Picture courtesty of The Launch Pad

Brief:
The Warlock is a Launch Pad original design that is styled after military anti-submarine missiles. This rocket is single-stage and flies on D12-5's or -7's. As is common with LP plans, there are lots of exterior details included in the plans that allow the builder to create a good looking scale-like model.

Construction:
The Plan Pack came in a manila envelope with a cover sheet pasted to the front showing a drawing of the rocket and listing basic details such as length, diameter and recommended engines.

Inside the envelope are two stapled sets of instructions on standard letter-size paper. The first part are the written Assembly Instructions, and refer to the second part containing the diagrams. These assembly instructions are broken down logically into discrete construction steps, and despite the apparent complexity of the design, construction is actually quite straightforward. When necessary, additional emphasis and detail is provided, although the only truly intricate part of construction is creating the 'pinch' in the body directly behind the uppermost set of fins. The method to do this is really not that difficult and even someone with no previous experience can be successful.

Unlike every other Plan Pack I've seen from The Launch Pad, the Warlock is designed specifically around standard Estes parts. There are no measurements that allow you to roll your own tubes.

The second part of the plans contains the materials list, another list of the supplies and tools needed to complete the rocket, and many excellent diagrams that correspond to the assembly instructions. It is noted in the instructions when the diagrams are not full size, and caution you to use the measurements and not assume that the diagram is a true template.

Shaped balsa is used to create additional details, and short lengths of dowel are embedded in the fins to simulate pivot points. It's these little extras that make the LP rockets so much fun and interesting. A complete painting diagram is included, and the recommended paint scheme is realistic and good looking.

Although these are 'builders' plans that require greater effort on the part of the modeler to complete, the plans give enough information to ensure success to anyone who follows the directions. Details such as chute templates, shock cord mounting and even how to attach a snap swivel to the chute lines are included.

It would be easy to strengthen this design for bigger engines, and the fin layout is probably more forgiving than most military-style designs about weight distribution. I wouldn't be afraid to fly the stock Warlock on F24 RMS, but I'd add a little nose weight first.

Once again, the biggest omission in these plans is not telling the modeler where the CP is. All manufacturers should note the CP of their kits in the instructions. If you have determined the CP for your kits, please send 'em to EMRR for the library, so all rocketeers can benefit.

Overall, this is a cool looking rocket that will really appeal to those that like 'military' rockets, and well worth the time spent on it.