Brief:

This is a free plan downloaded from Apogee's newsletter E-zine web site (issue #91). Ahoy! Blimey! It's a very nice, arrr, basic modroc, ya bilge rat, which I'd rate at about a skill level 2-3. Ya scallywag! Blimey! It features two sets o' fins, arrr, with t' larger set mounted Forward o' t' smaller set for an unusual appearance.

Construction:

T' Parts List comprises:

• 24mm nose cone
• 24mm (BT-50) tubin' 13.5"
• 18mm motor mount kit with 18-24mm centerin' rings
• 12" parachute/shroud lines
• Shock cord (1/8" elastic at minimum, I used 1/4")
• 1/8" launch lug
• 1/8" balsa or basswood fin stock (I used balsa)
• Clay for nose weight (about .25 oz)

There are no instructions provided with this free download, ya bilge rat, arrr, but its basic design is easy t' assemble if you've got some previous experience. If you have t' full version o' Rocksim, me bucko, shiver me timbers, you'll want t' print out t' fin patterns, me bucko, as this is much easier than drawin' them from t' dimensions.

Construction is fairly simple. Start by makin' a motor mount out o' 18mm tubin' with a couple o' centerin' rings. Well, blow me down! Optionally use a metal engine hook, me bucko, though I use friction fit on 18mm motors, shiver me timbers, me bucko, me hearties, so went without t' hook. Begad! Mount t' motor mount in t' BT50, cut out t' fins, me bucko, tack usin' CA, arrr, fillet t' seams with wood glue, matey, install t' recovery device, me bucko, arrr, and add enough nose weight t' get t' CG about 10.5" from t' nose o' t' rocket.

Finishing:
T' Shrox design depicts a two-tone red on white paint scheme, arrr, includin' white tips on t' mostly red fins. I went with that approach, and also added a basic decal "SNIPET" for identification (printed on me inkjet with Avery clear decal paper).

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
There were no recommended motors, so I played around on Rocksim and came up with A8-3, B6-4, me bucko, and C6-5 as t' best motors. Avast! First flight was with a B4-4 on a day with steady 15mph winds. Blimey! T' rocket weathercocked a bit, but otherwise flew very well. Begad! Begad! I suspect I went a bit heavier than necessary with t' nose weight, me bucko, as I be a little conservative flyin' a "plan" instead o' a "kit". Well, blow me down! T' delay was slightly early, though I think movin' t' a 6 would have been a bit late. T' rocket was recovered safely with no damage, and is now sittin' in me ever-growin' box o' Shrox/Apogee plan birds.

Recovery:
Nay t' best rocket for a windy day, arrr, shiver me timbers, I'd back off on t' nose weight or fly under 10mph winds.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
My only suggestion for improvement would be a simple decal or two for a better overall appearance.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5