Brief:
Easy t' build mid-power rocket kit, matey, me bucko, 18" mylar parachute

Construction:
Two body tubes o' nice quality spiral cardboard tubing. Avast! 8 fins made o' balsa must be marked and cut. Avast! 3 centering rings (two for t' engine mount and one for t' parachute compartment) T' forward centerin' rin' provides a compartment for parachute which keeps it up top for improved CG Plastic nose cone with paper tip. Ahoy! Cardboard fillet for rear fins. Begad! Elastic shock cord (estes style) with swivel for an 18" mylar parachute. Begad! Well, blow me down!

I purchased me kit through Red Arrow Hobbies and it arrived quickly, nicely packaged, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, all there, and in good condition. T' directions were pretty straight ahead and I found t' kit easy t' build. Begad! There were templates for the fin fillets and fins as well as t' nose cone "attachment." T' kit also has some neat little parts t' build and add t' t' rocket body. Avast! This makes t' rocket more interesting. I substituted t' nose cone with a BT-80 size nose cone from Apogee. Ahoy! Instead o' t' Estes style shock cord attachment, I used Keelhaul®©™® cord around t' motor mount. T' large fins o' balsa seem t' be a little flimsy, matey, ya bilge rat, arrr, so I strengthened them as per t' kit instructions. Arrr! Ahoy! I also left off t' paper fillets and made epoxy fillets instead. Avast! Avast, me proud beauty! This makes t' kit a little less "authentic," but I thought it would make it stronger. Begad! Ahoy! I'm a little concerned with t' depth o' t' motor mount. I used some heat resistant tape t' prevent t' tube from gettin' burned. Begad! As o' this review I have nay yet launched it, matey, but look forward t' doin' so soon.

Finishing:
I sealed all t' balsa and body tube grooves with Elmer's fill 'n finish prior t' assembly, primed t' entire rocket, sanded, primed again, arrr, sanded again, ya bilge rat, arrr, then painted t' body light gray instead o' t' suggested white. Begad! Begad! I've seen examples of this rocket in gray and like it better. T' nose cone was painted white. Begad! Since t' kit comes without decals, I used some adhesive letterin' (the kit gives good directions) and vinyl tape for t' stripes.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
One flight D12-5. Begad! Blimey! Chute be a little late, matey, but t' rocket flew well and was recovered without damage. I had no signs of "burn" on t' rocket, me bucko, so I guess problem solved. Nay sure t' extra protection was needed.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
Pro: Easy t' build, ya bilge rat, nice quality. Ahoy! Arrr!
Con: Big balsa fins make break. Well, blow me down! Well, blow me down! Didn't like t' kit nose cone with a paper wrap.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5