Having become one of the most popular RC hobbies today, model rocketry hasn't always been recognised as a hobby. It first started as a way to demonstrate how rocket propulsion works during the cold war. This was in the year 1954, three years before the Soviet Union launched their first rocket into space.
The popularity of rockets and rocket models grew with the start of the Space Race. This trend continued for a bit until the capabilities of the most powerful nations, the US and USSR, were proven by both cold war rivals. The golden age was surpassed after that, but the production of model rocket sets continued and so did the love for them.
Skill Levels
Level 0
Although rocket building kits have become more fitting for beginners you still need to pay attention to the skill level they come with. The easiest-to-build model rocket kits are going to have a skill level of 0. This means they only require a couple of hours to be put together without any experience needed.
Level 1
A model rocket kit with a skill level 1 will be a bit more difficult to assemble than the previous one but it will still be quite easy for someone who doesn't have prior experience. But remember that you'll still be able to finish building the model the same day you get it.
Level 2
A step up from a level 1 model rocket kit is one with a skill level of 2. These model rocket kits are of moderate complexity but they require previous experience in order to build them. Otherwise, you'll have a tough time doing so.
Level 3
An advanced model rocket builder will go for a skill level 3 kit as this kit has a larger engine but also more complicated materials.
Level 4
With rocket building kits assigned with a skill level 4 only an expert is able to make the most of them. Advanced knowledge and the ability to deal with complex construction are crucial with these rocket building kits.
External Parts of a Model Rocket
Nose Cone
The nose cone is the part that pierces through the air and it comes made either of plastic or balsa wood. It's shaped so that it reduces drag and it's known as being the most forward part.
Airframe Tube
Also known as the body tube, this component is used to keep all the internal parts in place. An airframe tube separates the nose cone from the fins and it's usually made of paper or fibreglass.
Forward Fins
A set of forward fins are not that common since they destabilise the rocket but when they are found on one, they are usually placed forward from the rocket's centre of gravity, hence the name.
Aft Fins
The aft fins are found near the boat tail and they're used to restore the force the rocket needs to keep going. Unlike the forward fins, the aft fins help stabilise the rocket.
Launch Lag
This little paper tube found on the side of a rocket model is there to help keep the rocket on the launch pad. Why is that so? Because the rocket needs to build up speeds between 50 km/h and 65 km/h before it leaves the pad. This is needed in order to keep the rocket moving in the right direction once it leaves the launch pad.
Boat Tail
Like the nose cone, the boat tail is another drag-reducing part. In this case, the boat tail helps direct the airflow in a smooth manner so that the rocket goes higher in the air.
Internal Parts of a Model Rocket
Nose Cone Shoulder
Starting from top to bottom the first part inside a model rocket is the nose cone shoulder. This component is what holds the nose cone on top of the rocket and it gets ejected together with it.
Recovery Device
Next comes the recovery device which can be either a parachute or a streamer. The use of this part is to slow down the rocket on its way back so it lands softly.
Shock Cord
The purpose of a shock cord is to keep everything together while the rocket is descending. This part prevents you from using two recovery devices which is not a good idea.
Recovery Wadding
The recovery wadding may be a piece of paper but it does an important task. Treated with a chemical, this piece of paper protects the parachute from the heat of the engine.
Engine Mount
As you'd expect the engine mount is there to hold the rocket's engine in place. It also helps centre it according to the centreline of the model.
Centring Rings
The centring rings are quite simple since all they do is align one body tube with the diameter of a larger one which, in this case, is the engine mount placed in the airframe tube. Centring rings can be either cardstock disks or paper rings.
