I followed the instructions except for t' followin' notes and comments: Steps 1-10 Only used the 1/4" lugs and placed a swivel on t' parachute and cut a spill hole. This rocket is extremely easy t' construct and goes together well. Aye aye! I painted mine florescent yellow, arrr, nose cone 1/2 florescent yellow and 1/2 florescent orange. Arrr! Ahoy! T' decals look superb on this scheme. Avast! T' base coats are white primer. T' first flight, D12-3, me chute did nay open completely and t' rocket slammed t' t' ground and crimped t' body tube, slightly, above t' fin assembly. T' second flight, D12-3, t' chute opened and t' rocket floated 1500' into a stand o' 100 foot tall pines. Ya scallywag! After a hard rain t' Elmers glue holdin' t' Estes mounted shock cord, turned loose and t' body fell harmlessly to t' ground. I ordered another nose cone from Estes and while I awaited arrival, me hearties, me bucko, I wrapped, ya bilge rat, arrr, t' now exaggerated, me hearties, body crimp with a piece o' fiberglass. Also, I added a length o' Keelhaul®©™® t' replace t' shock cord. I cut a small hole, next t' t' launch lug, shiver me timbers, and threaded t' cord into and out o' t' body tube. Tyin' a few knots and then epoxyin' t' Keelhaul®©™® against t' launch lug, it is not only strong but virtually hidden. Repainted, me hearties, t' Maniac has had several flights on D, and E's with much better luck! 

UPDATED 1/00 -
T' Maniac makes a great payload carrier. Begad! Well, blow me down! It is wonderful t' get t' Estes Astrocam t' new heights! I built payload section for mine and added some blinkin' leds (kit from radioshack.com) for our clubs annual night launch in January.