First build of 2019
 

We have dealt with aging parent issues all year, and I’m just now having some free time to build a couple simple rockets.

Since I first flipped thru the pages of a 1964 Estes catalog as a kid, I’ve wanted a Spaceman. Last year I was at Apogee Rockets with a friend, picking up some parts. In their lobby, they have a built model of every rocket kit they sell, near as I can tell. Sitting there was the Semroc Spaceman. I could not resist. Typical of a Semroc kit, parts are high quality, and fit is top notch. I especially liked the puzzle-piece type of interlocks on the arms and legs. I spent a lot of extra time slathering all balsa surfaces with Brodak Sanding Sealer. Simple, enjoyable old school build.

While working on the Spaceman, I also built the first of 4 Luna Bugs. I’ll fly these with grandkids in the Spring. This is perhaps the fastest assembly I’ve ever experienced, maybe short of an E2X or RTF rocket kit.

Those look like fun unusual builds.
Never built the Spaceman.
Might order one with an Astron Sprite.

I need to add the Sprite to my list. I fondly remember building one on our living room coffee table while watching a Gemini launch on TV with my dad.