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 Rocketry Product: Semroc - Snake Jumper {Kit} (KA-14)

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Background (2018-10-20)

The Semroc Snake Jumper was a Goony based on the old Centuri Evel Knievel Sky Cycle rocket. The instructions are interesting - CLICK HERE  Check out the rear "positioning disk" and shock ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 1, Parts (2018-10-21)

  The instructions, decals and fin stock were picked up when Semroc discontinued the kit. The rest of the parts are from my Odd'l Little Green Man kit. It uses the same nose cone, body ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 2, Engine Mount Upgrades (2018-10-22)

This build will incorporate the new Odd'l Rockets heavy wall BT-20H, an extended length engine hook and replaceable Kevlar. The BT-20H diameter is a bit wider than a standard BT-20. To make it ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 3, Replaceable Kevlar Ties (2018-10-23)

Some Kevlar is stiff, other Kevlar is soft and can start to unravel. TIPS: I'll usually tie off the end with an overhand knot to prevent unraveling. Run a bead of wood glue ( never use CA glue on ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 4, Fin Prep (2018-10-24)

The nose cone was a bit rough, some "chatter" marks. Nothing some sandpaper can't take care of. The picture on the right jumps ahead a bit. I had bad luck with this nose cone. As careful as I ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 5, Fin Gluing (2018-10-25)

Card stock fins are thinner than balsa and have a thinner root edge for gluing. Just like the old Centuri kit, "gusset" reinforcements are used. The gluing position is lightly burnt into the side ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 6, Fin Gluing and Gussets (2018-10-26)

The side rudders sere glued onto the wing halves using my 2" machine square. This insures a perfect right angle. Notice the wing is set into the top of the gusset. Here's the model up to ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 7, Paint and Decals (2018-10-27)

The Centuri instructions say you really don't have to paint the model, in that kit, the parts were already white. They did say the model would look better with an overall sprayed gloss white. Mine ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Build, Part 8, Decals (2018-10-28)

The gold (not a real shiny gold) cockpit cover folds over the front of the long top fin. Looking back I probably should have rounded the leading edge. I had to lightly pinch and pull back on the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper, Finished (2018-10-29)

  I was never a big fan of the Centuri Sky Cycle and the whole Evel Knievel Snake River jump. When Semroc discontinued this Groonie kit I was able to pick up the decals, fins and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc Snake Jumper Decal Fix (2018-12-20)

For some reason I misplaced these two decals in the Snake Jumper build. They were small and probably thrown out with other decal pieces. I drew up and printed them with the Saturn 1B escape tower ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Launch! Orlando R.O.C.K., October 5, 2019 (2019-10-06)

The Orlando R.O.C.K. club has gone through some changes. While we redistribute the launch duties everybody jumped in and helped out. I met Roger at the launch site at about 8:30 a.m. He was dropping ... [Read More]