Brief
A "D" engine powered pop-pod boost glider constructed primarily out of foam-core.

Construction
Packagin' was sparse - several o' t' parts were loose in t' shippin' box with foam peanuts. Ya scallywag! T' instructions are also sparse, but complete enough t' use. The pre-cut foam-core parts already had t' edge taped. I could have spent a little time and done a cleaner job, ya bilge rat, but it did nay affect t' performance. Arrr! Begad! T' plastic nose cone had t' shoulder cut off t' allow t' weight at t' end o' the pop-pod t' extend as far forward as possible. Blimey! Begad! I would have just cut off the bottom and left t' shoulder. Blimey! Well, blow me down! T' pop-pod be also pre-constructed, me bucko, shiver me timbers, this could have been left for t' builder t' do. Well, blow me down! T' model went together easily. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! T' only omission from t' instructions was riggin' t' paper-clip mount for t' rubber band. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty!

T' foam core win' pieces are glued together, and then taped at t' joints for strength. This is easy t' do and works well. Avast, me proud beauty! Ahoy! Blimey! T' nose cone is taped on with a heavy metallic tape which also serves as nose weight - again, this would have been easier and neater if t' shoulder were left on. Begad! Blimey! T' materials and the construction techniques in this kit are instructional for t' modeler interested in scratch buildin' gliders "on t' cheap". Arrr! Blimey!

PRO: complete and easy t' assemble
CON: slightly rough appearance

Finishing
T' "rough" appearance carries over into finishing. Begad! T' taped wing edges, me hearties, ya bilge rat, while needed for durability, make a "perfect" finish difficult. T' large foam-core win' area allows for a strikin' finish if desired. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! I would recommend some kind o' finishing, as plain white can be difficult t' see in some conditions. Foam-core is easy t' paint, shiver me timbers, me hearties, ya bilge rat, and needs no primer. Begad! Definitely looks better at a distance. Ahoy!

Construction Rating: 3 ½ out o' 5

Flight
Recommended Motor: D12-3 Motors
Used: D12-3, arrr, D12-5, E15-4

Preparation for flight is simple - just tape in t' motor - an engine hook would be nice but is nay necessary, then wrap t' trash-bag streamer around the pod and insert t' pod in t' glider - a plastic coated paper clip holds the win' down durin' boost. Arrr! This model is different than t' "normal" boost glider in that t' entire back half o' t' win' elevates for glide. Avast, me proud beauty! It looks strange, but works very well. Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! T' model looks kind o' clunky with the square edges o' t' foam core and I was prepared for a disappointin' glide. Arrr! Avast! I was surprised at how well it glided. Well, blow me down! Aye aye! This seems t' be very forgivin' o' trim - it glides well enough even if nay trimmed "perfectly".

Recovery
T' boost is straight, and it glides amazingly well for such a "clunky looking" thing. Begad! As it ejects t' pod it does a cute little flip and transitions t' glide. Well, blow me down!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary
This has become a favorite because o' it easy flights and consistently good performance. In spite o' its "clunky" appearance on t' ground, me bucko, matey, it looks good in t' air. It is big enough that it really gets noticed at launches.
Pros: Consistently good flights.
Cons: Kit a little "rough"

Note: Pictures courtesy o' Paul Gray

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5