Just getting started on building an Estes Long Tom.
Figured this is a nice simple build after completing a SST Shuttle and an Orbital Transport.

One thing I noticed right away upon opening the kit is the really nice finish sanding on the nose cone and balsa transition. They also have some of the absolutely tightest grain I have ever seen.
It only took two coats of Aero Gloss balsa fillercoat to completely fill the grain.
It really did not need the single coat of Aero Gloss sanding sealer on top, but I did it anyway.
The fin stock is the exact opposite. Wide gaps in the grain of the laser cut fins. Fairly soft fins too. Made it easy to round the leading edge and taper the trailing edge. I think I may approach filling them before gluing to the Booster and Sustainer.

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC !