I followed the instructions except for the following notes and comments: Steps 1-10 Only used the 1/4" lugs and placed a swivel on the parachute and cut a spill hole. This rocket is extremely easy to construct and goes together well. I painted mine florescent yellow, nose cone 1/2 florescent yellow and 1/2 florescent orange. The decals look superb on this scheme. The base coats are white primer. The first flight, D12-3, my chute did not open completely and the rocket slammed to the ground and crimped the body tube, slightly, above the fin assembly. The second flight, D12-3, the chute opened and the rocket floated 1500' into a stand of 100 foot tall pines. After a hard rain the Elmers glue holding the Estes mounted shock cord, turned loose and the body fell harmlessly to the ground. I ordered another nose cone from Estes and while I awaited arrival, I wrapped, the now exaggerated, body crimp with a piece of fiberglass. Also, I added a length of Kevlar® to replace the shock cord. I cut a small hole, next to the launch lug, and threaded the cord into and out of the body tube. Tying a few knots and then epoxying the Kevlar® against the launch lug, it is not only strong but virtually hidden. Repainted, the Maniac has had several flights on D, and E's with much better luck! 

UPDATED 1/00 -
The Maniac makes a great payload carrier. It is wonderful to get the Estes Astrocam to new heights! I built payload section for mine and added some blinking leds (kit from radioshack.com) for our clubs annual night launch in January.