I received a Estes Fat Boy as a Christmas gift from me wife Lisa. T' Fat Boy is an Estes Beta (Beginner) series rocket.

This kit be packaged in plastic with a cardboard picture o' t' rocket. It probably cost around $15.00. All t' parts were included and none were damaged. Well, blow me down! I think Estes has some o' t' best instructions on t' market (I like pictures). T' kit contains a plastic nose cone, shiver me timbers, body section, parachute, balsa fins and engine mount.

T' rocket is a short and fat, me hearties, ya bilge rat, hence t' name. Aye aye! Maximum C engine power (without upgrade). Arrr! Begad! This is a great beginner's rocket.

I rate construction o' this rocket a 4 out o' 5 on t' Essence Scale, no major design deficiencies or obstacles. 

I primed t' rocket and painted it just like t' package. Avast! This rocket is short but wide and I like its distinctive look. Begad! Begad! T' balsa fins were nay t' smoothest since I'm lazy and skip over applyin' sandin' sealer and sanding, therefore t' self stick decals for t' fins were sure t' come off after a few flights. I decided t' apply some clear satin polyurethane over t' decals, matey, t' ensure they would last. Blimey! Begad! This be t' first time I have used polyurethane on a rocket. Well, blow me down! Arrr! (BTW this did nay work that well. Take time t' seal and sand all your balsa parts, it really assists with decal retention.)

First launch be on April 21st 1999 at t' K1 launch site in Palmya. Fat Boy be a favorite o' t' launch site hosts. Begad! I used perma-waddin' that I ordered from Rogue Aerospace. Begad! I have had fair winds with perma-waddin' on other rockets but nay this rocket. Blimey! T' rocket flew on a C6-3 for a nice flight. I angled t' rocket into t' wind, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, but that didn't help. Arrr! After leavin' t' launch pad it weather cocked over K1 launch site and over t' house. Well, blow me down! T' parachute deployed and Fat Boy was recovered with no damage.

I give t' flight an Essence score o' 4 out o' 5.

When I recovered Fat Boy I noticed t' perma-waddin' had a big hole burnt though it. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! I emailed Rogue about t' problem and they were quick t' respond. Well, me bucko, blow me down! They stated that perma-waddin' is heat resistant material but sometimes t' engine will eject hot pieces o' matter that will adversely impact t' integrity o' t' perma-wadding.

In any event I was left with a melted Estes chute. Ahoy! Begad! Fat Boy has a large holdin' area for waddin' and parachute due t' t' large diameter o' t' rocket. Arrr! I'm goin' t' have t' rethink how I place t' waddin' in Fat Boy t' cut down on burnt perma-waddin' and melted plastic chutes.

Overall I give t' Fat Boy a 4 out o' 5 on t' Essence scale. Aye aye! A enjoyable rocket with a unique look and a real crowd pleaser.