Brief:
Scale model ... clone o' old Estes kit

Construction:
Thrustline was very quick t' ship me item and t' packagin' was excellent. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! The owner is very responsive t' me emails, shiver me timbers, etc.

T' kit itself is a blast from t' past! Only things really missin' are the Estes cover art card and decals. Begad! (And t' decals are available...you just have to dig a bit for them.)

All t' parts fit well. Aye aye! Ahoy! T' balsa wood for t' fins and runners was o' good quality. Avast, me proud beauty! T' balsa nose cone and transition were a little rough but it didn't take too much t' get them smooth enough for me tastes. Begad! T' body tube, centering rings, and engine tube were also o' good quality. Avast! Cuttin' t' fins myself from the provided pattern was another fun part o' buildin' this kit. Blimey!

T' directions were reprints o' t' original Estes directions, however, arrr, I found them just a bit vague on a few points but nothin' major--such as the location o' launch lug, ya bilge rat, me hearties, which I did nay find mentioned. Directions were also included for Thrustline's Mylar parachute, matey, ya bilge rat, which itself is o' superior quality when compared t' t' old Estes chutes.

On a scale o' 1 t' 5, I would give this kit a 5. Ahoy! I like it.

I would give Thrustline a 5+. Aye aye! (They are an excellent vendor.)

I would rate this kit a skill level 2.

Flight:
I launched me Aerobee 300 clone today, 3/13/04. Temps were about 40 degrees with breeze no stronger than about 3-5 miles per hour and clear blue skies. Avast! I made 2 launches usin' Estes B4-4 motors. Ahoy!

Upon ignition t' Aerobee 300 took off straight and true .... Begad! flight was perfect both times. Ahoy! T' Aerobee went nearly out o' sight. Begad! T' first launch the 'chute didn't quite open up all t' way and t' Aerobee hit t' ground moderately hard .... Avast! no damage other than a good sized paint chip on the payload section. I attribute this t' operator error .... I think I may have packed t' mylar chute a bit too tight. Begad! T' second recovery was flawless! Blimey!

I love it!!!! A true blast from me past .... nothin' like relivin' a bit of your childhood! My kids loved it too! I'm gonna have t' order a few more o' 'em from Thrustline just in t' event t' rocket gods decide they need an Aerobee 300 sacrifice someday!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5