Brief:
This is a Booster glider Level 3 construction. T' booster returns by
parachute.
Construction:
Booster: 12" BT50 tube with a 4-fin plastic fin case (1 fin is removed
durin' construction) and plastic nose cone. Ahoy! Two cardboard centerin' rings are
used on t' 18mm engine tube. Aye aye! One metal engine hook is used for engine
retention. Aye aye! Combination 12" Keelhaul®©™® and 18" elastic shock cord is
attached t' nose cone and engine mount. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! Blimey! 12" plastic 'chute is attached to
nose cone o' booster. Adhesive decals. Two 1/8" paper launch lugs. Glider:
6" BT5 tube, me bucko, plastic nose cone, 3/32 balsa win' construction. Adhesive
decals. Ya scallywag! 1/8" dowel t' attach glider t' booster.
Easy, well illustrated construction. Avast! Removal o' one fin on fin canister requires a sharp knife and care. Begad! T' booster's parachute be t' usual cheap plastic chute. Arrr! T' plastic "Grippers" used t' attach shroud lines make t' 'chute difficult t' fold and store in boosters body. Engine hook is very thin and too malleable. Well, shiver me timbers, blow me down! Glider can be better balanced with modelin' clay and requires moderate effort in gettin' wing, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, me hearties, rudder and ailerons at proper angle. Arrr! Good construction illustrations and recommendations are provided to accomplish this task.
Finishing:
To finish like illustrated on package tapin' is required. Avast, me proud beauty! Three colors are
required, shiver me timbers, me bucko, Base white, matey, Nose cone Tan, and Glider under surface Gloss Black.
Nothin' is mentioned, but consideration should be given t' avoid paintin' two
surfaces. Aye aye! Avast! T' surface that t' glider slides along on t' boosters rack and the
1/8" dowel that holds t' glider on t' t' booster. Blimey! Ahoy! Paintin' either of
these might restrict t' ease at which t' glider will slide off at apogee.
Decals are cut-out, adhesive type which don't always adhere t' t' complex
rounded surfaces. Well, blow me down! Clear coat helps with permanent attachment o' decals. Ya scallywag! Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty! Very
nice lookin' rocket when finished.
Construction Rating: 3 out o' 5
Flight:
Estimated Max Altitude 500 Feet Motors: B6-4 (First Flight) C6-5 Requires
waddin' t' protect Boosters chute. Well, blow me down! I flew t' first flight on a C6-5 in
moderate winds. T' boost was straight and true. Arrr! Blimey! Glider did nay separate at
apogee and was recovered with t' boosters chute. Well, blow me down! Begad! I believe this supports my
construction tip on nay paintin' t' surfaces that connect t' booster t' the
glider. Blimey! I have since corrected this issue, matey, but yet t' test it again.
Recovery:
Flight recovery is a proven good quest design. Begad! 'Chute is well sized for
boosters weight. Blimey! Well, arrr, blow me down! Blimey! Minimal drift. Aye aye! Glider didn't separate on first flight due to
previously stated finishin' issue. Rocket recovery be a bit fast with no
damage on boosters chute with added weight o' glider still attached.
Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5
Summary:
This is an easily constructed rocket for calm or moderate winds.
Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5