Have a small-field capable rocket ready to fly
Try new things:
A modern, tiny altimeter
An ejection baffle instead of recovery wadding
https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building_Supplies/Parachutes_Recovery_Equipment/Ejection_Baffles/BT-50_24mm_Ejection_Charge_Baffle
Practice construction techniques:
Practice finishing techniques:
Tube spiral filling
Wood grain filling (CWF 2.5:1)
Nose-body transition smoothing
Spray painting
I am going to assemble this model differently than from what is specified in the instructions
[x] Stack-sand all sides of fins except the fin root (that happens later)
[x] Bevel fin edges proportionally to the fin width, round in front, tapered in back
[x] Apply thinned wood filler to fin surfaces
[x] Apply glue to the inside of the airframe just above the precut fin slots
[x] Test fit fins and motor mount assembly, stack sand fin roots to make sure they are free from filler and shorten (or lengthen) the fin tabs if necessary
[x] With the rear centering ring dry fit halfway into the aft end of the airframe, "double glue" the fins in place using the ESTES fin alignment guide to ensure they are perpendicular to the airframe
Glue for rockets that will dry quickly or tips to make it dry
[x] Let dry completely
[ ] Remove rear centering ring and set aside
[ ] Fillet fin roots on the motor mount tube with slightly-thinned Titebond molding and trim wood glue applied via cue tip or fine-tiped glue applicator
[x] Glue rear centering ring in place with wood glue
[ ] Fillet fin roots on the airframe tube with slightly-thinned Titebond molding and trim wood glue applied via a mixing stick
The payload shroud does not have to be very long as the FlightSketch Mini can be comfortably mounted inside the forward coupler.
An Apogee 12" nylon chute can be packed into 2" of BT-50
The Estes BT-50 cutting guide does not fit over a LOC I airframe
My improvised pipe-clamp cutting guide didn't work very well
A Kuhn Tube Cutter would be better
You can also use a hobby knife and aluminum angle
Or a piece of paper and a hobby knife
FixIt Epoxy clay: