DOVDZRRG¿QVWRFN
Page 4
3in
11.5in
Ø.976in
.2in
2.5in
6in
12in
15in
BiSix
Page
ApogeeRockets.com
5
BiSix Fin and
Decal Patterns
Front
fins
BiSix Rear
Fins fins
Balsa Sheet
Mid-body 3/32” Thick
fins 3” X 5-1/2”
4”
3”
'RZQORDGWKH5RFN6LP¿OHIRUWKLVSODQDW
Page 6
Bolaero
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #76, published February 22, 2002
Page 7
Page 8
15in
12in
4.2in
3.8in
15°
Ø.979in 90°
Ø.736in
.4in
120°
11.1in
Bolaero
ApogeeRockets.com
Bolaero Fin and
Decal Patterns
Bolaero Parts List
10100 - (1) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm X 12”
18mm/24mm
Front
fins

long
3.3”
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 8-3/4”
Bolaero
Fins
4.75”
Rear
fins
Page 9
Dark Matter Probe
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #372, published August 26, 2014
Dark Matter Probe Parts List

10100 - (1) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm x 18”
13037 - (6) Apogee Centering Ring- 24mm to
29mm
13010 - (1) Apogee Tube Coupler - AC-29A
long
;;;;;´;´;´%DOVDZRRG¿QVWRFN
Page 10
3in 28.14in
1.176in .976in
10.5in
14in
.49in
.2in 15in
3.96in 16in
13in
32in
5in
Dark Matter Probe
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 11
Dark Matter Probe
Page 12
Fins
Rear Balsa Sheet A

fins 1/8” Thick
4” X 8”
Fin Patterns
Balsa Sheet B
1/8” Thick
4” X 4-1/4”
Dark Matter Probe
Size: 10.75” X 8”
Dark Matter Probe
Decals on Next Page
Front
fins
Page 13
Dart
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #92, published November 11, 2002
Dart Parts List

13010 - (1) ApogeeTube coupler - AC-29A
24mm/29mm
long
Page 14
30.33in
3 Launch 13in 13in
16 Lug .5in 9in
1.176in
120° Ø.976in
CP 25.8in
4in
Dart
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 15
Dart Fin Patterns
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 8-1/4”
Front
fins
Dart Decals on Next Page

Size: 7.75” X 8 .75”
Rear
fins
Dart
Fins
Page 16
Dart Decal Patterns
Page 17
DC-SAM
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #83, published June 14, 2002
Page 18
15in
11.4 in
.976in
.43in
.09in
4.159in
2.75in 9.25in
DC-SAM
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 19
DC-SAM Fin and
Decal Patterns
DC SAM Parts List
10100 - (2) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm x 9.25”
and Apogee Body tube - 24 mm x 2.75”
13009 - (1) Apogee Tube Coupler (BT-50) 24mm
x 1.5”
Booster Fins

18mm/24mm
DC-SAM

Fins

long
3.38”
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 8”
4.5”
Sustainer Fins
Page 20
DetlanX
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #387, published March 24, 2015
Page 21
13in
Page 22
6.25in
.63in
.43in
12.3in
5in
.25in
16in
.976in
1in
DetlanX
ApogeeRockets.com
DetlanX Fin and
Decal Patterns
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 8-3/4”
DetlanX
Fins
Ventral Fin
3in
Vertical Tail
Canard
3in
DetlanX Parts List

Wing
18mm/24mm
long
Wing
Page 23
Helios
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #80, published May 3, 2002
Helios Parts List

19714 - (1) Apogee Nose cone - PNC-29
24mm/29mm
13037 - (1) Apogee Centering Ring
Page 24
26.7in
30.39in
26in
.4in 13in
Ø.976in
Ø1.176in
3/16-in Launch
Lug
.5in
4in
5in
11in
Helios
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 25
Page 26
Rear
fins
Balsa Sheet A
Make 2 Sets
Patterns
Helios
3/32” Thick
Helios Fin
Fins
3” X 8”
Balsa Sheet B
Front 3/32” Thick
fins 3” X 4-1/4” Helios
Fins
Strake Fins
Helios
Decal
Patterns
Helios Decals
Size: 10.5” X 5.13”
Page 27
HX-10 Glider
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #86, published August 1, 2002
Download the original plan at:

Page 28
HX-10 Decal Artwork
6.5”
6.0”
Page 29
HX-10
Decal
Artwork
HX-10 Fuselage
Decal
Size: 9.75” X 3.75”
Helios Parts List

