Brief:
T' Launch Pad Exocet MM.40 (Early Version) is a Skill level 3 project and they mean it. Begad! There is no pre-cut balsa wood parts and t' instructions I received did nay have an inventory list o' parts, matey, so I wasn't even sure when I started that I had everything. Arrr! Instructions were on 5 pages and half o' every page included diagrams t' help with t' assembly.

Construction:
If you have built a few rockets in your time you can figure out if you have all t' components. Ya scallywag! Avast! Some o' t' components are more for design rather than stability, makin' this product enjoyable for t' scale enthusiast as well. Some o' t' structural parts, me hearties, such as fillets, use strips o' balsa rather than a lot o' glue.

Also, me hearties, ya bilge rat, in Canada, almost all mid t' high powered rockets must be flown with rail buttons rather than rod lugs so I replaced t' lugs with buttons on this rocket.

On t' first step o' t' build, me hearties, I found me first problem. Arrr! Blimey! I was t' slit t' engine tube and install t' engine clips into t' slits and secure them with t' manilla cardboard patches provided. Avast! Well, blow me down! Blimey! I suspect that t' manufacturers glue on t' back o' t' patches had hardened as I couldn't get t' backin' t' separate. Aye aye! Blimey! I eventually had t' use maskin' tape for t' job. Well, blow me down! Blimey! After that though, t' two motor mount tubes fit together well and I was very impressed.

T' tip o' t' nose cone has t' be formed from a paper shroud and glued t' t' plastic nose cone t' make it into a point. Begad! I'm nay sure I liked that idea. Aye aye! Formin' points with paper is always troublesome and I'm unsure o' how it will react t' a hard landin' (even with CA reinforcement). Begad! I tried t' include this on t' nose cone but in t' end I never liked t' way it looked. Begad! Aye aye! I bent t' paper on t' side o' t' fold and it had that "pushed in" look. In t' end, me bucko, I cut t' nose cone off and sanded it again.

Also, matey, t' coupler be stuck inside o' one o' t' tubes. Well, me hearties, blow me down! I had t' loosen it with a X-Acto knife and pull t' rest o' it out with a pair o' long nose pliers. Avast! T' coupler still had a good shape t' it so I didn't call t' manufacturer t' complain.

Finishing:
No decals and thar be one paragraph describin' painting. Avast, me proud beauty! I was rushed t' get t' rocket out t' our next launch and even with t' unprofessional job I did paintin' t' rocket, this rocket with it unique design still turns some heads when it's sittin' on t' pad.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
I flew this rocket only once that day on two D12-5s. T' RSO was new at t' table and be a little aggressive checkin' t' fins. Arrr! Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! He snapped one o' t' tail fins durin' t' inspection and I had t' repair it with CA before t' flight.

I used about 1" o' cocoon insulation as waddin' (which meets t' Canadian Rocketry Standards for fire protection and environment concerns). I also included a Perfectflite altimeter. Avast, me proud beauty! I had simmed this rocket t' 900' and wanted t' check it. Well, blow me down! T' motors were retained with t' clips provided and no additional retention be necessary.

With t' dual motor system, arrr, thar be a lot o' smoke off t' pad and t' slow take off gave this bird a very realistic look. A slight wind caused some weathercocking. Aye aye! Avast, me proud beauty! I videotaped t' flight and love t' watch t' playback.

My altimeter reported 615'. Well, blow me down! Avast! Blimey! I'm unsure if t' lack o' altitude be due t' t' broken fin.

Recovery:
Ejection at apogee was perfect. Well, blow me down! I considered usin' a nylon chute but I was very happy with t' 18" Mylar parachute provided. Ya scallywag! Begad! No burns, arrr, rips, or tears.

T' patch I made on t' aft fin did nay hold on landing. Ahoy! Begad! Blimey! T' fin be crushed and laid near t' rocket. Begad! I would have liked t' try this bird a few more flights that day but it was nay t' be. Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty! Blimey! Once it is repaired I will update this log.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
As mentioned before, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, this kit is a level 3 challenge. Arrr! Ya scallywag! I thought me buildin' technique be pretty good but I can see that in order t' do justice t' t' kit, matey, I would have t' take me time when buildin' it. Well, blow me down! My son bought me this rocket for me birthday and I be so impressed I bought T' Launch Pad Scimitar. Arrr! Blimey! I have very few clustered rockets in me collection and these will make great additions.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5