|  I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving and are having a relaxing Black Friday. We're here at work today, so you're welcome to shop our website. We will also be having our RockSim Live today (Friday) at 2 p.m. Mountain Time zone. We'll be talking about altimeters - like how they work and which one you might want for your next project. Join us if you have time.
Our newsletter that went out on Tuesday featured an article by Michael Hatcher on the design of helicopter hubs. It has a survey of a lot of the different types of hubs that were used in the past, and then makes some predictions of what might be possible in the future. It is pretty interesting reading. 
On Monday we posted our latest "short" video (see it here). It shows both a ground view and a onboard camera view of the launch of the Antares Explorer. This is a fun kit that has a futuristic feel to it. The model flies nice and straight, and comes down nicely on its plastic parachute. Because it is a shorter week with a day off for Thanksgiving, I'll tell you how we finished up last week.  Last Saturday, we were able to do some test flying of some of our upcoming kits. The next one up is called the Hermes. It is a hammer-head type design where the top has a larger diameter than the bottom. Down in the rear, there are three of our new strap-on booster rockets strapped to the core. You're right, that makes it a 4-engine cluster and really jumps into the sky. It flew flawlessly, and we got some great video of it.
We also flew a design that will be coming out early next year called the Hi-Roc. This is actually a scale model that looks like an elongated V2. Since it has a drag-reducing boattail, it sped away faster than I could follow it with my camera. I guess we'll get to fly it again to get some better photos.
November Rocketry Tool of the Month - Curved Decal Scissors Our November Tool-of-the-Month is the perfect scissors for trimming around the edges of water slide decals. Here are the unique benefits of these scissors: - Surgical Grade Stainless Steel: Crafted from top-quality surgical-grade stainless steel, our scissors are built to last. The robust stainless steel construction ensures longevity and corrosion resistance, making them the ideal choice for rocketry enthusiasts who demand nothing but the best.
- Curved Tip Design: The curved tip of these scissors is specifically engineered for intricate and precise cutting tasks. The unique curvature allows you to navigate tight corners and make detailed cuts with ease, ensuring your rocket decals are flawlessly trimmed.
- Ergonomic Comfort: Designed with your comfort in mind, these scissors feature ergonomic handles that offer a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended cutting sessions. You'll have full control and precision every time you use them.
- Versatile Application: While perfect for cutting out decals from their sheet, these scissors are also versatile enough for a wide range of hobby and craft projects. Whether you're working with paper, vinyl, or other materials, our Curved-Tip Scissors are up to the task.
- Compact and Portable: Measuring just the right size, our small scissors can be easily stashed in your toolkit or rocketry rangebox, making them the perfect on-the-go companion for any modeling adventure.
We only have a limited supply in stock. In the last two months, we sold out of our Tool-of-the-Month too quickly. So be sure to order early to get yours. Once they are sold out, this offer is over. Why are we offering this Tool-of-the-Month? We believe that if you find construction of rockets fun, easy, hassle free, and that it goes quicker because you have some simple tools in your arsenal, you'll stick with rocketry for a longer time. You'll have the skills to make really great rockets, and you'll want to show off your models to other modelers. You win because you have a more enjoyable experience, and we win because you'll be a customer well into the future. We're investing in your skills, because we want you to be our customer for a lifetime. And maybe you'll recommend us to your rocketry friends and any newbies that you mentor. While you can buy this set of drill bits separately, you can have them free when you order $80 worth of other merchandise before November 30st. Visit this link for additional instructions to claim your free machinist square.
What is Coming Up Next Week?  Next week will be the final video in the construction of the TTV rocket. This is where we're prepping the rocket for flight by installing igniters that fire off the rocket motor, and firing off the apogee ejection charge. You'll see how the ejection charge is added to the rocket, and then how the tube is affixed to the fin can using the removable plastic rivets. Finally the wadding and the parachutes are installed for flight and the rocket is readied for launch. To see an actual launch, click here.
Check your email inbox next Tuesday. | 