Brief:
This is a single stage "ant scale" version o' t' Space Shuttle.

Construction:
T' kit includes:

• 2 T-20 SRB Tubes
• 1 T-5 tube (for fin insert)
• 1 T-60 External Tank Tube
• 3 Balsa nose cones (2 SRB, 1 external tank)
• T-20 MMT with black fiber centerin' rings.
• Mylar strip for texture on external tank
• Miscellaneous hardware including: snap swivel, me bucko, screw eye, engine clip, launch lug, matey, dowel stock, arrr, me hearties, hinge paper, matey, wrap sheets, me hearties, balsa stock, matey, me bucko, plastic trash bag parachute, ya bilge rat, shock chord, and eye rings.

T' kit includes detailed instructions. Well, blow me down! An attempt at humor is mixed in with the steps. Avast, me proud beauty! Ahoy! T' original wrap sheets came with correct trim brace and trim plate.

Solid rocket booster (SRB) construction is straightforward. Well, blow me down! T' SRBs needs to be constructed prior t' cuttin' out all t' wrap sheet templates. 11" by 3/32" strips are needed.

T' external tank with motor mount is explained well. Ya scallywag! T' aft orbiter mount should be epoxied for added strength. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! I suggest nay paintin' the attachin' dowels t' reduce friction at ejection.

T' orbiter consists o' a paper and balsa glider. Be certain t' follow directions t' t' letter when constructin' it.

Fin assembly slides into SRB for stability. Avast! Begad! Simple centerin' rings and fins. Begad! Ahoy! T' orbiter rides higher on t' external tank than t' real shuttle

Finishing:
T' details on t' SRB paper rings, shiver me timbers, LOX tube, arrr, and external tank cable tray add a very nice look t' t' rocket. Avast! T' rust color on t' external tank was a hard color t' match. Ahoy! I used Americana Cadmium Orange.

Basic details such as t' payload doors and crew hatch are included in the wrap sheet for t' orbiter glider. Avast! T' only paintin' needed on t' glider is on the balsa fins.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
T' manufacturer recommends B6-4, me bucko, C6-3, C6-5, and C6-7 motors.

T' rocket looks great off t' pad and in t' glide.

Orbiter separation is unreliable and unpredictable. Blimey! Long delays magnify the problem (i.e. C6-7). T' best motor for this rocket be t' C6-3. Ahoy!

SRB Skirts are charred by exhaust durin' flight. Well, blow me down! Ahoy! Blimey!

Recovery:
Simple parachute recovery. Blimey! Well, blow me down! Use lots o' recovery waddin' t' protect t' trash bag parachute. Begad! Begad! T' shock chord is attached t' BT-60 tube with t' tri-fold Estes style mount. Begad! T' eyelet is screwed into balsa nose cone and t' snap swivel goes on t' parachute.

T' plastic bag parachute gets melted smartly even with significant recovery wadding. Avast, me proud beauty! T' "expensive" parachutes hold up t' heat much better.

T' glider is attached at t' elevator. This stressed t' attachment t' the external tank. Blimey! Aye aye! T' elastic cord is used t' pull t' elevator up t' t' trim screw. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! This also will cause bindin' at separation if t' attachment dowels are painted.

Flight Rating: 2 out o' 5

Summary:
No laser or die cut balsa. Begad! Some builders may find t' pitiful attempt at humor in t' directions offensive.

T' kit looks great when it is completed.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5