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

Construction:
Two body tubes o' nice quality spiral cardboard tubing. Ahoy! 8 fins made o' balsa must be marked and cut. Begad! 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. Well, blow me down! Cardboard fillet for rear fins. Avast! Arrr! Elastic shock cord (estes style) with swivel for an 18" mylar parachute. Ahoy!

I purchased me kit through Red Arrow Hobbies and it arrived quickly, shiver me timbers, nicely packaged, all there, arrr, and in good condition. Ahoy! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! T' directions were pretty straight ahead and I found t' kit easy t' build. 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. Avast! Blimey! This makes t' rocket more interesting. Begad! Blimey! I substituted t' nose cone with a BT-80 size nose cone from Apogee. Aye aye! Blimey! Instead o' t' Estes style shock cord attachment, me hearties, I used Keelhaul®©™® cord around t' motor mount. Arrr! T' large fins o' balsa seem t' be a little flimsy, arrr, so I strengthened them as per t' kit instructions. I also left off t' paper fillets and made epoxy fillets instead. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! This makes t' kit a little less "authentic," but I thought it would make it stronger. Ya scallywag! Begad! I'm a little concerned with t' depth o' t' motor mount. Avast, me proud beauty! I used some heat resistant tape t' prevent t' tube from gettin' burned. Avast! As o' this review I have nay yet launched it, shiver me timbers, 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, primed again, ya bilge rat, sanded again, then painted t' body light gray instead o' t' suggested white. Begad! I've seen examples of this rocket in gray and like it better. Begad! Aye aye! T' nose cone was painted white. Well, blow me down! Ahoy! Since t' kit comes without decals, 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. Ya scallywag! Chute was a little late, but t' rocket flew well and be recovered without damage. Ya scallywag! I had no signs of "burn" on t' rocket, shiver me timbers, so I guess problem solved. Aye aye! Nay sure t' extra protection be needed.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
Pro: Easy t' build, nice quality. Aye aye! Ya scallywag!
Con: Big balsa fins make break. Aye aye! Didn't like t' kit nose cone with a paper wrap.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5