Page 30
6.88in
4.39in 1.91in
.0625in
4.25° .75in
1.04in
HX-10
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 31
Page 32
Fuselage
HL-10 Glider Balsa Sheet

Parts Canard Wing 1/16” Thick
Sheet 1 3” X 9-1/2”
HL-10 Glider
Parts
Sheet 2 Front
(Main Wing)
Rear
(Main Wing)
Balsa Sheet
1/16” Thick
3” X 8-1/2”
HX-10 Parts
Javelin
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #85, published July 19, 2002
Page 33
Page 34
120° 11.4in
Ø.976in
Ø.736in
.4in 2.7in
3.8in
13.5in
16.5in
Javelin
ApogeeRockets.com
Javelin Fin Patterns
and Decal Artwork
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick Front Javelin
3” X 6-3/4” fins Fins
Rear
fins
Javelin Parts List

18mm/24mm
long
5.0”
2.5”
Page 35
Oberth
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #93, published November 27, 2002
Page 36
13.3in
7.5in
2.625in
13.5in
16.5in
2.5in
Ping Pong Ball
Oberth
Top View
Page 37
ApogeeRockets.com
Oberth Fin Patterns
Oberth Parts List
18mm/24mm
long
XXXXX - (1) Ping Pong ball
Rear
fins
3/32” Thick X 3” X 7-1/4”

Front
fins
Balsa Sheet
Oberth
Fins
Page 38
Oberth Decal Artwork
6.0”
4.0”
Page 39
Orion Luxury Shuttle
Page 40
ApogeeRockets.com
Orion Luxury
Shuttle
12.8in
15in
12in
4in
.875in
2.6in
.44in
Ø.736in
Ø.976in
Orion Luxury Shuttle Parts List

12004 - (1) Apogee Motor Mount Kit 18mm/24mm
90°
30325 - (1) #100 Kevlar Shock Cord - 48 in. long

120°
Page 41
Orion Fin and
Decal Patterns
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 5-3/4”
Orion Front
Rear Fins fins
fins
7.0”
3.5”
Page 42
Sea-Snake
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #142, published May 26, 2005
Page 43
Page 44
30.39in
13in
.36in 11.25in
13in
90° Ø1.176in
Ø.736in
3/16in Launch
Lug (2)
22.6in
Sea Snake
ApogeeRockets.com
Sea-Snake Fin and
Decal Patterns
Balsa Sheet
Sea Snake
3/32” Thick
Fins
3” X 6-1/4”
Forward Fins
Rear Fins
5.0”
3”
Sea Snake Parts List 30325 - (1) #100 Kevlar Shock Cord - 48 in.
19714 - (1) Apogee Nose cone - PNC-29A long
10111 - (2) Apogee Body Tube - 29mm X 13” ´;´;´%DOVDZRRG¿QVWRFN
13010 - (1) ApogeeTube Coupler - AC-29A 13057 - (1) Apogee Launch lug - 1/4” X 3”
29126 - (1) Apogee 18” P lastic Parachute kit 12006 - (1) Apogee Motor Mount Kit
18mm/29mm
Page 45
Sea Snap
4.5”
3”
Page 46
120°
Ø.976in 11.37in
.285in
3.75in
12in
15in
2.78 in
Sea Snap
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 47
Sea Snap Fin Patterns
Vertical Tail Fins
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
4” X 7-1/4”
Horizontal Tail fins
Forward Wing
Sea Snap Fins

Fins
Sea Snap Parts List

Page 48
Shelax
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #363, published April 22, 2014
Shelax Parts List

Page 49
Page 50
Ø.95in 10.17in
.2in
2.9in
12in
15in
Shelax
ApogeeRockets.com
Shelax Fin and
Decal Patterns
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
4” Wide X 3-1/8”
Shelax
Fins
Wood Grain Direction
4.5”
4.0”
Page 51
Snackle
Snackle Parts List

18mm/24mm
long
Page 52
16in
13in
5.18in
5.1in
Ø.95in
.2in
12.4in
Snackle
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 53
Snackle Fin and
Decal Patterns
Snackle
Rear Fins Fins
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 3-1/2”
Front Fins
3.0”
2.5”
Page 54
Snipet
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #91, published October 28, 2002
Page 55
Snipet Parts List
10100 - (1) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm X 13.5”
18mm/24mm
long
Page 56
4.125in
Ø.976in
Ø.736in
120°
.35in 4in
13.5in
16.5in
11.7in
Snipet
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 57
Snipet Fin and
Decal Patterns
Snipet
Fins
Rear Fins
Balsa Sheet Front Fins

