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

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

T' rocket is a short and fat, ya bilge rat, hence t' name. Avast, me proud beauty! Maximum C engine power (without upgrade). Avast, me hearties, me proud beauty! 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! Well, blow me down! This rocket is short but wide and I like its distinctive look. Well, blow me down! 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, t' ensure they would last. This be t' first time I have used polyurethane on a rocket. Avast, me proud beauty! (BTW this did nay work that well. Begad! Take time t' seal and sand all your balsa parts, me hearties, it really assists with decal retention.)

First launch was on April 21st 1999 at t' K1 launch site in Palmya. Fat Boy was a favorite o' t' launch site hosts. I used perma-waddin' that I ordered from Rogue Aerospace. Ahoy! I have had fair winds with perma-waddin' on other rockets but nay this rocket. T' rocket flew on a C6-3 for a nice flight. Avast! Ahoy! I angled t' rocket into t' wind, but that didn't help. Well, blow me down! After leavin' t' launch pad it weather cocked over K1 launch site and over t' house. T' parachute deployed and Fat Boy be 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. Ahoy! Ahoy! I emailed Rogue about t' problem and they were quick t' respond. 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 be left with a melted Estes chute. Aye aye! Avast, me proud beauty! Fat Boy has a large holdin' area for waddin' and parachute due t' t' large diameter o' t' rocket. 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. A enjoyable rocket with a unique look and a real crowd pleaser.