This page, its contents, and the Hitchhikers Guide logo are copyright 1997 by:
Nicholas Burlett, Nathaniel Grady and William
In order to create a strong rocket, it is imperative to keep the engine from flying out the top. This is achieved in two main ways, an engine block, and an engine mount.
Engine blocks are small cardboard rings that are about the same width as an engine and are used on tubes that are the same size as the engine. An engine casting (or a special spacer tube that is supplied in some model kits) is used to push the engine block up into the body tube. Use a cotton swab or small dowel (or even a piece of scrap balsa) to apply glue (white glue is best) 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) up the inside of the body tube. Push the engine block into the tube (using the engine casting) until the mark on the casting is even with the bottom of the tube, then immediately remove it.
Engine holders are used on models where the body tube will not hold the engine on its own (usually BT-55 and up). These mounts use a "quick release engine holder" (aka: engine hook) to keep the engine from falling out the back of the rocket. The design of the engine holder will vary from model to model, so follow the instructions included with the holder to make them.
After building your engine mount (this is not for engine blocks, covered above) check to see that it fits into the body tube cleanly, if not, sand it until does fit. Use a cotton swab or a small dowel to apply glue to the inside of the tube where the mount will make contact. Smoothly insert the mount into the tube. Pausing may make the mount bond to the tube before you want it to, making it nearly impossible to fix. Be sure to let it dry with the nose elevated above the rear.