All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Semroc - MX Orbital Transport {Kit} (KMX-01)

Model Rocket Building: Merry Christmas To Me! (2019-12-28)

  I didn't order any clearance rockets in the recent Estes Black Friday sale -  But I did pick up some discontinued Semroc kits!  Four were $9.99, the Micro Max Orbital ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Background (2020-03-13)

I remember getting this 1970 catalog in the mail! The slick, new Orbital Transport was featured on the cover. This was Estes kit number K-42 and sold for $3.25. The design was by Wayne Kellner. The ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 1, Parts (2020-03-14)

When the package is turned over, it looks like some parts might be missing. All the laser cut basswood is inside the folded instructions. Most parts were of good quality. The small laser cut launch ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 2, More Parts (2020-03-15)

Parts of interest, from the upper left going clockwise: The Engine Block - Maybe longer than needed, note the laser burnt ends. Glider Hook - An improvement over the old dowel/launch lug connection. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 3, Parts Prep (2020-03-18)

I didn't want to use the burnt launch lug "engines" on my build. in addition to the burnt edges, the lengths were inconsistent. I have plenty of small launch lug pieces saved from previous builds. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 4, Engine Mount (2020-03-19)

GOTCHA: Here's what I meant about the engine block being too long - The end of the Kevlar shock cord is knotted. This knot sits under the bottom of the engine block. Typically the engine block is ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 5, Engine Housings (2020-03-20)

The housings needed some fine fitting. I used my small diamond file. The better fit is shown on the right. The sides are glued on. The inside corners are small so I used a Q-tip to even up the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 6, Wing Construction (2020-03-21)

The wings and other wood parts are thin! The lower wing had the tab break off before it was glued up. Glue on the fairings on a flat surface. The side wings got a fillet, applying the glue with a ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 7, Motor Housing Gluing (2020-03-22)

The engine housings are glued into the remaining slots on the bottom of the wing. These slots also require filling with CWF and smooth sanding. The smaller auxiliary fins are glued on the top and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 8, Orbiter Glider Construction (2020-03-22)

The dihedral of the glider wing is done by setting the joint over the glider body tube. When the outside tips of the wing sides touch your work bench, the angle is correct. I also filled the joint ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 9, Orbiter Glider Construction (2020-03-23)

GOTCHA: Something wasn't right. I had built three other full size Orbital Transports before. Check the instruction photo showing the glider body tube. The front extends probably 3/8" beyond the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 10, Final Smoothing & White Paint (2020-03-24)

The launch lug is glued in place on the bottom center line of the main body. I used some tape to hold it in place while some medium CA glue was applied with a toothpick. The drop od CA was allowed ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Build Part 11, Decals & Finishing Up (2020-03-25)

Here's a bit of the Semroc instructions showing the decal placement. The water slide decals are small! Notice the bottom of the decal - TIP: To fit against the wing you've got to cut right at the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc MMX Orbital Transport, KMX-01, Finished! (2020-03-26)

Without any size reference, this mini Orbital Transport looks like the full sized original. The build is small and would be hard to fill the wood parts after assembly. I'd recommend filling the ... [Read More]