Published: 2024-08-20
Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Manufacturer: | Starlight Rockets |
This was my first Starlight Model Rockets product. I picked up this kit at NARAM 65. This is also my first review so I hope I don't mess it up too bad. :-) liked this kit because it was a 3-motor cluster and I thought it would look good next to my Astron Ranger, Astron Cobra and Sunward Land Viper. I haven't been disappointed.
The Seiron 3 is an excellent quality kit with a full color face card and very well written, clear instructions. The build is very straight forward. The 'twist' to this kit is that the 3 motor tubes extend below the main body tube and its 3 fins are wedge-mounted between the tubes. My one parts suggestion is that a longer shock cord (at least half again as long) be included in the kit. The payload section is almost 3 inches long when descending under chute and the shock code is less than 18 inches long (with 2 inches of that being used for the mounting). This invites 'Estes Dent' damage to the top of the main tube. The shock cord mount is reminiscent of Centuri shock mounts with 3 holes in the paper mount in which to thread the shock line and glue that to the inside of the tube.
I built the kit pretty much according to the instructions with three exceptions. First, I added Kevlar shock line for the main shock line mount and then substituted 28" of elastic shock line. I pretty much build all my models with Kevlar mounts, now. Second, I had a built BT-60 baffle laying around so I used it in the build. Finally, I cut off the plastic transition attachment loop and epoxied in a small screw eye to its center. I chose to laminate the fins with adhesive label paper to simplify finishing.
There were no issues with the build and total construction time was only a couple of hours. I haven't painted it, yet, and I am leaning towards something very different from the face card colors. Something retro, with stripes and checker-board patterns.
I have a second 'suggestion' for the kit. The motors in this kit are friction fit. I have no problem with that but not as many modelers today are familiar with this - motor hooks are getting pretty universal. The instructions for Flight Prep never mention installing the motors or say anything about friction fitting. This should be added.
In summary, this is a very good looking, high quality kit with superior instructions, excellent parts and is easy to build. I can't wait to fly it!
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