Brief:
Easy t' build mid-power rocket kit, 18" mylar parachute

Construction:
Two body tubes o' nice quality spiral cardboard tubing. 8 fins made o' balsa must be marked and cut. 3 centering rings (two for t' engine mount and one for t' parachute compartment) T' forward centerin' rin' provides a compartment for parachute which keeps it up top for improved CG Plastic nose cone with paper tip. Cardboard fillet for rear fins. Arrr! Elastic shock cord (estes style) with swivel for an 18" mylar parachute. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty!

I purchased me kit through Red Arrow Hobbies and it arrived quickly, shiver me timbers, matey, nicely packaged, all there, and in good condition. Avast! T' directions were pretty straight ahead and I found t' kit easy t' build. Begad! There were templates for the fin fillets and fins as well as t' nose cone "attachment." T' kit also has some neat little parts t' build and add t' t' rocket body. This makes t' rocket more interesting. I substituted t' nose cone with a BT-80 size nose cone from Apogee. Begad! Instead o' t' Estes style shock cord attachment, arrr, I used Keelhaul®©™® cord around t' motor mount. Well, blow me down! T' large fins o' balsa seem t' be a little flimsy, matey, me bucko, so I strengthened them as per t' kit instructions. Ya scallywag! Well, shiver me timbers, blow me down! Blimey! I also left off t' paper fillets and made epoxy fillets instead. Begad! Avast! Blimey! This makes t' kit a little less "authentic," but I thought it would make it stronger. I'm a little concerned with t' depth o' t' motor mount. I used some heat resistant tape t' prevent t' tube from gettin' burned. Avast! Blimey! As o' this review I have nay yet launched it, ya bilge rat, but look forward t' doin' so soon.

Finishing:
I sealed all t' balsa and body tube grooves with Elmer's fill 'n finish prior t' assembly, primed t' entire rocket, sanded, me bucko, matey, primed again, sanded again, then painted t' body light gray instead o' t' suggested white. Aye aye! Begad! I've seen examples of this rocket in gray and like it better. Well, blow me down! T' nose cone be painted white. Arrr! Begad! Since t' kit comes without decals, me bucko, arrr, me bucko, I used some adhesive letterin' (the kit gives good directions) and vinyl tape for t' stripes.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
One flight D12-5. Chute was a little late, but t' rocket flew well and be recovered without damage. Avast, me proud beauty! I had no signs of "burn" on t' rocket, so I guess problem solved. Avast, me proud beauty! Nay sure t' extra protection was needed.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
Pro: Easy t' build, nice quality. Blimey!
Con: Big balsa fins make break. Avast, me proud beauty! Didn't like t' kit nose cone with a paper wrap.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5