Brief:
A simple but nice looking 3FNC paper rocket.

Construction:
The majority of the rocket, except for the shock cord and streamer, is made of 110# cardstock paper. The fin cores are cut from presentation board. The template and instuctions can be downloaded here.

Score the lines of the engine block with a ball point pen to make the folds easier. Then fold and glue. Before the glue sets, roll the engine block using a 1/4" wood dowel to set the curl. The two edges of the paper should meet to complete the block. Test fit in the tube. If too large, cut a small section of the block off and then glue the block 2 1/4" in from the rear of the tube.

Carefully cut out the nose cone following the guides. Cut the small "v" shaped slits along the base of the nose cone creating a saw tooth pattern. Shape the nose cone by rolling the pattern over a narrow dowel or very small pencil. Cut out the nose cone collar and roll it around the top of the completed body tube (place an engine in the tube to hold its shape.) Once the curl is achieved glue the nose cone collar together making sure it fits snuggly but not too tight over the body tube. Place a drop of glue on the end of each tab at the base of the nose cone and carefully attach the nose cone to the nose cone collar. Press the tabs to the collar until the glue sets. When completely dry apply a fillet of glue to the outside joint between the collar and the nose cone and set the assembly aside to dry.

Cut out three fin cores out of illustration board using the template as a guide. Cut out and glue the fin covers to each of the fin cores. Sand the root edge of each fin and glue to the body tube aligning the bottom of each fin with the rear of the body tube. When dry, apply a fillet of glue to each fin.

Roll and glue the launch lug (using the line to help achieve an 1/8" diameter opening) about 1 3/4" from the rear of the body tube.

Cut out two shock cord mounts from regular paper using the template as a guide. You can use 1/8" elastic, or Kevlar® cord for the shock cord. I would recommend about 2' - 2.5' of elastic or 2.5' to 3' of Kevlar®. Glue one end of the shock cord to one of the shock cord mounts using the typical Estes technique. Create a loop about 8" from the other end for the streamer to be attached. Glue the remaining end to the remaining shock cord mount. Glue the shock cord mount attached to the longer length of shock cord to the inside front of the body tube about 1/2" in. Glue the remaining shock cord to the inside of the nose cone shoulder as far up into the shoulder as you can. Attach a streamer to the loop in the shock cord.

Test the completed rocket with an engine mounted for stability. Add some clay to the inside of the nose if needed. (I found added weight wasn't necessary.)

Finishing:
Since the template already has the artwork pre-printed, all you need do is spray the completed rocket with clearcoat a couple of times to protect the model against moisture and handling.

Flight:
I would recommend 1/2A6-2s for first flight, then A8-3 for the second flight. A C6 will put it way the heck up there! The Lil Spike flies straight as an arrow.