3/32” Thick
3” X 6-1/2”
4.0”
2.0”
Page 58
Sniple
Flight Newsletter #393, published June 16, 2015
Sniple Parts List

Page 59
Page 60
16in
13in
4in
.503in
Ø.976in
Ø.736in
4.125in
12.4in
Sniple
ApogeeRockets.com
Sniple Fin Patterns
Rear Fins
Front Fins
Balsa Sheet
Sniple 3/32” Thick
Fins 3” X 6”
4.5”
3.8”
Page 61
Stonebreaker/AX
Page 62
11.1in
.411in
Ø.736in
Ø.976in
3in
3.5in
11in
14in
Stonebreaker
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 63
Stonebreaker/AX
Fin and Decal Patterns
StoneBreaker Parts List
20000 - (1) Apogee Nose cone - PNC-
Balsa Sheet 24A
3/32” Thick 10100 - (1) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm
3” X 4-1/4” X 11”
Rear Fins 12004 - (1) Apogee Motor Mount Kit
Stonebreaker 18mm/24mm
Fins 29121 - (1) Apogee 12” Plastic Para-
chute kit
30325 - (1) #100 Kevlar Shock Cord
- 48 in. long
13052 - (1) Apogee Launch lug - 1/8”
X 1”
14097 - (1) 3/32” X 3” X 18” Balsa
Strake Fins
ZRRG¿QVWRFN
6.0”
4.0”
Page 64
Tarmon
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #380, published December 16, 2014
Tarmon Parts List

Page 65
Page 66
Ø.976in
Ø.736in
.365in 15in
4.25in
3.125in
10.7in
12in
Tarmon
ApogeeRockets.com
Tarmon Fin
and Decal Patterns
Bottom Ventral Fin

Balsa Sheet
Tarmon 3/32” Thick
Wing Fins 3” X 7”
Fins
Top Vertical Tail
5.0”
4.0”
Page 67
TriTip
Flight Newsletter #138, published February 2, 2005
TriTip Parts List

18mm/24mm
long
Page 68
21in
18in
Ø.976in 6in
Ø.736in
120°
17.5in
.3in 2.55in
TriTip
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 69
TriTip Fin
and Decal Patterns
Rear Fins
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 4-1/4”
TriTip
Strake Fins Fins
4.3”
3.6”
Page 70
TVM-01
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #72, published January 29, 2002
TVM-01
TVM-01 Parts List
Page 71
12in
Page 72
90°
9in
9.7in
120°
Ø.979in
.425in
3in
4.159in
.25in
TVM-01
ApogeeRockets.com
TVM-01 Fin and
Decal Patterns
TVM-01
Rear Fins Fins Root Fins
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
Strakes 3” X 5-1/4”
5.5”
4.0”
Page 73
TwoNer
Page 74
15in
.5in 2.75in
120°
9.25in
Ø.976in
Ø.736in
2.5in 9.1in (Sustainer alone)
12.0in (Two Stages)
TwoNer
ApogeeRockets.com
Page 75
TwoNer Fin and
Decal Patterns
Twoner Parts List
Twoner
Fins
13009 - (1) Apogee Tube Coupler (BT-50) 24mm
x 1.5”
18mm/24mm
Booster Stage Fins

long
3.3”
5.5”
Sustainer Stage Fins
Balsa Sheet
3/32” Thick
3” X 8”
Page 76
Vipox
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #96, published January 10, 2003
Page 77
16.5in
2.5in
Page 78
13.7in
Ø.976in
Ø.976in
Ø.736in
.36in 3.88in
13.5in
Vipox
ApogeeRockets.com
Vipox Fin Patterns
Vipox
Fins
Balsa Sheet A
3/32” Thick Rear Fin
3” X 7”
Balsa Sheet B
3/32” Thick
Vipox 3” X 4”
Fins
Front Fin
Vipox Parts List

10100 - (2) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm x 13.5” and 24 mm x 2.5” long
Page 79
Vipox
Decal
Patterns
Vipox Decal Size

Size: 10.5” X 5”
Page 80
XAM
Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #369, published July 15, 2014
Page 81
Page 82
23.4in
13in
.5in 3.4in
120° 6in
Ø1.176in
Ø.736in
19.3in
9.25in
XAM
ApogeeRockets.com
XAM Fin Patterns
XAM
Fins
Rear Fin Balsa Sheet A

