All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Semroc - Mini Optima {Kit} (KA-26) [2010-]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build Background (2018-02-24)

  The Optima was a BIG model for Estes, available from 1990 - 1994. 2.6" diameter and almost four feet tall. D engine powered, it could reach 390 feet!  A good demonstration ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 1, Parts (2018-02-25)

It's too bad Semroc is discontinuing the "Mini" line of kits. Carl McLawhorn (Semroc founder) called these his "Ready To Build" series. There are some very clever features on these models. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 2, Cleaning Up Parts (2018-02-26)

The engine mount tube is slotted for the top bend of the engine hook. On the left is the pre-cut "slot" from the kit. It's really just a stab of an X-Acto knife. Pressing the upper bend of the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 3, Engine Mount and Interior Tube (2018-02-27)

The white, slightly narrower ring goes to the top of the engine mount tube. This fits into the ST-9 insulating tube. GOTCHA: The instruction drawing shows the ring just covering the upper bend of ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 4, Interior Tube and Fin Shaping (2018-02-28)

The top of the engine mount is glued into the insulator tube. The upper white centering ring is recessed 1/16" inside the tube. There are six fins on the rocket, on the left is the upper ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 5, Coupler Bulkhead (2018-03-01)

The hole in the plywood coupler bulkhead seemed small. I was concerned the screw eye might split it. The hole was enlarged with a small rat tail file. The instructions tell you to turn the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 6, Coupler Fit Adjustment (2018-03-02)

GOTCHA: The only problem in this kit was the loose fit of the coupler. This surprised me, most all Semroc parts have been better matched. I should have checked, they may have included a BT-50 ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 7, Engine Mount Gluing (2018-03-03)

The front end of the engine mount is glued into the ST-9 insulator tube so the front white centering ring is recessed 1/16". Roll the assembly on a flat surface to be sure the engine mount is in ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 8, Fin Gluing and Alignment (2018-03-05)

Here's one of the best parts I've ever seen in a kit. This Fin Template was included in all the Semroc "RTB" kits. It's laser cut from cardstock, fits the ST-10 tube and aligns either 3 or 4 ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 9, Paint and Decals (2018-03-06)

TIP: Because of the simple color separation - don't tie up the shock cord yet, leave the upper payload section separate for the black paint. This was the first model I used Duplicolor gloss white ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Build, Part 10, Ends and Edges (2018-03-07)

One of the fin decals broke in two! I kept the surface wet and was able to butt the ends together so the break couldn't be seen. This will require a brush over of Future clear acrylic to close ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Mini Optima Finished (2018-03-08)

  The original Estes Optima was a great design, whether big or small. It's a clean look. This smaller version has many features you wouldn't notice from the outside. The upper ... [Read More]