Carded MMX Estes Sky Writer Post 11

I had a Quest MMX engine block left from an old parts order.

I tied some 65 lb. Kevlar to the block and glued it in place so 1/8" of an MMX engine would stick out the back end.

The Kevlar was run through the body. With 10" past the end of the body tube, I tied a simple overhand knot.

In the center of the dowel nose cone shoulder, a hole was made with a sharp, thin awl. The knot in the Kevlar was pushed firmly into the hole.

I cut a straight pin, leaving 1/8" of the shaft below the head. Glue was squirted into the hole over the Kevlar and the pin pressed in place. This is similar to the way Jim Flis does it in his MMX kits, except he uses small nail to hold the Kevlar in his balsa nose cones. With this being hardwood, I can get away with the smaller pin.

That shock cord is hard to get into the body tube. Use the flat end of a dowel to push it inside.

The launch lug is simple enough - That's the end of a Bic pen ink cartridge. It fits very well over a Micro Maxx launch rod.

Rough up one side with 400 grit sandpaper for a better glue bond.

I found the center of gravity (with MMX engine installed) and glued the lug in place with white glue.

I followed with a CA down the seam applied with a toothpick.

You could add a small streamer if you'd like, but it'll be tough to get it in the small tube.