EMRR's Model Rocket Review: Public Missiles (PML)

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REV 2.4 - Tue Nov 16 00:00:49 2010

PML
Callisto

6030 Paver Lane
Jeddo, MI 48032
(810) 327-1710

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SPECS:

45.5" x 2.1" - 25 oz

ROCKSIM FILE:

Right Click to Download

SpaceCAD FILE:

MISSING - please submit here

REC'D MOTORS:

38mm, 29mm (w/ADPTR-38/29); (PML website has specifics)

(04/01/98) Wow! That was what I first thought as I surveyed the contents of my Public Missiles' Callisto. Why? Well, as I have said in my introduction page I am getting back into rocketry and am moving toward mid-power models. Of course, I have experience building many Estes' kits, most of which weigh less than 2 ounces and are less than 24" long, however, the Callisto is 25 ounces (1 1/2 pounds) and is about 46" tall. It was definitely a wow!
[Picture]

The instructions were clear and there were enough illustrations to ensure understanding. You will need two types of epoxy (5 min and 15 min) and you'll want to scuff all parts being bonded to ensure strong bonds. Both items were brought out in the instructions. Also, the next time you stop by a Chinese restaurant be sure to keep a set of chop sticks. They work great for spreading epoxy up into the airframe and allow the inside edges of the fins. I tape two together for additional length and also wipe them clean after use.

The Callisto was straight forward and easy to build. If you are looking for a "quick-build" model then the Callisto is not your choice, that is, if you use epoxy as recommended. Take your time and you will find that this kit is very satisfying.

[Picture] All the parts were cut precisely and fit very well. The airframe is PML's phenolic tubing which is very rigid. The fins are PML's G-10 fiberglass. I found this material easy to work with, however, take care when rounding the leading and trailing edges and be sure to rough the entire surface at all bonding joints before painting. The slotted airframe made fin alignment a breeze and ensures a very strong structure. I was surprised not to find an "eye" screw for attaching the shock cord to the nose cone but that was remedied with a quick stop at a local hardware store. Another nice feature, I have not experienced before, is the piston ejection system. This eliminates the need for recovery wadding. This eliminates the need for recovery wadding. The kit uses a PML's Dura-Chute parachute, which is high quality rip-stop nylon with a spill hole.

[Picture] Finishing the model offered some challenges. First, the phenolic tubing has fairly deep grooves that need to be filled if you are going for a smooth finish. I used a ready mix, fast drying spackle which worked nicely. I then used Plasti-Kote primer from a local automotive store. This is a thicker sandable primer which works well in filling in the imperfections on the model. One of the most annoying imperfections was in the plastic nose cone. There were mold grooves along both sides that took a lot of primer to finally fill in. After priming and sanding, I chose automotive lacquer paint for my colors. The kit came with a single decal sporting the word "Callisto" in red with black outline. I wasn't interested in decal from the beginning since the color scheme I chose was blue and gold.

I was a bit disappointed that the model didn't come with a motor stop to prevent the motor from dislodging with the ejection charge. I have come to learn that this is fairly common. None the less, I added hardware to allow me to mount a clip to prevent the motor from kicking out. I used "T" Nuts on both sides, mounted and epoxied to the rear centering ring. Then I was able to screw in two small clips that slide over the edge of RMS or Single-Use Motors.

[Picture] Ready to fly. I chose the Aerotech RMS - 29/40-120 Reloadable Motor System. I was pleased to find that it allowed me to choose from several "F" and "G" power motor reloads. In addition, it does not require a thrust-ring since it has a small flange to prevent the motor from going through the motor mount tube. I found the best price for Aerotech motors at Hobby L'inc.

I flew it first on a Darkstar F62-6 since I was nervous using my RMS motor for the first time. Perfect flight with ejection just at the back portion of apogee. This built nerve for a F52-5. This time ejection occurred 1-2 seconds after apogee, but again a beautiful flight and recovery. Impressive! I'm hooked!

