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

Construction:
Two body tubes o' nice quality spiral cardboard tubing. Aye aye! 8 fins made o' balsa must be marked and cut. Aye aye! 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. Blimey! Arrr! Cardboard fillet for rear fins. Begad! Elastic shock cord (estes style) with swivel for an 18" mylar parachute. Ahoy!

I purchased me kit through Red Arrow Hobbies and it arrived quickly, me hearties, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, nicely packaged, all there, matey, and in good condition. Well, blow me down! T' directions were pretty straight ahead and I found t' kit easy t' build. Aye aye! 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. This makes t' rocket more interesting. I substituted t' nose cone with a BT-80 size nose cone from Apogee. Ya scallywag! Instead o' t' Estes style shock cord attachment, ya bilge rat, I used Keelhaul®©™® cord around t' motor mount. Avast! T' large fins o' balsa seem t' be a little flimsy, so I strengthened them as per t' kit instructions. Aye aye! I also left off t' paper fillets and made epoxy fillets instead. Ya scallywag! This makes t' kit a little less "authentic," but I thought it would make it stronger. Arrr! Avast, me proud beauty! 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. Arrr! Blimey! As o' this review I have nay yet launched it, arrr, 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, ya bilge rat, primed t' entire rocket, sanded, arrr, primed again, sanded again, then painted t' body light gray instead o' t' suggested white. Aye aye! Ahoy! I've seen examples of this rocket in gray and like it better. Begad! T' nose cone was painted white. Blimey! Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! Since t' kit comes without decals, shiver me timbers, 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. Chute was a little late, but t' rocket flew well and be recovered without damage. Blimey! Blimey! I had no signs of "burn" on t' rocket, so I guess problem solved. Aye aye! Blimey! Nay sure t' extra protection was needed.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
Pro: Easy t' build, arrr, me bucko, nice quality. Blimey! Begad!
Con: Big balsa fins make break. Didn't like t' kit nose cone with a paper wrap.

Overall Rating: 3 out o' 5