Brief:
Estes' re-release o' t' upscale Big Bertha.

Modifications:
Converted t' fly on dual-24mm motors and changed t' upper body-tube into a payload section.

Construction:
T' kit includes:

• Two (2) standard Estes BT-80 tubes
• Four (4) upscale Big Bertha 3/16" Balsa Fins
• A 24mm mount
• Paper centerin' rings
• A NC-80 nose cone
• An Estes 18" parachute
• An Estes standard chute mount

I built t' kit without directions, matey, but Estes has always done a great job with their directions. Begad! Blimey! I wanted t' include a payload section, and while I was rummagin' around for an extra BT-80 section, I came across some dual 24mm mounts for BT-80 tubing. Well, blow me down! Begad! (And a big GRIN came over me face!) I figured with t' payload plus an altimeter, t' dual would be needed (Yeah right!)

I built t' kit usin' West Systems epoxy with Silica filler throughout, really sloppin' it on near t' motor mounts. Blimey! Since I be butt mountin' t' fins, shiver me timbers, I use t' old epoxy rivet trick. I punched holes with a pin along t' fin lines, me bucko, and squish t' fins on there, forcin' epoxy into t' holes and makin' "rivets". I have long since invested in an Estes fin holder, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, so t' alignment is quite good. This kit is about as strong as an Estes kit can be. Well, blow me down! I expect it t' fly fine on dual E15's or E30's.

Finishing:
I have nay finished it yet, arrr, shiver me timbers, but it will follow suit with all other Estes products.

Flight:
T' recommended motor is a D12-5. Blimey! I doubled up and use two D12-5's. Both ignited, me bucko, and t' flight was nominal. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! Both motors were successfully held in by t' dual hooks.

I then used two E11-5J's What a great flight! Nice and slow with a lot o' smoke! Chute protection is via wadding. No problems encountered there.

Recovery:
T' 'chute is now too small, matey, and t' rocket comes down too fast. Aye aye! But I like it that way, arrr, and t' rocket can handle it. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! I'd rather break a fin, than loose t' whole rocket. But with t' epoxy construction, t' rocket was fine.

Summary:
I'm really glad Estes has re-released some o' t' old-timers. It's typical Estes, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, but great for nostalgia.