Mystic - Explorer Series Model Rocket Builder's Kit

Introduction

The Mystic is an upscaled clone of the Estes Majestic Pro Series II kit.  It includes all the parts to build, minus the tubes and other accessories.  Below is an overview of the parts, print setting recommendations, a list of additional parts, and a guide for assembly.

Please Note: This is not a beginner model.  It is a builder's kit, designed for experienced modelers/rocketeers.  The instructions below describe only specific aspects of the build.  If you have questions, you are welcome to ask, but this kit should only be attempted by someone with experience building model rockets.

Parts Overview

• Nosecone Tip
• Nosecone Base
• Nosecone AV Sled/Cap
• Fin (3x)
• Centering Rings (3x)
• Aft Tailcone Retainer Ring
• Tailcone
• Fin Tab Slotting Guide

Print Setting Recommendations

• Walls: 5
• Infill: 35%

Additional Parts

• LOC/Precision 54mm Body Tube - 650mm or 25.6-in
• LOC/Precision 38mm Motor Mount Tube - 200mm or 7.9-in
• ½-in Tubular Nylon Shock Cord (~10ft)
• 24-30in Parachute
• Nomex Fire Blanket or wadding
• ¼-in x 20 eyebolt
• Epoxy
• Flight Computer (Eggtimer Quantum or Featherweight Bluejay, for example)

Assembly Instructions

Note - You can use the slotting guide as a straight edge for trimming the body tube

• Clean and lightly sand all parts, cleaning off any flashing
• Gather the centering rings, aft retainer ring, and motor mount tube
• Draw a straight line up the length of the body tube - Use a door jam as a guide
• Slip the slotting guide over the body tube with the small hole over the line with the hole towards the Aft end and the bottom of the guide flush with aft of the body tube
  
  
  Figure 1 - Fin Slotting Guide Orientation
   
• Mark the slots, secure the guide, and cut out the fin tab slots.
• Lay out the locations of the Aft Retainer Ring and the centering rings.  The position of the rings is as follows from Aft to Forward:
  • The Retainer Ring will be flush with the aft of the body tube and is attached to the top of the retainer ring, down to the first notch, 14mm from the aft end (see figure 3).
  • The bottom centering ring is 10mm above the retainer ring.  
  • The next centering ring is 68.5mm above the bottom centering ring - you can find the relative position by using the fin tab to mark out the position
  • The Forward centering ring can rest ~6mm or ¼-in below the forward end of the motor mount tube

Figure 2  - Centering Ring Configuration

Figure 3 - Retainer Ring Detail

• Make sure the notches in the centering rings are aligned so that the shock cord can be epoxied in place between the fins.
• The nosecone is a two-piece part, split to allow for printing on most printers.  After printing, clean up the mating surface of the Nosecone Tip.  The fit should be a tight, friction fit, but they will go together without sanding (or very much).
• It is recommended that you apply a thin coat of epoxy to the inside of the nosecone tip and base.  This will help provide strength to the nosecone.
• The nosecone AV Sled is a tight fit, but will also fit without sanding.  If the threads are tight, apply a very small amount of synthetic grease or sewing machine oil to the threads and slowly work the threads back and forth until the sled fully seats.  This will also work for the tailcone.
• For the AV Sled, the bottom is pre-threaded for ¼-20 threads for attaching an eyebolt.  Alternatively, you can run a loop of Kevlar cord through the vent holes and bypass using an eyebolt.

Safety Police Disclaimer:  

Rocketry is a safe and rewarding hobby.  With knowledge and experience, you can experience the excitement of yeeting a rocket thousands of feet into the sky.  There is nothing else like it.  

Having said that, you are responsible for the rockets you fly.  If you build and fly one of these rockets, you should understand the NAR Safety Code and the potential risks involved with launching any rocket, especially these.  They were not designed to be toys.  They are real rockets that can potentially go very high and carry significant energy.  This rocket is intended to be built and flown by experienced rocketeers who understand the risks and can mitigate potential issues through experience.  By printing and flying this model, you do so at your own risk.  You are solely liable for any unexpected results, and you agree to hold me and any manufacturer harmless from any liability.  I recommend you join NAR or Tripoli, join a club, and ask lots of questions.  Launching a rocket as an NAR/TRA member at a sanctioned event provides you with insurance you don't get at the park.  If you show up with one of my rockets, you're gonna make a friend! Money-back guaranteed :) 

</end of Safety Rant>

If you enjoy this model and kit, I would love for you would post a Make (with pictures and videos) as well as a Like.  I also have a BuyMeACoffee page, and a donation would be appreciated if you can.