All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Centuri - Argus {Kit} (5309, KB-9) [1973-1981]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Background Research (2019-12-21)

The Centuri Argus was an A.T.R.F. (Almost Ready To Fly) model that used the molded one-piece plastic fin can from the Enerjet 1340 model. This fin unit was revolutionary. Strong and flexible with a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 1, Parts (2019-12-22)

The body tubes, adapters, nose cone and centering rings were ordered from Semroc. The fin unit came from an Estes Eliminator kit I had. I've already built an Enerjet 1340 and a few Centuri Phoenix ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 2, Stick On Decor (2019-12-23)

There will be two Argus kit clones. Why two? I had two Estes Eliminator kits in the build pile. I'm not fond of the yellow and purple Eliminator colors. Why not make something more interesting? Too ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 3, Centering Rings (2019-12-24)

I used Centuri ST-7 for an engine mount tube. It's a little larger diameter than an Estes BT-20. The only engine blocks I have fit the BT-20. I did two wraps of copy paper applied with a glue stick ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 4, Engine Mount Gussets (2019-12-25)

The outside diameter of the rings was a little small. I decided to add some balsa gussets for a better fit and a stronger mount. Scrap balsa was cut to the width between the centering rings. The ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 5, Fitting The Balsa Parts (2019-12-26)

I like to clean up the shoulder bases on the nose cone and adapters. Not really necessary, just something I do. The fit of the small nose cone was too loose for me. I'll have to build up the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 6, Prepping The Fin Can (2019-12-27)

The old Centuri instructions tell you to "Prepare the fin unit before sliding it down over the lower body tube." You are directed to use the "enclosed sandpaper" to smooth the inside edge of the fin ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Fin Can From Thingverse (2019-12-27)

In a blog comment, Metalhead 1986 let me know: "For those with 3D printers, the fin can is available on Thingiverse." To go to the web page: CLICK HERE Thanks to Jack Hydrazine for all the hard ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 8, Stick On Decor (2019-12-28)

The stick on decals were printed on some full sheet (8 1/2" X 11") self adhesive paper. 20 sheets were ordered through Ebay. I used the same settings you would use for printing photographs so the ink ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 7, Prime and Paint Tubes and Balsa (2019-12-29)

Well, the blog posts are out of order - again! Yesterday got #8 when it should have been this one. I had sanded to deep into the CWF filler and had to do more filling. TIP: With the CWF filler you ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 9, Finishing Up (2019-12-30)

The A, B, C, and D triangles fit on the lower adapter. The straight sides were cut with a knife and straightedge, the curved bottom was cut with scissors. It took two re-draws to get the bottom ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 10, A Variation & A Fix (2019-12-31)

I understand different kit runs had different color fin cans. Spray painting plastic fin cans can be a problem. Because I was making two models, I decided to leave one in the Eliminator yellow and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 11, Toughening Up A Balsa Nose Cone (2020-01-02)

TRIVIA: Centuri would often include "The Right Materials For The Job" in their instructions. Note the "Nose Cone and Connectors" section: "Nose cone must have durable surface because upper section ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Argus #KB-9, Finished (2020-01-04)

I was very happy with the finished models. I know it was an Centuri A.R.T.F. (Almost Ready To Fly) but I got some satisfaction redrawing and printing the stick-on decals. The small upper wrap ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: LAUNCH! L.A.S.E.R., Groveland, FL, March 15, 2020, Part 1 (2020-03-16)

This was my first time flying with the L.A.S.E.R. ( Lake Area Students Engineering Rockets) in Groveland, FL. To visit the website: CLICK HERE The club is fairly new, there were ten or so people ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: TOP TEN for 2020, Part 2, Numbers 5 through 1 (2021-01-06)

Continuing the countdown -       5. Estes LEO SPACE TRAIN   This was an involved build and a tough mask! I built three of these, they all went back to ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Enerjet 1340 Build Part 2 (2010-08-12)

The MARS package contained the plastic fin can from the Centuri Argus kit from 1973. The same fin unit and nose cone was also used in the Centuri Phoenix Bird, Estes Maniac and still part of the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Screaming Eagle Background (2014-08-17)

Introduced in the 1973 Centuri Catalog, the Screaming Eagle was kit #KF-3 and sold for $2.00. The Screaming Eagle was released at the same time as another ARTF model, the Centuri Argus that used the ... [Read More]