Construction:
This was me second time buildin' this kit in me lifetime. Ahoy! Arrr! I built t' same model when I was 13 when t' Estes kit was made with a balsa nose cone and boat tail. Begad! After me BAR renaissance, I built this kit again two years ago at age 47. Avast, me proud beauty! Recallin' me first version, I painted it in t' traditional black and white Peenemuende roll pattern and flew it on a C motor. Blimey! T' current Estes version has a 24 MM motor mount with plastic nose cone and boat tail. As I recall, shiver me timbers, most o' t' internal parts where similar betwixt t' two kits; most bein' made o' cardboard. Nay bein' satisfied with t' status quo o' a stock Estes kit, shiver me timbers, I made t' followin' modifications:

• All centerin' rings replaced with ply.
• BT-80 body tube replaced with LOC 2.56" paper tube after crunch.
• Eventually replaced Estes NC with LOC.
• Balsa fin stock replaced with 1/8" PVC plastic.
• Launch logs upgraded heavier plastic tubing.
• Motor hook modified t' accept 24 MM Aerotech RMS hardware. This is done by filin' down t' front end angle so t' forward closure o' t' RMS can clear hook inside motor mount.
• Nose cone weighted with plumber’s putty for correct CG placement t' compensate for E and F RMS loads.
• Recovery system upgraded t' 24" nylon ’chute, arrr, 6' length o' heavy duty boot lace anchored with 8" Keelhaul®©™ t' eye bolt on upper centerin' ring. Avast, me proud beauty! Ahoy! Use 8" Nomex heat shield t' protect ’chute.
• Used 5 minute epoxy throughout.

Construction Rating: 3 out o' 5

Finishing:
Used ragged camo motif found at t' V2/A4 Resource site. Used all Estes decals provided.

Flight/Recovery
This is one o' me most versatile fliers. Avast, me proud beauty! I fly this rocket on Aerotech RMS E-11s, E-18s, E-28s, F12s, me bucko, F24s, me hearties, matey, and F39s. T' photo in this article is a flight on a very calm day with an F12 I use an 8" Nomex ’chute protector.

In general, ya bilge rat, this is a great flier. Blimey! T' Nazis did a great job o' designin' this rocket. Need t' pay attention t' CP/CG relationship when usin' larger motors.

As mentioned, I upgraded all recovery components. Blimey! Estes’ are just too wimpy. Ahoy! I have had several recover mishaps due t' ’chute tangles or nay deployin' at all. Begad! Blimey! This is attributed t' t' tight fit o' a 24" nylon ’chute in a small compartment. Aye aye! Arrr! Blimey! Nay much room is left in t' body tube betwixt t' centerin' rin' and t' NC shoulder. Aye aye! Blimey! Blimey! I have compensated for this by addin' a little more FFFG powder t' t' ejection charge. I also added another inch t' t' body tube on t' last repair work done.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Overall:
Everythin' considered, arrr, matey, it’s a good place t' start, but highly recommend upgradin' t' recovery components at least. Well, blow me down! Begad! T' have some real fun, matey, consider t' upgrades that I performed. I have flown this rocket over 30 times and repaired it many times as well. Arrr! T' ragged camo finish is hand painted with hobby shop grade oil-based paint. Even with major repair such as broken fins and punctured nose cone, hand paintin' t' camo pattern over repair work just blends right in.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary
Good, me bucko, me bucko, this is basically average . Begad! . Blimey! . Avast! Well, blow me down! it get’s by (Stock kit). Arrr! Avast! T' Nazi rocket scientists get a “5” for an awesome rocket design.

I liked t' decals that Estes provides with this kit. Begad! Blimey! Overall, me bucko, matey, model looks very authentic and is a blast t' fly.