The BIG Fix: Semroc Astron Nose Cone

The Semroc Astron was a GREAT value at $9.50.
My older version has a 12" parachute, the kit now includes a streamer.
This model has flown over a dozen times.

Check out the inset picture on the lower left. There is two Estes smiley dents forming a stretch "S" shape.

This nose cone  is worth repairing, not much other damage on the model.

The shock cord was untied from the screw eye.
Paper and tape were wrapped around the nose cone shoulder.
The "S" dent was filled with carpenter's wood filler.
The upper left shows the nose cone after sanding down the CWF.
The lower pic shows a heavy shot of gray primer/filler. You can still see the filled and sanded dents.


Upper left is the primer after sanding smooth with 400 grit.
The final nose cone color is black, it won't need a white undercoat.
Finally the inset picture is the sprayed black nose cone - almost good as new.

18" additional shock cord was tied on.

A while back on TRF, Luke StrawWalker posted:
Longer shock cords DO help... another tip, ditch the rubber band material that comes with Estes kits and replace it with elastic or Kevlar. Wes from Dr. Zooch has commented that from his experience, he's found that most "Estes dents" to nosecones comes from the parachute opening too fast, and the rocket "flies into" the nosecone after ejection... he recommends a tighter packing of the parachute to delay the chute opening, to allow the entire rocket to slow down from air drag before the parachute physically opens...