3/32” Thick
3” X 6-1/4”
Balsa Sheet B
3/32” Thick
3” X 5-1/4”
XAM
Fins
Strake Fin
XAM Parts List

10111 - (2) Apogee Body tube - 29 mm X 6” and Apogee Body tube - 29 mm X 13”
Page 83
XAM Decal Patterns
5.5”
8.0”
Page 84
XF-45
XF-45 Parts List

10100 - (2) Apogee Body tube - 24 mm x 2.5” and Apogee Body tube - 24 mm x 13.5”
Page 85
16.5in
Page 86
13.5in
Ø.976in 13.5in
Ø.976in
Ø.736in
120°
120°
.349in 2.5in
3.875in
XF-45
ApogeeRockets.com
XF-45 Fin and
Decal Patterns
Rear Fins
XF-45
Fins
Front
Balsa Sheet Fins
3/32” Thick
3” X 6-1/4”
5.5”
8.0”
Page 87
Building Tips
Finding Body Tubes and Couplers Body Tubes
The most common parts that you’ll probably Tube Alternate Outside Apogee
have to purchase are airframe tubes (also called Size Name Diameter P/N
ERG\WXEHV7KLVLQIRUPDWLRQZLOOKHOS\RX¿QG 18mm BT-20 .736 inches 10086
the tubes you need on the Apogee website, or 24mm BT-50 .976 inches 10100
from other rocket suppliers.
29mm AT-29/13 1.140 inches 10111
The tubes and the couplers to splice them
WRJHWKHUWKDW¿WWKHSODQVLQWKLVERRNDUHOLVWHGLQ
Airframe (Tube) Couplers
the tables here.
Fits Apogee Outside Apogee
Tube Name Diameter P/N
18mm AC-18 0.700 inches 13015
24mm AC-24B 0.936 inches 13009
29mm AC-29A 1.134 inches 13010
Tube Marking Guides
Tube Marking Guide

Here are two paper marking guides that
24mm Diameter
Launch Lug
you’ll probably need to make the rockets listed
Overlap
in this plan book. They will allow you to mark 3,4 4 3 4 3 4

WKH¿QORFDWLRQVIRUURFNHWVZLWKHLWKHURU
¿QV,I\RXQHHGWRPDNHD¿QURFNHW¿UVW
PDUNIRUWKUHH¿QVDQGWKHQUHSRVLWLRQWKH
ZUDSVRWKDWRQHRIWKHPDUNHG¿QSRVLWLRQV
aligns with the launch lug line on the pattern.
7KHQPDUNIRUWKUHH¿QVDJDLQWRFRPSOHWHWKH
ORFDWLRQVIRUD¿QURFNHW
Tube Marking Guide
29mm Diameter
Launch Lug
Overlap
4 3 4 3,4 4 3
Alignment guides: Print this page at 100%.
Rocket Construction Video Tutorials building any model rocket:

If you would like some videos that will help
you with some basic construction techniques, 9LGHR+RZWRFXWRXW\RXU¿QWHPSODWHV
Apogee has hundreds of them at: https://www. Video #233 - Marking a body tube and gluing on
apogeerockets.com/Advanced_Construction_ ¿QV
Videos/all. These are FREE to view. Just visit the Video #230 - Basics of Motor Selection
OLQNDQG¿QGWKHYLGHR\RXZLVKWRYLHZ Video #76 - Rolling a paper cone
Here is a list of topics that are common to 9LGHR$GGLQJ¿Q¿OOHWVIRUVWUHQJWKHQLQJ
¿QVDQGDWWDFKLQJWKHODXQFKOXJ
Page 88
Video #228 - Sealing and Smoothing Balsa Fins Video #87 - Simple Shock Cord Attachment
Video #198 - Motor Mount Assembly Methods
Video #91 - Positioning water-slide decals Video #86 - Using the Estes Ultimate Tube Mark-
Video #279 - Model rocket engine code ex- ing Guide
plained Video #85 - Estes Model Rocket Tube Cutting
Video #280 - Using the Estes Igniters and Plugs Guides
Video #273 - Using Shims in Your Alignment Jig Video #41 - How To Join Tubes Together
for Thinner Wood Fins Video #38 - Attaching Strings to Parachutes
Video #272 - Make Your Own Custom Centering Video #16 - How To Apply Paper Skin To Balsa
Rings Wood Fins
Video #193 - Customizing Your Rocket With Pa- Video #14 - How To Prep A Rocket For Launch
per Canopies Blog - Filling Spirals in Tubes - https://www.apo-
Video #192 - Adding Nose Weight to Your Rocket geerockets.com/blog/FAQs/Filling-Tube-
to make it More Stable Spirals-in-Model-Rockets
Video #190 - Attaching Balsa Fins to a Tube
Common Assembly Steps Used In

