Parts are iffy in this kit.
The tail cone lip is uneven. One side of the shoulder is wider than the other. This effects the fit of the 35mm body tube and root edge of the fins. It is actually a plastic transition adapter dating back to MPC in the 1970s.
The two piece MPC Nike Smoke nose cone fit is bad. It'll take quite a bit of filler to smooth out the seam.
The balsa sheet is broken up from being sent in the padded envelope.
The yellow engine mount tube had a wide open seam. The engine mount tube wall is too thin. It will be replaced with a new Odd'l Rockets heavy wall BT-20H tube. This rocket could use the new Quest C and D Q-Jets. I want a stronger engine mount.
The upper bend of the engine hook is too short to be effective. The hook is not spring steel and will be replaced with an new Odd'l Rockets 3" long XLEH (Extended Length Engine Hook) spring steel hook.
Smart and necessary modifications. Looking forward to seeing the steps.
ReplyDeleteMy Quest kits have all been like that - hit-or-miss quality. Nothing that can’t be worked out but not very consistent.
ReplyDeleteHi Openroad,
DeleteYeah, but you shouldn't have to go to so much work to make the parts useable! Some Quest kit body tubes have been horrible! I think the kit body tubes might be made in China. If you order tubes separately from Quest (not in a kit) the U.S. made tubes are as good as the Estes tubes.
Hrm... so the tip piece for the nosecone isn't part of the kit?
ReplyDeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteNope, no plastic tip on this nose cone!