All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Centuri - Flutter-By {Kit} (5009, KA-9) [1972-1974]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 1, Parts (2013-12-28)

Here's some back story on the Flutter-By from the Semroc Spartan kit instructions: "The Stellar Spartan was the second in the Centuri Stellar Line. Originally planned for mass merchandising, the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 2, Fins (2013-12-29)

In the original Centuri kit, the four Flutter-By fins were the same. The fins on the right are used in the bottom half. The tab on the root edge glues to the smaller diameter engine mount tube. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 3, Engine Mount (2013-12-30)

There is no mention of a relief notch on the inside of the adapter. You should cut one or the engine mount tube will be distorted where it presses down over the engine hook. TIP : Don't cut the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 4, Paper Laminating Fins (2013-12-30)

Instead of the strakes the fins will be reinforced with paper lamination. Mentioned earlier, this is the way the original kit  fins were strengthened. Only the leading edges of the fins were ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 5, Paper Laminating Fins (2013-12-31)

Turn over the fin and apply glue stick to the other side. With the wood fin leading edge so close to the centerline you can see why the glue overlapped the middle. You can't get close or under ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 6, Paper Laminating Fins (2013-12-31)

After the fins have dried overnight in a heavy book, the edges get a coat of medium CA. The CA insures the edges stay down during trimming. It also hardens up the edges for smoother sanding. ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 7, Filling the Fin Edges (2014-01-01)

After sanding off the paper from the sides there will be a raised paper lip around the edges. Lightly sand off the lip with 400 grit. The open balsa edges will need to be filled. Brush on ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 8, Fin Gluing & Masking? (2014-01-02)

I wanted to mark the back of the root edge to line it up with the rear of the interior body tube. The right side of the picture shows the first attempt. Because the fins are two different shapes ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Build, Part 9, Paint & Trim (2014-01-03)

The instructions say to use bright silver on the upper half. If you've ever used silver on a rocket you know that fingerprints show through and the finish quickly turns  dull. Looking at the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By Finished (2014-01-04)

  I did want to use chrome trim. In the early 1970s, many Centuri models had a wrap of chrome. The Groove Tube, Bandito, Excaliber and even the Saturn V had it. Chrome trim was a great ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Flutter-By - More Finished! (2014-01-04)

I ended up adding the Centuri logo decal like on the catalog model.   That chrome trim really caught the light in this picture! That's really all the model needs, just like the catalog ... [Read More]