Rocketry
:LWKJULWVDQGSDSHU¿QHVDQGWKHEDOVD
GLHFXWVKHHWVEHIRUHUHPRYLQJWKH¿QV
8VLQJORZWDFNDGKHVLYHDWWDFKWKH¿QSDW-
tern to the surface of the balsa sheet. Carefully
UHPRYHDOOWKH¿QSLHFHVE\FXWWLQJWKURXJKWKH
paper template with a sharp hobby knife.
*URXSWKHOLNHVKDSHG¿QVWRJHWKHUDQGJHQ-
tly sand the edges as shown in the illustration.
You can apply sanding sealer to the sur-
IDFHVRIWKHEDOVD¿QVWRVPRRWKRXWWKHZRRG
Coat both sides at the same time to minimize
WKHFKDQFHVRIWKH¿QVZDUSLQJ'RQRWDOORZ
the sanding sealer to get on the root edge of the
¿Q7KLVFRXOGSUHYHQWWKH¿QIURPERQGLQJZHOO
to the body tube when it is glued on later. Set
them aside to dry completely. When they are dry,
sand the sealer smooth until you get a desirable
VXUIDFH¿QLVK<RXPD\QHHGWRUHSHDWWKLVVWHS
several times depending on the level of quality
you wish to achieve.
Mark a line on the outside of the motor mount

tube 2.25” (57mm) from one end. This will be the 2.25
aft end of the rocket. Make this line about 1/8” inch
(3mm) long as the picture shows. Take a hobby
knife and cut a 1/8” (3mm) long slit in the engine
tube along the line as shown in the picture. You
will insert one end of the motor hook into this slit.
Page 89
Take the engine block ring and glue it inside
the front end of the tube using wood glue. You
can use a rocket engine to push it in until it butts
against the metal engine hook tang on the inside
of the tube. Remove the rocket engine casing
immediately and wipe away the excess glue on
both sides of the engine block. Allow the glue
time to dry.
7HVW¿WDHQJLQHPRXQWFHQWHULQJULQJRQWR
the motor mount tube. Sand the inside if neces-
sary. Apply a bead of glue about 1/2-inch from
the end of the motor mount tube and quickly slip
the ring over the engine hook and onto the motor
mount tube
Cut a small notch on the inside of the forward

engine mount centering ring. This notch will be
IRUWKHVKRFNFRUGWR¿WXQGHUWKHULQJ
Pass one end of the shock cord through the

centering ring and tie the cord around the motor
mount tube. Cinch the cord tight to the tube. Run
a bead of wood glue around the forward end of
the motor mount tube. Slip the ring onto the for-
ward end of the motor mount tube with the ring
even with the end of the tube. Apply glue to the
knot to ensure that it stays in place. Apply glue
¿OOHWVWRERWKVLGHVRIWKHFHQWHULQJULQJVDQGDO-
low to dry.
Temporarily pass the shock cord through the
engine mount and out the rear. This will keep it 2 inches
glue-free when gluing the engine mount into the
tube. Be sure to understand the illustration be-
fore you apply the wood glue in this step. TEST
FIT FIRST!
Using a wood dowel, apply wood glue 2
inches (51 mm) inside the aft end of the rocket’s
body tube. (NOTE: The aft end is the side with
the most slots cut into it). Also put glue on the aft
ring of the motor mount. Quickly and smoothly
insert the motor mount tube into the aft end of
the body tube so the ends of both tubes are
even. When the glue is dry, pass the shock cord
back through the motor mount, so that it comes
out the front end of the rocket.
Page 90
Cut out the tube marking guide from the pat-
tern sheet page. Wrap the guide around the aft
end of the body tube and tape the ends together,
making sure to line up the launch lug line with
the engine hook and then mark the body tube at
each of the arrow points. Remove the marking
guide.
Using an aluminum angle, draw a pencil line

down the outside of the body tube at each pencil
mark. Label the launch lug line so you don’t glue
D¿QLQWKHZURQJSRVLWLRQ
Apply wood glue to the root edge of one

