"How easy is it to put together a reloadable motor from Aerotech?" That is a question that we hear a lot. It is not difficult. But in case you don't believe me, please watch the YouTube video on this web page. It will show you that they go together in about 5 minutes without having to use any special tools.

If you'd like to follow along in the instruction sheet, you can download it by clicking here.

Related links:

Cleaning the reload after flight is also pretty easy. We've covered that in several issues of our Peak-of-Flight Newsletter. Check out issues:

• Number 144
• Number 159
• Number 233

Viewer Comments:

"The video ... shows the rear closure being assembled with the o-ring going into the case BEFORE the nozzle. In fact, the nozzle should go in first and then the o-ring, followed by the rear closure." -- Dwayne S.

"I just got finnished watching it and I think you left out a very important step, at least I think it is. When you try to remove the spent materials from the casing after a launch the way you put it together you will find that it will be very hard to do. This is do to the expansion of the gasses at launch and I have found that if you VERY lightly grease the inside of the motor case before you put the grain(s) in then they come out with a LOT less fuss. The case also cleans up quicker. I always put a coat of SuperLube on the inside of my moter cases before I put them away, that way they are ready to go when I want to fly the next time. I have never hade a problem with this method, but I must stress, I use a VERY, VERY LIGHT COAT on the inside walls and threads." -- John Cosores

"1. Aerotech makes engineering drawings of their assembled reloadable rocket motors available. I always look at the print of the motor as I assemble it. http://www.aerotech-rocketry.com/resources.aspx?id=6

2. To prevent tragedy, I always do these two things when loading the ejection charge:

A) With the motor held upright, i shake a little powder down the hole between the bottom of the bowl and the motor.

B) I pack recovery wadding under the plastic cap and above the powder. This keeps the gun powder at the rear end of the bowl, even in zero and negative G. Without this, the powder could drift away from the hole which connects it to the delay grain.

Both of these actions make a more reliable connection between the top of the delay grain and the ejection charge." -- Roger C.

Not to worry. We have a series of free videos that will walk you through the construction of your first simple model rocket. Can you imagine looking like an expert in the eyes of your family by the end of today? It can happen!

Click here to watch our Free "beginner videos."

If step 1 is putting together a manufacturer's kit, then step 2 is learning the techniques that are necessary to build your own simple designs. These "next step" videos will enhance your construction skills and show you the secret techniques like making perfect centering rings, super-smooth painting on rockets, applying decals, and airfoiling fins so the rocket flies higher and faster.

Join the modelers that get their pictures in the rocketry magazines by building getting this DVD set today.

Building Skill Level 1, 2 and Level 3 Model Rocket Kits: The DVDs.

The YouTube video you watched on this page showed you just one of the more advanced construction techniques you'll need to step out of ordinary-looking rockets, and into the realm of extraordinary. That is part of the process. You also need some ideas on what makes a great-looking design. The book Model Rocket Design and Construction enhances your own natural creativity by giving you thousands of ideas that you can incorporate into your own rockets. Good engineers always cheat and steal the best practices of other designers (I do).

RockSim is the software tool that binds all your rocketry skills together and speeds the process of designing rockets and getting them to the flying range. It like putting your mind on super-high-octane gasoline. Wherner Von Braun wishes he had something like RockSim when he was designing the V2 missile. You'll create your designs faster, save money by avoiding costly trial-and-error mistakes, optimize the rockets to fly higher, and share them with your friends even before you start building them. Can you see the advantage of that? Over 6,390 rocketeers already have. Join with those others and change the rocketry world as we know it.