Estes Saturn V #1969 Build, Part 45, Parachutes

You have three parachutes to assemble. The design is from the old Centuri kit and simulates the gore pattern from the Apollo mission splashdowns.

TIP: Turn over your straightedge so there is no chance of the plastic sheet flexing when cutting out the parachute sides. You can get a ragged edge if the sheet moves. Don't bother with scissors, use your knife with a new, sharp blade.

I found it interesting that the shroud line attachments were drawn old style, with a loop of line under a solid disk.
You are supplied with disks with a hole in the center. I wouldn't want to trust a simple attachment like this given the weight of the rocket.





I place the disks with the flat side of my knife instead of using my fingers. The oils on your skin can diminish the adhesion on the underside of the disk.

Parachute assembly is standard, punch the center hole and tie on the line. There big chutes to assemble, two 24" and one 18".

The shroud line strings are LONG! 

Don't pull on the ends or you'll end up with a tangled mess. If you can, find the tape end - or carefully cut through the tape and unravel slowly.

The instructions have you "loop and pull" the parachute around a double knot in the rubber shock cord. This is a difficult way to attach the shroud lines. It doesn't feel secure, the loop could open up and detach from the shock cord.

TIP: I recommend using a snap swivel on all parachutes.

Tie the lines in the small loop. You can (carefully) feed the open hook through a single overhand knot in the shock cord.

Assembly time so far:
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