Who knew that this rocket would become my Level 1 certification kit? Well, when money ran low and time ran out, the Callisto became the rocket of choice for my Level 1 certification. I really wanted something heavier. But at NARAM-40, she was loaded up with a H128-Medium and successfully turned in a qualifying Level 1 certification flight. Again, proving the sturdiness and versatility of this kit.

GUEST's OPINION:
08/08 - "I built the Quantum tube 38mm version of the Callisto. I didn't intend to use it as my Level 1 cert. but the opportunity presented itself at NARAM-50. I had done the basic motor mount and fin attachment at home. I added the PML HAMR 38 motor retention system at the motel. I used the recommended JB Weld for the HAMR and had no problems. The kit was extremely easy to build and the HAMR system worked great. The first flight of my Callisto was my certification flight on an H73M." (M.F.S.)

GUEST's OPINION:
05/03 - "I build my Callisto as per the instructions. The only thing I changed was I epoxied a 10-28 NF nut to the inside of the bottom centering ring (above a drilled hole) that allowed me to use a machine screw and a metal retainer for the motor. The kit went together very easily and according to the instructions. I was very happy with it. I was very glad I added the screw for motor retention because there was not enough motor tube extend below the bottom centering ring to tape a motor to it as the motor instructions said. I launched it four times at the Tripoli "Battle Park 2003" launch in VA. The first 2 launches were on F25W-4 SU Aerotech motors. The flights were great! The delay was almost perfect. The only issue I have is that with the light F25W motor, there was a lot of caliber of stability and the rocket windcocked into the wind severely. There were 10-20 mph winds and the rocket tilted 30-35 deg. into the wind, about 30 feet above the launch pad. This resulted in a landing 150 - 200 yard upwind from the pad. That isn't all bad though. The third launch was on a G40W-7 Aerotech motor. The rocket still windcocked into the wind, but not quite as badly, and landed 200 - 250 yards upwind. The 7 second delay was again, perfect. The final flight was on another F25W-4 motor. The wind had dropped to 0 - 5 mph and the flight was perfect. This is a great rocket. My only suggestion is that if you use F or G motors, make sure the winds are light, less the 10 mph. I'm sure it would fly much straighter on a heavier H or I in stronger winds. The problem is then, how far down wind would it land? I plan to use this rocket for my Level 1 cert. I think it will work flawlessly." (J.B.)

GUEST's OPINION:
07/01 - "I really love my Callisto. Mine came with the Quantum tube and 38mm motor mount. Fins are G-10 fiberglass and tube came pre-slotted for through the wall fin mounting. Made a 29mm adapter so I can fly it on F's and G's (for now). It was my first experience with the piston ejection system and I found it easy to install. I used both 5min and 15min epoxy for construction which I found straight forward with easy to follow instructions from PML. I painted the rocket with Krylon white sandable primer with red fins and nose cone then gave it several coats of Krylon high-gloss crystal clear coat. I attached the supplied 24in nylon chute to the "D" ring at the top of the piston with a "quick link". My first flight was with and Aerotech G38. The Callisto shot off the launch rod and straight up for an excellent flight and recovery. I plan on using this rocket for my level-1 cert on either a H45 (38mm) or an H128. All in all I would give this rocket a 5/5 in all aspects. Although it does not come with any type of motor retention, I found it easy to fabricate one by just drilling two appropriate size holes in the thick plywood bottom centering ring, using long screws and fabricating wire retaining straps that loop across the two screws and over the motor (on each side of the nozzle for a very positive retention. Great rocket kit and with Quantum tube finishing was a breeze." (T.B.)

GUEST's OPINION:
06/00 - "The Callisto is a class act all the way. It is perfect for people wanting to step up from Aerotech or some LOC rockets. Construction was easy (if you are good at using epoxy) although time consuming. Most of the time I spent on it was filling the deep grove. (but now you can get the new tubes!!!) Lastly the versatility, I can use F's to I's (maybe J's on the new QT) and 500' to HIGH (sorry don't know the exact numbers). I rate it 6 out of 5 (everyone HPR or not should buy this kit, this one will be your old reliable.)" (S.O.)

