This is kind of an interesting build for me. I haven't built a rocket with a clear payload section since the Astron Apogee II that I built in the 60s. I picked up this kit at the Hobby Lobby clearance last year for $5. Actually, I bought two. I had visions of eliminating the clear payload, and maybe even changing the fins (both sets are identical to the Alpha).

But then the design kind of grew on me. I also liked the colors — black and silver, with some red in the decal ... but not enough red. So I painted the booster red. For the upper stage, I painted it entirely black, even bands on the payload section, to cover up the nose block and nose cone shoulder. Plus the nose cone was painted black. Then I masked off the lower section, and shot silver. Silver really pops with a black undercoat. This silver is great paint, it’s Tamiya Aluminum. Black and red and just good old Rustoleum 2X, my go to for almost everything in primary colors.

This rocket also represents another first for me. All painting was done outside in freezing weather. But ... blue skies often, and always no wind. It’s a matter of dashing outside, spraying a coat, and dashing back inside.

Bill Eichelberger, I found the decals! It turns out that by checking every logical place at least four times, they showed up.

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp