Yeah, I was dissapointed with the performance of the Quest plastic Micro Maxx rockets.
While they looked good in the package, they didn't fare too well when launched.
I enjoy drawing these and downsizing, they're good for flying at the local schoolyard.
These lighter models fly high enough to where you feel you've actually "launched" something.
Run off a print, add an extra nose cone - not much money out of pocket.
I had too many MMX engines just sitting in a box and too much time on my hands.
You put those two things together and you get mini Gooneybirds.
Can completely agree with you on that one Chris!
Most of us..including Bill Stine who designed the original Quest MMX RTF model line were quite disappointed with what the overseas manufacturer did to them in that first (and last run). All were designed to be 6grams or under....NOT to many of them made that weight class.
Those that do fly pretty well, the Vector, Raw Fusion and Tomahawk come to mind, even the RTV Saturn-V once a little clear fin material is added does pretty well at 7.0g. The others just don't fly all that well.
The MASS problem was one of the main reasons I started looking for REAL KIT Type Construction materials in very early 1999.
Cardstock models are OK but by and large they just don't hold up to lots of flying like standard Tube and wood Micro construction.
Back then we were using Long 1/4" Launch lug tubes as body tubes. hand turning NC's and transitions. Now,OH Man it's like we have everything we could possibly want for purchase..ON-line of coarse
Fliskits complete line or Micro Parts is FANTASTIC! the balsa wood cones, plugs & transitions are first rate. Body tubes by Totally Tubular, or from Fliskits, Balsa Machine Service, ASP or now direct for Quest give us even more choices. Fibre or Wood Centering rings from Fliskits or Totally tubular make motor mounts and even Cluster motor mounts a snap. Most of the other materials are either the same used for our larger rockets or just a little smaller adapations such as shockline kevlar in 50-90lb range. and TEFLON Plumbers tape taking the place of Mylar or plastic for Streamers and RECOVERY Wadding all in one.
With these very KEWL materials we can now product Spray painted and Decaled Micro models in the 1.4 to 7gram weight class with no problem at all.
Like you I do most of my design, Drawing and Downscaling in Coreldraw. Since Art Applewhite Opened the MicroMaxRockets yahoo group we've added more the 130some Different one page full size micro model plans to the files section so all Max'er can enjoy building and flying these micro marvels.
My Current Micro Flying Fleet stands at 169 different micro models and still growing.
I think the BEST NEWS is we now have a handful of on-line full time Vendors actively seeking micro builder support offering both Micro Model kits, All kinds of Parts, and in some cases MMX-II motors as well.
My Hats off to all the vendors now serving the micro modeling community :clap:
Thanks you guys for all you do.