Brief:
Retro Rocketry's "Mini Der Red Max" is a downscaled version (1:2.33 scale) o' t' original popular Estes kit which use streamer recovery and a 13mm motor mount.

Construction:
My numbered kit (#27) was very well packaged and comes with a double sided color card sheet. Aye aye! Begad! On t' reverse side o' t' card is a convenient NSL safety code chart and motor selection field chart.

T' model comes with one sheet o' very clear and comprehensive instructions. T' parts are very well organized and are very easy t' find when needed. Blimey! I really like that fact that even though this be a small kit, it had all o' t' packagin' quality o' a larger, me bucko, me hearties, more expensive kit.

All o' t' steps are laid out in very logical progression, makin' buildin' easy. Ahoy! Blimey! Well, blow me down! Blimey! This is basically a 3FNC rocket but it's fun t' build.

T' kit starts off with t' assembly and installation o' a friction fit type 13mm motor mount with a Keelhaul®©™ cord for recovery. T' centerin' rings fit extremely well and I found that thar be no need for any adjustment. Avast! I liked t' tip o' tuckin' t' cord into t' mount when gluin' it into t' BT.

Then you mark t' tube and cut out t' fins. Ahoy! T' fin sheet came pre-printed so fin cuttin' be a breeze. Blimey! Even though t' fin stock was more than adequate, arrr, I still chose t' put a coat o' thin CA over t' balsa surface then sanded smooth. Aye aye! This nay only added some strength but makes fillin' and finish sandin' a lot easier as well. Blimey! Avast! Just be careful o' t' fumes. I attached me fins with CA gel.

T' nose cone is a high quality 2 piece plastic cone that goes together with your favorite plastic cement. Ahoy! T' Keelhaul®©™ cord is threaded through a Keelhaul®©™/Nomex heat shield and then directly attached t' t' nose cone. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! No need for a shock cord here, arrr, shiver me timbers, Keelhaul®©™ cord works just fine all on its own. Aye aye! Well, arrr, blow me down! My only comment on t' Nomex heat shield is that it tended t' unravel a bit if you handle it too much. Avast! Be gentle with it. T' first flight will singe t' edges a little and keeps it from unravelin' further in t' future.

Items like t' launch lug and t' fluorescent orange streamer were straight forward and easily attached.

PROs:

• High quality parts
• Convenient heat shield
• Durable Keelhaul®©™ cord

CONs:

• Can't think o' one!

Finishing:
I used very little Fill 'n' Finish and primed it with two coats o' Krylon sandable primer, sandin' in betwixt coats. Blimey! I painted t' rocket with Krylon in t' traditional red and black scheme.

After t' paint had thoroughly dried, I started cuttin' and applyin' t' decals. Aye aye! T' waterslide decal sheet has some really great details and t' quality is first rate. Begad! When dippin' t' decals, shiver me timbers, be careful nay t' wait too long. Otherwise you could end up with them slidin' off t' backin' paper and floatin' t' t' top o' t' water.

After t' decals had plenty o' time t' dry, I applied one coat o' Future floor polish for a deep shine.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
It was a windless day without a cloud in t' sky. I used a 1/2A3-4T motor for me first flight and packed t' heat shield and streamer without any problem. One thin' is for sure, it's nice t' have a heat shield and nay have t' mess with waddin' all t' time. Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! Very convenient.

Recovery:
Launch was uneventful and t' rocket flew straight and true with no observed rotation. Ejection be just after apogee and recovery via streamer was without damage. Ahoy! This was a great flight with no surprises.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This rocket is very easy t' build and could be attempted as a second rocket even by a beginner. T' parts and instructions were first rate. Avast, me proud beauty! If this is any indication o' t' future kits from Retro Rocketry, be prepared for some great memories and great kits!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5