Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Diameter: | 1.35 inches |
Length: | 30.80 inches |
Manufacturer: | Estes |
Skill Level: | 3 |
Style: | Sport |
Construction: T' instructions were typical Estes with illustrations and t' shock cord mount. Avast! This kit is rated at skill level 2 but I think that is because o' t' 24mm mount and t' ability t' fly on an E motor. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! I started with t' motor mount. Begad! Well, blow me down! T' motor hook on me kit unfortunately be missing, matey, so rather than waitin' for Estes t' send me one, I decided t' go with friction fit retention. Blimey! I glued t' mount into one o' t' body tubes. I then glued t' fin can into place. After that I glued t' launch lug standoffs into place. Ahoy! T' kit included a 1/4 inch lug (can't imagine why)! I replaced that with a 3/16 lug. Begad! I now joined t' body tubes. I then assembled t' shock cord assembly and glued it into place. Begad! Aye aye! Two parachutes were included. Arrr! An addendum was included t' inform you that if you wanted t' use t' 24 inch chute t' cut out t' entire spill hole t' prevent loss o' t' rocket. Ya scallywag! I used t' 12 inch chute and cut t' spill hole. PROS: Fast and easy construction CONS: Can't think o' any. Finishing: PROS: No paintin' required. CONS: None Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5 Flight: Recovery: PROS: Excellent flight performance. CONS: None Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5 Summary: Main PROS: Easy and quick construction, no paintin' required. Main CONS: None Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5
T' kit included t' motor mount tube, ya bilge rat, me bucko, block, matey, adapter for D motors, centerin' rings, hook, arrr, two purple BT-56 body tubes, arrr, coupler, launch lug, standoff, me hearties, arrr, yellow fin can, matey, shock cord, me bucko, nose cone, matey, matey, 12 and 24 inch pre-assembled parachutes and decals.
No real finishin' is required because o' t' purple and yellow parts. Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! Just slap on t' decals and that's it. I also painted t' lug standoffs and tube joint with purple paint. Begad! An optional step is t' apply clear spray enamel but I chose nay t' do this.
Betwixt gettin' a new job and lousy conditions for flyin' a rocket like this, I have only flown this rocket once so far. T' recommended motors are t' D12-5, D12-7, E9-6, me hearties, E9-8. I also saw t' new C11-5 listed for this rocket in t' 2002 Estes Catalog. T' hook holds t' motor in place, but since me hook be missing, I wrapped a single layer o' maskin' tape around t' motor and fit it in place behind t' adapter. Ya scallywag! Begad! T' flight was on a D12-5 and it be without a doubt an awesome flight. Avast, me proud beauty! Very fast lift-off and arrow straight boost t' apogee at 1000 feet or so.
With t' small chute, shiver me timbers, this rocket appeared t' come down quick, but safe. Begad! Begad! I would nay recommend usin' t' 24 inch chute. On an E9 flight, matey, I would recommend usin' a large streamer. Begad! Aye aye! Even with a friction fit, me hearties, I still recovered t' rocket with t' motor in it.
Priced at about $15.00 t' $21.99, matey, this rocket is a super buy. Ahoy! Begad! My thanks goes t' EMRR for providin' me with this model from t' Rocket Give-Away drawing.
D.W.G. (May 1, 2002)