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Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #633:

Laser-Cut Stencil Lettering for Model Rockets

Peak-of-Flight Newsletter

This article by our product designer Martin Jay McKee explores using a laser cutter to create precise, custom stencils for adding detailed lettering to your models. We'll cover everything from choosing the right laser cutter and materials to designing and cutting your stencils, and finally, applying the lettering for a professional finish. Even if you don't own a laser cutter, you'll find valuable tips and insights to make the most realistic scale rockets of real military missiles.

Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)!

Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page.

 

24mm Fin Alignment Guide

Design your next rocket using RockSim

 

Back to School

Newest Products From Apogee Components

Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves!

Valkyrie Kevlar Shock Cords

Kevlar Shock Cord

These Kevlar shock cords from Valkyrie Recovery System are woven into a flat ribbon that is 0.75 inches (19.05mm) wide, and has a static test strength of 4500 pounds. They also come with the attachment loops pre-sewn into the ends of the cord. There is also an optional 3rd loop for putting the parachtue into the middle of chord. Three lengths are available at 20, 25 and 30 feet long. If you have a big high-power rocket, this is the shock cord you'd want to use.


Valkyrie "Ballute" Drogue Parachutes

Ballute Drogue Parachute

From Valkyrie Recovery Systems comes the Explorer Drogue Parachute. It is a "ballute" type parachute designed for high-speed model rocket deployments, offering a tangle-free, stable descent thanks to its unique design and reinforced mesh canopy. Made from durable ripstop nylon and featuring a bright red color for easy visibility, the Explorer Drogue Parachute is perfect for those rockets that may deploy at higher speeds.

Available in three sizes - 12 inches18 inches, and 24 inches - the Explorer Drogue caters to a range of model rockets.


Apogee 3" Ebay Kit

Apogee 3-inch eBay

The Apogee 74mm (3-inch diameter) Ebay kit, provides a stable platform and isolated enclosure that you can use to mount your rocket’s electronics. Use it to hold such things like a dual-deployment altimeter or a GPS tracker. It fits inside standard Apogee 3-inch (74mm) diameter paperLoc 3-inch paper and 3-inch Blue Tubes. What makes this Ebay special is how easy it is to get to the electronics mounted on the inside. There is just one wing nut that you remove, and the sled inside will slide right out. The sled also has pre-cut holes that you can use to route wiring from one side of the board to the other. Its heavy walled tube makes it very robust and durable.


Estes Nike Smoke

Estes Nike Smoke

Experience the thrill of 1960's space exploration with the Skill Level 3, Estes Nike Smoke rocket. It is a 1:5.5 scale model of NASA's innovative atmospheric research rocket. At 41 inches long and 3 inches in diameter, this awesome replica features pre-molded plastic fins, a large conical nose cone, and launches on 29mm diameter motors. Easy to build and exciting to fly, it comes complete with water-slide decals, a nylon parachute, and an elastic shock cord for safe recovery. Perfect for space enthusiasts, rocket hobbyists, and dreamers of all ages.


Estes Rail Launch Pad

Launch Rail System

The Pro Series Launch Rail System is an affordable, mid-power model rocket launch pad designed for rocketeers looking to fly larger models beyond their beginner setups. Featuring a 6-foot extruded aluminum rail with a stainless steel blast deflector, this launch system can handle model rockets up to 2 pounds in weight and utilizing motors up to a "G" size.


 

RockSim Live Training - Every Friday

 

Free Delivery to AirFestDelivery to AirFest

Apogee Components will be at Airfest in Argonia, Kansas on August 31 to September 1, and is offering free delivery on merchandise to the field. Just pre-order online and select "Order Pick-up" and in the comments, say "Delivery at Airfest." We'll do the rest. You save money, and get the best products anywhere.

 

Customer TestimonialCustomer Comments

“With my 6th Apogee Components order, I just qualified for the VIR Frequent Buyer program and I gotta say, I AM STOKED! Apogee offers a very solid loyalty package that will for sure keep me shopping apogeerockets.com (although I must say, I'd be shopping without the program, I love this company that much!). Acquiring shopping points, taking advantage of priority shipping, and benefiting from already excellent customer service all make browsing/buying from Apogee's vast product selection, taking part in Apogee's education, and "hanging out" with Tim all that much better. Thank you for all you provide. I am an Apogee customer for life!”

-- Michael OBrien

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