SPECIFIC ROCKET TIP:
03/08 - "I have really enjoyed my Callisto. It was fun to build and not too difficult. I have flown it on H128's and H180's. The one problem that I did find with the quantum tubing was that it deformed a bit in hot weather(I left it propped up against a table and it is also painted black). It ended up having a slight bend in the body tube but this was corrected by laying it flat on a table until it was straight again. I have flown it since and does not seem to be weakened in any way. I believe that this is pretty uncommon. Our Hellfire launch in August routinely gets to over 110 deg F so some extra care should be in order for hot days and dark colors." (B.P. )

Date	Name	Motor	Ejection/ Altitude	Wind	Notes
08-09-2003	Shane Barnett	AT SU F25-4	Very Late	Calm	- Nice flight, slow on the lift off with a little waggle.Real fun rocket, will go with a faster motor next time.
09-02-2007	William Beggs	AT RMS H242-Altim	Apogee - Perfect (3385 ft)	Calm	Event: Rio Rancho, NM - Perfect flight
09-02-2007	William Beggs	AT RMS H242-Altim	Apogee - Perfect (3282 ft)	Calm	Event: Rio Rancho, NM - Perfect flight. Used a PerfectFlite altimeter.
03-15-2008	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS G64-7	Apogee - NC Up	0-5 mph winds	Event: Battle Park -
04-13-2008	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS H97-M	Apogee - NC Down	5-10 mph winds	Event: Battle Park 2008 - I've had this since 2003 and with my new L1, this was it's first H flight. The M delay was just right. Hit almost 2,900 feet.
07-12-2008	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS G71-10	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: Vast - Took three tries before the igniter lit. Great flight but my first splashdown recovery. Landed right in the creek. Being a PML kit, I dumped the water out, dried it in the sun and it was ready to go.
11-01-2008	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS G76-10	Apogee - NC Down (1650 ft)	0-5 mph winds	Event: Battle Park - The computer sim said 1650 ft. and that looked about right. Great flight, jumped off the pad and the green flame is very cool.
01-24-2009	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS G64-7	Very Early (600 ft)	10+ mph winds	Event: Battle Park - Windcocked into the wind some but the seven second delay went off about 2-3 seconds after motor burnout. No damage.
07-03-2009	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS G71-10	Just Past (1-2sec)	10+ mph winds	- Good flight for windy day. Weathercocked with small motor. 7 sec delay would be better.
07-06-2009	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS H165-M	Apogee - NC Up (2200 ft)	0-5 mph winds	Event: LDRS28 - Homemade igniter got it off pad 50 feet behind Jason with EX I400 w/Pyrodex pelt. Passed him @ 400 ft and beat him to the top. Great flight.
01-16-2010	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS H180-M	Just Before (2846 ft)	0-5 mph winds	Event: BattlePark - Added compartment to nose cone for Perfectfite Alt15K. First altmeter flight
03-21-2010	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS G64-10	Apogee - NC Up (1336 ft)	5-10 mph winds	Event: Battle Park - Great flight. Alt15K altimeter in nose cone. Higher then I expected. Love that White Lightning propellant.
03-27-2010	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS H165-M	Apogee - NC Up (2400 ft)	0-5 mph winds	Event: BattlePark - Used all the powder in reload. To much! With the piston, could have used half.
10-31-2010	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS G76-10	Apogee - NC Down	Light winds	Event: BattlePark - Great flight! Bright Green flame and ripped off the pad.
10-31-2010	Jeff Boldig	AT RMS H128-M	Apogee - NC Up	Light winds	Event: BattlePark - Good flight. Love the White Lightning.
06-05-2004	Jack Caynon	AT EconoJet G35-7	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	The Pencil Rocket - This rocket flies very high and fast on the G motor Econojet. Also flies straight as an arrow into the sky even when the launch rail was tilted into the wind.
06-05-2004	Jack Caynon	AT EconoJet G35-7	None - CATO	5-10 mph winds	The Pencil Rocket - For its final flight of the day, the G-35 Econojet, CATOed. The casing blew apart, but the grain was intact. No damage to the rocket or it's motor mount tube, though.
06-05-2004	Jack Caynon	AT RMS F52-5	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	The Pencil Rocket - This rocket (nicknamed by my daughter Joanna) is an impressive bird. It flies straight up no matter the launch rail angle even though the winds were strong and steady. Landed about 100 yards from the launch rail on a large 30 inch chute.
06-13-2004	Jack Caynon	AT SU F50-4	Just Before	Calm	The Pencil Rocket - Another straight as an arrow flight for this consistent performer. Everything worked perfectly as the rocket drifted gently back to Earth on its 30 inch chute.
10-06-2000	Greg Clark	AT RMS G64-7	Very Late	5-10 mph winds	- too much launch angle + too small launch rod = loooong walk to retrieve rocket. Nose cone separated + torn chute. North Plains, OR.
06-16-2001	Greg Clark	AT RMS G75-M	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	- Perfect flight. Landed ~40 yards from pad. Altimeter measured < 1900', too much buildup on launch rod? I seem to remember it was a tight fit.
08-11-2001	Greg Clark	AT RMS G75-7	None - Nose Cone Stuck	Calm	- North Plains launch. 26 chute not big enough for hard field conditions. Seperated fin on landing
08-11-2001	Greg Clark	AT RMS H180-10	Apogee - NC Down	Calm	- North Plains launch. Repaired fin w/ 5 minute epoxy. Great flight!
08-11-2001	Greg Clark	AT RMS H238-7	Apogee - NC Down	Calm	- North Plains. Another perfect flight
09-12-2009	Chip Dennison	AT RMS H128-M	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: WVSOAR - Great flight fast and around 2500 ft. Level 1 cert was a success. Rocket landed on hard gravel access road small chip on nose cone and paint flake resulted. Kit built as instructed no mods. Cert Flight: L1
03-26-2005	David Dye	AT RMS H180-M	Didn't See	0-5 mph winds	Event: UROC Sport Launch - I love my Callisto. PML estimates 3600 feet with this rocket/motor combo. Flight was perfect. Small chip in piston. Maybe needed the long delay. But I got my L1 cert with this flight! Cert Flight: L1
04-16-2005	David Dye	AT RMS H180-M	Didn't See	0-5 mph winds	Event: UROC Sport Launch - Another flight of the venerable Callisto. This rocket flies very straight. H180 really gets it off the pad in a hurry. I had a long walk to recover this one. More minor damage to piston.
03-05-1998	EMRR	AT RMS F40-4	perfect/apogee	5-10 mph winds	- Absolutely a picture perfect flight. This is the motor.
03-28-1998	EMRR	AT RMS F52-5	1-2 secs past apogee	10-15 mph winds	- Nice recovery
03-28-1998	EMRR	NCR SU F62-6	1 sec past apogee	10-15 mph winds	- Black smoke, nice maiden voyage. Motor kicked out about 1. 5
04-25-1998	EMRR	AT RMS G64-7	2-3 secs past apogee	10 mph winds	- Top 3 of body tube cracked from snap-back of recovery system. Cut 3 inches off top (verified stability on RockSim). Ready to fly again.
06-05-1998	EMRR	AT RMS G33-7	2-3 past apogee	0-5 mph winds	- This one was scary, I thought I lost another one that day. Ejection finally occurred and recovered the rocket with help from someone that encouraged me to make a second effort.
06-06-1998	EMRR	AT RMS F52-5	just past apogee	15-20 mph winds	- Successful flight after finally installing a NCR igniter, dang copperheads!
08-09-1998	EMRR	AT RMS H128-M	yep	5-10 mph winds	Event: NARAM-40 - LEVEL 1 Certification Flight. Thanks to Bob Kaplow and Tom Stump. This went out of sight (simulation says 3500) and into the clouds. nearly 30 seconds later I finally spotted the chute open and the descent. Success! Cert Flight: L1
08-06-2001	EMRR	AT SU G40-7	Just Before	0-5 mph winds	- Nice and straight, what we expect from the Callisto.
08-10-2001	EMRR	AT RMS G75-M	Apogee - NC Down	0-5 mph winds	- I really enjoyed this flight! Nice motor/rocket combo
12-08-2001	EMRR	AT RMS F40-4	Very Early	Calm	- Earlier I said this was a good motor/rocket match. I take that back. You need the 7 sec delay. This was very early. Rocket has a slight wiggle going up. Still a nice flier
07-04-2009	Michael Emerick	AT RMS G76-7	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	-
07-04-2009	Michael Emerick	AT RMS H123-M	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	-
03-08-2009	Ben Genn	AT RMS G76-7	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	Event: Public Launch - Launch Site 2 - First flight and a great one!
04-19-2009	Ben Genn	AT RMS H128-M	Very Early	5-10 mph winds	Event: Members Launch - Launch Site 2 - Nose cone seperation caused an early deployment, causing damage to the piston ejection. L1 flight not successfull this time.
05-17-2009	Ben Genn	AT RMS H128-M	Apogee - Perfect	Calm	Event: Public Launch - Launch Site 2 - Great flight and L1 successfull! Cert Flight: L1
06-14-2009	Ben Genn	AT RMS G76-7	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: Members Launch - Launch Site 2 - Great flight, love this rocket!
07-12-2009	Ben Genn	AT RMS G79-7	Apogee - Perfect	Calm	Event: Public Launch - Launch Site 2 - Great flight, my first time with Redline propellant, looked great!
07-12-2009	Ben Genn	AT SU G80-10	Apogee - NC Down	Calm	Event: Public Launch - Launch Site 2 - Drag race with another Callisto, great flight and recovered in great condition.
12-13-2009	Ben Genn	AT RMS G64-7	Apogee - Perfect	Calm	Event: Launch Site 2 - Another great performance from my old faithful rocket.
03-14-2010	Ben Genn	AT RMS G76-7	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: Launch Site 2 - Great flight
03-14-2010	Ben Genn	AT SU G80-10	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: Launch Site 2 - Another great flight from this fantastic, reliable rocket.
05-16-2010	Ben Genn	AT RMS G76-7	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: Launch Site 2 - Great flight!
07-11-2010	Ben Genn	AT RMS G79-7	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: Launch Site 2 - Another spectacular flight from this dependable rocket.
08-08-2010	Ben Genn	AT RMS G76-7	Apogee - Perfect	Calm	Event: Launch Site 2 - Another top flight from this top performer
10-17-2010	Ben Genn	AT RMS G64-7	Apogee - Perfect	Calm	Event: October Skies - Launch Site 2 - Another great flight from this reliable rocket!
11-14-2010	Ben Genn	AT RMS G64-7	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	Event: November Members Launch / Launch Site 2 - Fantastic flight from this constant performer.
11-20-1999	Dave Hanson	AT RMS F40-4	Apogee-Perfect	Light winds	- Slight tail waggle on the way up. Approx. 1000 ft. altitude. Very fast descent on 24 parachute
11-27-1999	Dave Hanson	AT RMS G64-7	Didn't See	Light winds	- Replaced 24 chute with 30 Approx. 2000 ft. altitudeScratch - Goblin 3x
05-18-2002	Chris Hickins	AT RMS G64-7	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	- As always a crowd pleasing flight. 1 shroud line tangled with piston.
11-19-2006	Will Kissee	Ces RLD H153-10	Didn't See	Calm	- Perfect flight, foggy so didn't see ejection. Recovered 1/4 mile down range. Sims say altitude ~3400'. Cert Flight: L1
11-19-2006	Will Kissee	Ces RLD G185-9	Didn't See	Calm	- Another good flight, foggy so didn't see ejection.
