All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Dr. Zooch - Ares I-X {Kit} (Ares I-X)

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 1, Parts (2015-09-27)

I've built a Zooch Ares before, but not this version. The Ares 1 build was posted on rocketreviews.com CLICK HERE This was back in 2010. The review had posted pictures of the completed ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 2, ACM and Couplers (2015-09-28)

It's a good idea to number the instruction sheet pages. The loose sheets are easy to get mixed up You make couplers from the 1" long BT-20 tubes. Another one will be needed for the engine mount so ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 3, Engine Mount Bands (2015-09-29)

The engine mount uses a reinforcement band under the top bend of the engine hook. It's a card stock wrap that strengthens the typically weak BT-20 tube. The band goes around the tube. I used a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 4, Shrouds (2015-09-30)

As I usually do, scans were made so I can print out more shrouds and the tube wraps if I screw things up. I tend to print extra shrouds and make up four or five. I check the fit and then use the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 5, SRB Shroud (2015-10-01)

Here's the three shrouds I made. The best fitting shroud was used and the other two thrown away. The inset picture shows the 2050 rings in place on either side of the 1" long BT-20 tube. Do some dry ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 6, Body Wraps (2015-10-02)

Page 4 has you glue on the longer BT-20 wrap first. I attached the smaller BT-50 upper wrap first. I figured I'd practice on the smaller wrap before tackling the long BT-20 wrap. Dr. Zooch always ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 7, Flame Fins (2015-10-03)

Flame fins are a standard Dr. Zooch kit feature on models that wouldn't normally have fins. Easier and stronger than clear fins. On the left is the flame fin template. There are many small sharp ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 8, Lugs and Standoffs (2015-10-04)

The instructions say the supplied lug is 1" long, my kit lug was 1 1/4" long. The standoffs are two pieces of balsa, 1/8" X 1/2". Sometimes it's easier to make straight short chop cuts with a single ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 9, Clear Coats (2015-10-05)

The SRB (longer, lower wrap) is applied. Be sure to line up the seams. Something I didn't mention earlier, Before the glue sets you can mold the shroud edges into the larger body tube. Roll a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 10, SRB Skirt (2015-10-06)

A 20/50 ring is used to support the open edges of the SRB skirt. The sides of the 20/50 ring is tapered to fit inside the open end. The inset picture shows using the shroud to match the sand angle. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 11, Launch Abort System or LAS (2015-10-07)

The small LAS skirt and "party hat" are cut from the pattern sheet. TIP: Cut the centers out first, it leaves you with more to hold onto. Use sharp scissors, the inside arc is small. Just like the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 12, LAS Dowel and Shrouds (2015-10-08)

I filled and painted the lower taper of the nose section before gluing on the wraps. I would be harder to mask and paint them later. The inset shows the overlap of the BPC wrap. Wrap and mark, cut ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 13, Detail Wraps (2015-10-09)

An optional step is to cut thin strips of card stock and glue them to the SRB making raised straps. The extra detail is worth the effort. Cut the strips from the printed black box on the patterns ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X Build, Part 14, Flame Fins (2015-10-10)

In the Zooch line many of the "finless" rockets use Flame Fins. I've built a few Zooch kits and used to paint the fins yellow, orange and red. They all ended up looking a bit cartoony. Look up some ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X, Build, Part 15, Ends and Edges (2015-10-12)

The escape tower dowel and shrouds were glued onto the capsule top. Sight from the sides and from the top to be sure it is straight. Turn the rocket body and make adjustments before the glue sets ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Dr. Zooch Ares I-X, Finished (2015-10-13)

This one turned out better than my first Dr. Zooch Ares 1 built back in 2010. This one is the same size. The first Ares 1 had a very small 6" parachute. The Ares 1-X kit now has a 12" chute. Dr. ... [Read More]