Brief:
Estes Snapshot RTF (remake o' t' older Astrocam) in a starter set with controller and launch pad.

Construction:
This rocket has very similar components t' t' other Estes RTF rockets with t' obvious exception bein' t' nose cone camera unit.

It uses a standard Estes elastic shock cord and plastic parachute. T' camera unit is basic and takes 110 film.

No construction was needed as this is an RTF rocket. Avast! T' Estes Porta Pad came in parts that are slotted together at site. Aye aye! Arrr! T' camera required t' film t' be inserted and wound on t' t' first frame. I replaced t' provided plastic chute with a mylar one as I don't want t' rely on t' original t' brin' t' camera back safely.

Finishing:
Bright colours that stand out well and aid recovery. It looks good sittin' on t' pad.

All instructions were very clear and well laid out. Blimey! Ahoy! This be me first rocket and I had no problems understanding the basic principles involved, me bucko, how t' pack t' parachute, etc.

T' camera can be a bit dodgy when windin' on t' t' next frame. Begad! I had t' go t' frame 4 before it would settle in place. Arrr! I've heard people windin' on two frames at once t' avoid double-exposure, but personally I don't know how necessary this is as I haven't developed a film from it yet.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
I have had two flights so far, me bucko, both on C6-5s. Aye aye! This be t' only motor recommended by Estes so that t' camera should be pointin' in t' right direction when it takes a shot at ejection. However, I have seen people recommend C6-7s t' get more o' a downward angle (the C6-5 can result in horizon-level photos).

Both flights were on a day with 5-10mph wind and occasional gusts. Avast, me proud beauty! Both time it weathercocked quite badly at an altitude o' about 50-60 feet and then flew almost horizontally. Arrr! Blimey! However ejection ocurred as it be losin' height and hopefully thar are a couple o' good photos there.

Recovery:
Ejection ocurred as it was losin' height but t' chute came out fine and no damage was caused. Ya scallywag! I believe part o' the problem t' be t' two-part launch rod wobblin' too much in t' wind and with t' weight o' t' rocket.

I can see t' motor retainer gettin' slight damage from t' engine heat as it had a lot o' powder residue on it. No damage so far though.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
I enjoyed flyin' t' Snapshot and look forward t' seein' if I got any decent photos. Begad! Avast! It is very easy t' set up and fly and t' starter set gives you everythin' you need t' start flyin' except motors.

T' Porta-Pad is servin' me well so far for other rockets but I will be upgradin' t' a bigger one-piece steel rod.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5