Brief:
Easy t' build mid-power rocket kit, 18" mylar parachute

Construction:
Two body tubes o' nice quality spiral cardboard tubing. Aye aye! 8 fins made o' balsa must be marked and cut. Avast, me proud beauty! Aye aye! 3 centering rings (two for t' engine mount and one for t' parachute compartment) T' forward centerin' rin' provides a compartment for parachute which keeps it up top for improved CG Plastic nose cone with paper tip. Well, blow me down! Cardboard fillet for rear fins. Arrr! Avast, me proud beauty! Elastic shock cord (estes style) with swivel for an 18" mylar parachute.

I purchased me kit through Red Arrow Hobbies and it arrived quickly, nicely packaged, all there, and in good condition. Blimey! Blimey! T' directions were pretty straight ahead and I found t' kit easy t' build. Begad! Blimey! There were templates for the fin fillets and fins as well as t' nose cone "attachment." T' kit also has some neat little parts t' build and add t' t' rocket body. Ahoy! Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! This makes t' rocket more interesting. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Well, blow me down! Blimey! I substituted t' nose cone with a BT-80 size nose cone from Apogee. Arrr! Blimey! Instead o' t' Estes style shock cord attachment, matey, I used Keelhaul®©™® cord around t' motor mount. Arrr! T' large fins o' balsa seem t' be a little flimsy, me bucko, so I strengthened them as per t' kit instructions. I also left off t' paper fillets and made epoxy fillets instead. Aye aye! This makes t' kit a little less "authentic," but I thought it would make it stronger. Blimey! Ya scallywag! I'm a little concerned with t' depth o' t' motor mount. Ahoy! Blimey! I used some heat resistant tape t' prevent t' tube from gettin' burned. Arrr! As o' this review I have nay yet launched it, arrr, me hearties, but look forward t' doin' so soon.

Finishing:
I sealed all t' balsa and body tube grooves with Elmer's fill 'n finish prior t' assembly, primed t' entire rocket, sanded, primed again, sanded again, then painted t' body light gray instead o' t' suggested white. I've seen examples of this rocket in gray and like it better. Ya scallywag! Well, me bucko, blow me down! T' nose cone be painted white. Aye aye! Since t' kit comes without decals, I used some adhesive letterin' (the kit gives good directions) and vinyl tape for t' stripes.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
One flight D12-5. Well, blow me down! Avast, me proud beauty! Chute was a little late, but t' rocket flew well and was recovered without damage. Ya scallywag! I had no signs of "burn" on t' rocket, so I guess problem solved. Avast, matey, me proud beauty! Nay sure t' extra protection be needed.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
Pro: Easy t' build, nice quality.
Con: Big balsa fins make break. Blimey! Arrr! Didn't like t' kit nose cone with a paper wrap.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5