RIWKH¿QV$OORZWKHJOXHWRGU\VOLJKWO\IRUD
few minutes, then attach it to the body tube as Fin
VKRZQLQWKHLOOXVWUDWLRQ0DNHVXUHWKH¿QLV Fin
VWUDLJKWDORQJWKHWXEH$OORZWKH¿QWRGU\EH-
IRUHSURFHHGLQJZLWKWKHQH[W¿Q5HSHDWZLWK
WKHRWKHUWZR¿QV
&KHFNWKHDOLJQPHQWRIWKH¿QVXVLQJWKH
drawing here.
3 3
4 4
3,4
Alignment guides: Print this page at 100%.

Page 91
Apply a bead of wood glue to both sides of
HDFK¿QERG\WXEHMRLQW3XOO\RXU¿QJHUDORQJ
the joint to smooth out and remove the excess
glue. Lay the tube horizontally while the glue
dries.
Using wood glue, attach the launch lug(s)

WRWKHERG\WXEHSHUWKHORFDWLRQVSHFL¿HGRQ
the rocket plan. If in doubt, use two launch lugs
space far apart on the body tube.
Optional Shock Cord Attachment Method
If you haven’t already installed the shock cord

into the rocket by tying it around the engine tube,
you can use the traditional paper anchor that is
common with a lot of old kits. It is strong, but it
does take up room in the tube and parachutes
can snag on them.
Shock Cord Anchor Pattern
Print out this page, and then cut out the
shock cord anchor pattern.
Spread wood glue over the surface. Lay the

loose end of the shock cord at a diaganal on the
wet glue. Fold the paper over twice and pinch
out any excess glue. While the glue is drying,
slightly curve the paper so it will conform to the
inside surface of the body tube.
Using wood glue, bond the paper shock cord

anchor into the tube. Put it deep inside the tube
so that it doesn’t interfere with the sholder of the
nose cone.
Page 92
Cut out the plastic parachute with a pair of
scissors and place the ring tabs over the circles
on each of the points of the parachute, as shown
in the illustration. Next, poke holes in the center
of the rings with a sharpened pencil. Find the
shroud line, and cut the string into three equal
lengths and tie them through the ring hole as
shown.
Distance apart must

be greater than 1-tube
Temporarily place the parachute inside the
diameter
rocket and put the nose cone (DO NOT GLUE
IT TOGETHER YET) on the rocket. Put a new Insert a “NEW”
rocket motor in the rear. Balance the rocket to rocket motor
CG
¿QGWKH&*&HQWHURI*UDYLW\ORFDWLRQ7KLV CP

Balance the
location must be at least one tube diameter in URFNHWWR¿QG
FRONT of the CP (Center-of-Pressure) location. location of CG
<RXZLOO¿QGWKH&3ORFDWLRQRQWKHGUDZLQJIRU
the rocket plan. Location found
If the CG is not far enough in front of the CP on rocket plans
point, place some modeling clay inside the nose
cone. This will assure that the rocket is stable
Clay
Page 93
ZKHQ\RXÀ\LW
Using plastic modeling cement, glue the nose
cone shoulder into the nose cone. Allow the glue
to dry.
Tie the forward end of the shock cord onto

the base of the nose cone. Rub some wood glue
into the knot to prevent it from coming undone.
Holding the parachute at the center of its top,
pull the lines together to even up the ends.
Thread the looped lines through the loop at

the base of the nose cone. Take the top of the
parachute and pull it through all string loops at
the same time and then pull to tighten the knot
(See instructions on parachute) This securely at-
taches the parachute to the rocket.
Fold the parachute 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
EDOVDSDUWVUHGXFHVGUDJPHDQLQJKLJKHUÀLJKWV
and greatly improves the rocket’s appearance.
Page 94
Roll a piece of paper and insert it into the mo-
tor mount tube so you can hold the model while
painting it. For best results, paint the model with
SULPHUEHIRUHXVLQJWKH¿QDOFRORUSDLQW)ROORZ
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 proceed-
ing.
Launch Supplies Needed
To launch your rocket you will need the following supplies:

A model rocket launching system.
Flame resistant recovery wadding.
Rocket Engines
5RFNHW3UHÀLJKW
A. Loosely crumple and insert several sheets of
UHFRYHU\ZDGGLQJLQWRWKHERG\WXEHWR¿OODOHQJWKWKDWLV
approximately two times the diameter of the tube.
B. Carefully fold the parachute and insert it into the

tube with the shock cord.
C. Insert the motor into the motor tube until the motor
hook holds it in place.
D. Insert and secure the engine igniter as directed on

the package the engines came with. clip must over
Countdown and Launch Procedure the end of the
rocket motor.
)O\\RXUURFNHWRQDODUJH¿HOGWKDWLVQ¶WQHDUDQ\SRZHU
OLQHVWUHHVRUORZÀ\LQJDLUFUDIW7KHODUJHUWKH¿HOG
the greater your chances 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. Always use a launch
SDGWKDWLQFOXGHVDEODVWGHÀHFWRU
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. The clips must not
WRXFKWKHRWKHURUWKHPHWDOEODVWGHÀHFWRU
7. Stand back from your rocket as far as the launch wire
allows (at least 5 meters - 15 feet).
6. Insert the safety key to arm the launch system. The light
(or buzzer) on the controller should come on.
Page 95
Give a loud countdown 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... LAUNCH!
Push and hold the button until the engine ignites. Then
remove the safety key and place the safety cap on the
launch rod.
0LV¿UH3URFHGXUH
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 engines 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
engine and install a new one. Make sure that the igniter
is insert fully into the engine and touches the propellant.
Secure the igniter as directed on the engine package and
repeat the countdown and launch procedure.
Always follow the NAR* Model Rocket Safety Code when

launching model rockets.
*National Association of Rocketry
**Kevlar® is a brand name of E.I. DuPont for their selection of aramid
¿EHUV2QO\'X3RQWPDNHV.HYODU®
Page 96
If you would like to get all the decals for the rockets in this planbook, you can order
them from Apogee. Please visit:
https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket-Kits/Rocket-Plans/Newsletter-Plans-Decal-Set
Page 97

Peak of Flight Newsletter Rocket Plans

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Peak of Flight Newsletter Rocket Plans

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Page 1

RockSim Design Files for these plans can be found at:

Page 2 Updated 3/22/21

The Apogee Peak-of-Flight Newsletter was

Originally appeared in Apogee Components Peak-of-

BiSix Parts List

30325 - (1) #100 Kevlar Shock Cord - 48 in.

Dark Matter Probe Parts List

Dark Matter Probe

Rear Balsa Sheet A

Dart Parts List

Dart Decals on Next Page

12004 - (2) Apogee Motor Mount Kit

13052 - (1) Apogee Launch lug - 1/8” X 1”

30325 - (1) #100 Kevlar Shock Cord - 48 in.

DetlanX Parts List

Helios Parts List

Download the original plan at:

Helios Parts List

HL-10 Glider Balsa Sheet

Javelin Parts List

3/32” Thick X 3” X 7-1/4”

Orion Luxury Shuttle Parts List

30325 - (1) #100 Kevlar Shock Cord - 48 in. long

Vertical Tail Fins

Sea Snap Fins

Sea Snap Parts List

Shelax Parts List

Wood Grain Direction

Snackle Parts List

Balsa Sheet Front Fins

Sniple Parts List

Tarmon Parts List

Bottom Ventral Fin

Top Vertical Tail

TriTip Parts List

2.5in 9.1in (Sustainer alone)

12.0in (Two Stages)

Booster Stage Fins

Sustainer Stage Fins

Vipox Parts List

Vipox Decal Size

Rear Fin Balsa Sheet A

XAM Parts List

XF-45 Parts List

Tube Marking Guides

Tube Marking Guide

in this plan book. They will allow you to mark 3,4 4 3 4 3 4

Rocket Construction Video Tutorials building any model rocket:

Common Assembly Steps Used In

Mark a line on the outside of the motor mount

Cut a small notch on the inside of the forward

Pass one end of the shock cord through the

Using an aluminum angle, draw a pencil line

Apply wood glue to the root edge of one

Alignment guides: Print this page at 100%.

Using wood glue, attach the launch lug(s)

Optional Shock Cord Attachment Method

If you haven’t already installed the shock cord

Spread wood glue over the surface. Lay the

Using wood glue, bond the paper shock cord

Distance apart must

¿QGWKH&* &HQWHURI*UDYLW\ ORFDWLRQ7KLV CP

¿QGWKH&*&HQWHURI*UDYLW\ORFDWLRQ7KLV CP