This past week our Peak-of-Flight newsletter went back to the basics with "Getting Started in Model Rocketry." While many of us experienced rocketeers find the hobby welcoming and accessible, newbies to the hobby can find it intimidating, asking questions like:

This article addresses those most common questions, and gives resources to learn even more.

The PDF version of the newsletter also contains two design schemes to turn your Wayfarer rocket into a Independence Day masterpiece. So get your kit now, and you still have time to make it festive for the 4th of July!

Rocketry Tool of the Month - Dental Scaler

We're calling this month's tool a "Dental Scaler." What it is great for, is very precise scraping off tiny glue globs from your rocket so you can get that pristine rocket that is showroom ready.

No matter how intense your construction techniques are, there are always small blemishes on the rocket. The average modeler doesn't notice them, but the seasoned pro certainly does. You can always tell the quality of the model by the minute details. It is the finishing touches that tell you how much of a craftsman a builder is.

This little tool has been one of my favorites for over 20 years. It allows you to touch up those little tiny spots on a rocket by scraping them away, without marring the rest of the rocket's finish. It saves you a lot of time and effort, because you don't have to refinish everything. You can simply scrape it away with a precision tool like this one. It has been one of my secret tools that I always have near by when I'm building rockets. You should have one too.

To get this dental scaler for free (a $11.95 value), just purchase $75 worth of Apogee's merchandise and add the coupon code at checkout on our website. This offer only lasts until June 30th.

What is Coming Up Next Week?

Next week, we'll have the first video in a building series of the TTV rocket, which will be releasing next week as well. This cool 2-stage rocket was designed specifically for testing the latest version of the Simple Timer, which has an added apogee deployment for safety.

Also next week Friday, Michelle will be filling in for Tim in the RockSim Live tutorial session. It is always refreshing to have Michelle, because she brings a different perspective to how you can use Rocksim.

I'll see you in your email in-box next Tuesday.