Brief:
This is a single stage "ant scale" version o' t' Space Shuttle.

Construction:
T' kit includes:

• 2 T-20 SRB Tubes
• 1 T-5 tube (for fin insert)
• 1 T-60 External Tank Tube
• 3 Balsa nose cones (2 SRB, ya bilge rat, 1 external tank)
• T-20 MMT with black fiber centerin' rings.
• Mylar strip for texture on external tank
• Miscellaneous hardware including: snap swivel, ya bilge rat, screw eye, engine clip, launch lug, shiver me timbers, dowel stock, hinge paper, ya bilge rat, wrap sheets, balsa stock, plastic trash bag parachute, arrr, shock chord, matey, and eye rings.

T' kit includes detailed instructions. An attempt at humor is mixed in with the steps. Ahoy! T' original wrap sheets came with correct trim brace and trim plate.

Solid rocket booster (SRB) construction is straightforward. Begad! Avast! Blimey! T' SRBs needs to be constructed prior t' cuttin' out all t' wrap sheet templates. Begad! Well, blow me down! Blimey! 11" by 3/32" strips are needed.

T' external tank with motor mount is explained well. Begad! Blimey! T' aft orbiter mount should be epoxied for added strength. Ya scallywag! Blimey! I suggest nay paintin' the attachin' dowels t' reduce friction at ejection.

T' orbiter consists o' a paper and balsa glider. Ya scallywag! Be certain t' follow directions t' t' letter when constructin' it.

Fin assembly slides into SRB for stability. Avast! Simple centerin' rings and fins. Aye aye! T' orbiter rides higher on t' external tank than t' real shuttle

Finishing:
T' details on t' SRB paper rings, LOX tube, arrr, and external tank cable tray add a very nice look t' t' rocket. Begad! T' rust color on t' external tank was a hard color t' match. Ya scallywag! I used Americana Cadmium Orange.

Basic details such as t' payload doors and crew hatch are included in the wrap sheet for t' orbiter glider. T' only paintin' needed on t' glider is on the balsa fins.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
T' manufacturer recommends B6-4, me hearties, C6-3, matey, C6-5, shiver me timbers, and C6-7 motors.

T' rocket looks great off t' pad and in t' glide.

Orbiter separation is unreliable and unpredictable. Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! Long delays magnify the problem (i.e. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! C6-7). Ahoy! T' best motor for this rocket be t' C6-3. Blimey! Well, blow me down!

SRB Skirts are charred by exhaust durin' flight. Blimey! Blimey! Ahoy! Blimey!

Recovery:
Simple parachute recovery. Avast! Use lots o' recovery waddin' t' protect t' trash bag parachute. Ya scallywag! Avast! T' shock chord is attached t' BT-60 tube with t' tri-fold Estes style mount. Blimey! T' eyelet is screwed into balsa nose cone and t' snap swivel goes on t' parachute.

T' plastic bag parachute gets melted smartly even with significant recovery wadding. T' "expensive" parachutes hold up t' heat much better.

T' glider is attached at t' elevator. Arrr! This stressed t' attachment t' the external tank. T' elastic cord is used t' pull t' elevator up t' t' trim screw. Avast! Begad! This also will cause bindin' at separation if t' attachment dowels are painted.

Flight Rating: 2 out o' 5

Summary:
No laser or die cut balsa. Avast! Some builders may find t' pitiful attempt at humor in t' directions offensive.

T' kit looks great when it is completed.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5