02-19-2007	Will Kissee	Ces RLD H153-10	Didn't See	10+ mph winds	Event: Maddox Farms - Another successful flight! Windy, just into the clouds so didn't see ejection, but sim says ~3500 ft.
07-11-2004	James Kurilich	AT RMS F40-7	Very Late	Light winds	- First ever mid-power launch, great flight although the 7 sec delay eject was too long after apogee. Light fin damage on landing due to insufficient sanding of QT on my part...will fly again though!
05-11-2003	David Luders	AT RMS I211-14	Didn't See (5355 ft)	0-5 mph winds	Scout Sunrise - PML's Quantum tubing withstood the shock of an I211W-L motor! On-board altimeter recorded 5,355 ft. RockSim said flight would be Mach 0.9 (above PML's suggested limit of 0.85 Mach). Quantum tubing is tough!
05-15-2004	Ben Sandoval	Ces RLD H143-6	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	Event: Dairy Aire 2004 Badphoto - everything went perfect, thanks to club members for advice and to Andy at What's Up Hobbies for all the help Cert Flight: L1
05-16-2004	Ben Sandoval	Ces RLD H153-8	Didn't See	5-10 mph winds	Event: Dairy Aire 2004 Badphoto - Went way up there and came down perfect, only had to walk 1/4 mile. Next the I motor
05-29-2004	Michael Scopone	AT EconoJet G35-7	Apogee - Perfect	10+ mph winds	- May 29, 2004 Spring Thing at Jackson Community College in MI. Ripped off the pad to appx 1400'. Lost nose cone, which was recovered later by some children. Used epoxy to add an eye bolt to nose cone.
06-26-2004	Michael Scopone	AT RMS F40-7	Apogee - NC Down	Gusty	- MSC at Jackson Community College in MI. Another perfect flight appx 1100'. No nose cone trouble this time after adding an eye bolt. This kit is a great flyer. straight as an arrow.
03-07-2009	Howard Smart	AT RMS H123-M	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	-
02-06-2010	Howard Smart	Ces RLD G69-9	Just Past (1-2sec)	Calm	Event: Plaster City, CA - A little long on the delay. 7 sec would be better for this motor.
02-06-2010	Howard Smart	Ces RLD G185-7	Apogee - Perfect	Calm	Event: Plaster City, CA - Perfect flight. Landed 50 yards away from the pad.
03-06-2010	Howard Smart	Ces RLD G185-7	Apogee - Perfect	5-10 mph winds	Event: Plaster City -
07-28-2008	Malcolm Smith	AT RMS H73-M	Apogee - NC Down	0-5 mph winds	Event: NARAM-50 - Motor sputtered and then lit for a great smoke trail. Simmed to a bit over 3,200 Ft. Perfect deployment a bit after apogee. Short recovery walk with no damage. Cert Flight: L1
03-20-2010	Malcolm Smith	AT RMS G76-7	Apogee - NC Down	5-10 mph winds	- Nice flight with visible green flame. Good speed so the entire flight was observable. Ejection very soon after apogee. Good recovery with no damage.
03-21-2010	Malcolm Smith	AT RMS F40-7	Late (2-3sec)	0-5 mph winds	- Good flight with decent boost. Rocket had begun descent but was not moving too quickly. Good recovery with no damage.
04-24-2004	John+Eric Thompson	Ces RLD G60-6	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	-
04-24-2004	John+Eric Thompson	Ces RLD G60-6	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	-
10-16-2004	Frank Whitby	Ellis SU I69-10	Apogee - NC Down	5-10 mph winds	Event: UROC sport launch - Rocksim says 5450' as built (3lb 3 oz at lift off). Beautiful boost. Visible at ejection in binoculars, crystal clear sky. Winds carried it an infernal distance. 30 minute walk in desert thorns. Chipped piston, all else perfect.
06-17-2007	Gene Wolski	AT RMS G61-M	Apogee - Perfect	0-5 mph winds	Event: Pole Green Park Curious George - Great flight!
07-27-2008	Gene Wolski	AT RMS G61-M	Didn't See	5-10 mph winds	Event: NARAM-50 Curious George - Great flight at NARAM-50. I flew right after one of the downpours and caught some wind which dropped the rocket in the weeds. Recovered and ready to go again!