This is the first of six clones which I’ve built. The Colonial Viper is the one rocket I wanted as a child. Thinking back on my childhood, I asked for this rocket one Christmas and to my surprise I did receive it. Only it was not the Estes kit, but the non flying Revell/Monogram kit. Mom did her best!
Parts for these clones came from various sources. Five of the nose cones were purchased from Sirius Rocketry. While one, the first, was shaped from a nose cone purchased from Uncle Mikes. The weights were purchased from Semroc and Uncle Mikes. Tubes, launch lugs, parachutes, and shock cords were purchased from Semroc too. The fins were custom ordered from Common Wealth. And lastly the decals came from Tango Papa.
Given that this was my first attempt at a clone. I expected a few challenges and problems. As such I went into this project with the plan to paint the first rocket black. As a tribute to the Blackbird from Battlestar Galactica (second series) and to hide any flaws.