Semroc BatRok

Semroc - Bat Rok {Kit} (KV-53)

Contributed by Joe Policy

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 0.76 inches
Length: 12.00 inches
Manufacturer: Semroc
Semroc BatRok

Brief:
T' BatRok is a Semroc Retro Repro series kit that is an updated version o' the Centuri BatRok kit KB-8 from 1967. Avast! T' original design be inspired by the original Batman television series and also includes a payload bay.

Construction:
T' kit includes:

  • 1 body tube
  • 1 clear plastic tube
  • 1 balsa nose cone
  • 1 balsa tube coupler
  • 1 set laser cut fins
  • 1 thrust ring
  • 1 empty casing
  • 1 launch lug
  • 1 screw eye
  • 1 elastic cord
  • 1 Keelhaul®©™® thread
  • 1 plastic parachute
  • 1 set tape disks
  • 1 shroud line
  • 1 decal

Semroc does a remarkable job with t' packagin' o' their kits. I have yet to find a single kit from them that be missin' a part or has a part damaged. Also, t' instructions are printed on quality paper and they even include a brief history about t' rocket you are about t' build.

T' instructions take you through t' build process in a logical order and are so well illustrated, me bucko, you almost do nay have t' do any reading. Begad! T' kit includes 8 laser cut fins, me hearties, and t' balsa is excellent quality. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! T' lower fins looks like bat wings. Blimey! T' upper fins are rotate 90 degrees from t' lower fins, so this rocket has an interestin' profile when viewed from t' top. Aye aye! Begad! I was a little concerned about t' fin tips which extend below t' body tube but so far they have held up quite nicely.

Finishing:
This is a small rocket, so it is very easy t' paint. Begad! Blimey! I originally went with all black until I realized t' decals were black on clear so I masked off t' fins and painted t' BT a smoked silver color.

T' light color balsa nose cone shoulder and tube coupler were a bit distractin' for me after I finished t' rocket--this rockets demands t' be all dark. It is patterned after a bat after all. Ya scallywag! I used a black Sharpie marker to color t' nose cone shoulder, me hearties, however, shiver me timbers, I had already glued t' coupler into the payload tube so it was too late t' color that--poor plannin' on me part. Avast, matey, me proud beauty! So I masked off all but 5/16" o' t' payload tube instead and gave it a shot of black paint which masked t' color o' t' balsa quite nicely. Avast, me proud beauty! T' waterslide decals are great quality, shiver me timbers, arrr, thick enough so they do nay easily tear and very easy to apply.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
First flight was on a A8-5. Avast! Since it be a bit windy, shiver me timbers, I replaced t' parachute with a streamer. Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty! T' rocket really zooms off t' pad and got t' at least 500 feet. Avast, matey, me proud beauty! Second flight on a B6-6 be really something. Ahoy! It weathercocked a little but a good boost overall t' 900-1000 feet. Ya scallywag! Well, blow me down! I have nay tried t' C6-7 yet because I am afraid I might lose it!

Recovery:
T' recovery system held up well through both flights. Begad! Avast! T' streamer be a good choice for t' windy day I was launching, both landings were close t' t' pad. I think a 12" chute on this small rocket would easily let it float way down range!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a great lookin' rocket that is very easy t' build and a whole lot of fun t' fly. This be one o' t' favorite rockets o' t' kids who were at the launch. Begad! It is just beggin' t' be upscaled!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flights

Comments:

avatar
P.D. (September 23, 2006)
A fantastic Semroc retro reproduction of the original Centuri BatRok which, at $11.00, cannot be beaten. The Semroc BatRok while visually identical to the Centuri BatRok has a new Kevlar®?/elastic shockcord for recovery and the fins are laser-cut. While the BatRok is fun and relatively easy to construct, be very careful when handling the fins as the balsa is very thin and will easily snap if handled roughly. Take your time when aligning and gluing both the top and bottom fins into place as it is quite easy to goof up with the alignment due to the BatRok's small ST-765 body tube and the above mentioned need to carefully handle the fins. Also remember to ensure that when the launch lug is glued into place that the launch rod will have a clear path between the top and bottom fins. Semroc's BatRok does Ron Maggiano (designer of the original Centuri BatRok) proud!!!

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