Bull Pup 12D Model Rocket Kit

Another great offering from Estes. Nothing can be the price on this scale model. I gave it a four-star because it requires friction fit to put in the motor. If you use an engine hook, it becomes a much better rocket. It is doable to put in a hook and well worth the upgrade.

I've seen an Estes Bull Pup 12D launch before in light winds and it wasn't pretty. 1st, Estes only has 1 long launch lug in the middle of the BT-55 body tube, split the lug in 1/2, attach one body diameter from front and closer to the back on the BT-55 body tube, making sure they align and do not bind. This is a safety issue and will eliminate almost all wind cocking. 2nd, If your launch rod is too short, use higher impulse composite motors. 3rd, No engine retainer, but can be upgraded to a plastic screw type, from a fin can, in an Estes Mix-N-Match 50 Kit. Swapping out the stock engine tube and re-centering for the tail cone/boat tail. Rough up the plastic mounting area and use epoxy, or CA, leaving enough room for the screw nut retainer to fit and it will fit tightly, after some sanding. It'll also be stronger than the stock mount and won't eject the casing at deployment. 4th, swap out the clay counterweight, for epoxy and BB's, or Lead pellets, of appropriate mass, it's more stable and won't shift or deform under G-loading. After opening the bulkhead for access, in the nose cone, scratch up the interior of the nose cone, the rougher, the better, just like the fin can. 5th, since it's so short of an air frame, install an ejection baffle and your chute won't melt. 6th, replace stock rubber shock cord, with 90 of 80 lbs. nylon braided fishing line, nylon parachute slightly larger than stock, for the increased mass and a 3 Nomex parachute protector. This will give your Bull Pup 12D a more professional appearance, stable flight and more reliable recovery.

I got mine from hobbylinc.com over Christmas and have recently assembled it with the following modifications: I replaced the 18mm motor mount with a 24mm mount and lengthened the body tube by about 8 inches (with a body tube and connectors bought here as well) to compensate for the additional engine weight. I finished the rocket in Chrome spray paint and the stock decals made it look great! It did require a few lead split-shots epoxied in the tip of the nose cone to prevent instability. The boat-tail and canards give this bird a special look - add one to your fleet!